Sunday, November 23, 2008

Suburban News

SNP photo by Bret Liebendorfer
Polly Benson, owner of Circuit Wellness, 6754 Cleveland Ave., demonstrates a Sony Playstation ATV racing video game that is connected by an exercise bicycle. The new business has six stations of exergames as well as a seriesof 24 machines set up to provide a 30-minute workout.

'Exergame' gym targets family fitness
* Circuit Wellness features stations such as an exercise bike connected to an ATV-riding Sony Playstation game.
By BRET LIEBENDORFER
Published: Monday, October 27, 2008 5:46 PM EDT


Who would have thought working out could be so much fun?Circuit Wellness, a new gym located at 6754 Cleveland Ave., hopes its 30-minute workout concept as well as "exergames" -- video games that offer a workout to the gamer -- will appeal to the entire family. Owner Polly Benson, who lives in Westerville with her husband and three children, said everyone except bodybuilders training for the Arnold Classic should be interested in the gym's services."We're not here to bulk people up as much as to get them tone and in shape," she said.
The majority of Circuit Wellness is occupied by 24 adjustable stations that alternate between strength, cardio and recovery activities and are used for 30 seconds each. Benson said the system is similar to Curves, but designed for both sexes and uses more advanced machines.

Found along the perimeter of the 2,000-square-foot room are six stations hosting exergames. Some, like the Nintendo Wii and Dance Dance Revolution, are well known to the public. Others include XaviX, which uses controllers shaped like sports equipment; the Makoto Sports Arena, a game that improves hand-eye coordination by hitting three lighted targets; Lightspace Play Floor, a large electronic mat that features a wide variety of foot-moving games; and a Playstation ATV racing game that's connected to an exercise bike. Benson said the games are unique not just to Westerville, but all of Ohio."We're the only approved exergame center in Ohio," Benson said.

Besides memberships, Benson said the space also will be available for classes, private rentals, corporate accounts and even birthday parties. The idea to open an exercise facility came to Benson, she said, after seeing the obesity crisis firsthand. She works as an occupational therapist and her husband works in nutrition. Benson said two-thirds of adults and one-third of children in the United States are overweight. For the first time, children are not expected to outlive their parents.

The gym is located in the Lee Plaza shopping center anchored by Raisin Rack at the southeast corner of Schrock Road and Cleveland Avenue. Benson said the location is great because of its visibility along busy Cleveland Avenue just north of Interstate 270, and because the previous business in the space sold exercise equipment.

The gym competes against others that are much larger and significantly less expensive, but Benson said clients will choose Circuit Wellness due to its unique services, personalized care, convenience and family-friendly environment. "We're not for everyone, but there's a wide-enough population out there that will appreciate our services," she said. Due to competition, Benson said she could not disclose full details on rates but said memberships for children start at $25 a month and families of four for $99. A grand opening special includes no enrollment fees and a two-week, no-obligation free trial. Opening a new business during economic uncertainty is difficult, but Benson said she believes people will pay to stay healthy. "It's a little bit scary starting a business with the economy the way it is, but exercise is an investment in your future," Benson said. "If you're unhealthy, you won't be able to enjoy any economy."For more information visit the Web site circuitwellness.com or call 614-901-BFIT.

Wii Winner!


Owner Polly Benson with Melissa Prouty and Daughter Jenna winner of the Wii Give Away Hightlight of the Grand Opening Week Celebration. Winners for many prizes were drawn daily at 6pm.

Grand Opening

October 13th, 2008
Grand Opening Celebration of Circuit Wellness! We did a "Ribbon Cutting" using Exercise Tubing tied to medicine balls. Pictured from left to right Staff: Erin Green, Beth Beatty, Polly Benson (owner) cutting the tube, Latoya King and Ashley Likens.
On ground, Nate Benson, Jessica Metcalf, behind sign: Cassie Benson, Jenna Metcalf.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Circuit Classes

KIDS Circuit Classes
Exergame and Total Body Circuit Class
Kids, join us for 30 minutes of structured gaming for exercise. Then stay and game for 30 minutes more! Bring a friend!

Have fun while getting fit!!

Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4:00pm, Saturdays at 1:00pm
Class begins November 17th, and continues for 6 weeks.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Brand New Family Fitness Center in Columbus, OH!!!

There is a brand new family fitness center!!! Located in: Columbus, Ohio. Here your kids can have fun as well as the parents, with a free kids watch area you won’t have to worry about paying for childcare again! Unlike other fitness gyms, Circuit Wellness offers a low priced fitness center with exergames! Check the Exergames out here. Circuit Wellness has a makoto, lightspace dancefloor, Dance Dance Revolution, and a xavix! Join today for guranteed family fun!
Click HERE to go to their website.