Fitness Influence expands into River Falls

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With the closing of the YMCA, people have been scrambling to find a place to work out. River Falls has numerous options available, but many lack childcare. Fitness Influence, owned by Heather Flock of Beldenville, hopes her program can fill the need.

Operating in Ellsworth at 2703 Morse St. since 2010, Fitness Influence has just recently made the move to River Falls. Three weeks ago Flock started offering multiple fitness classes at Victory Wrestling School, 125 ½ N Main St., owned by Kevin Black.

Flock, a mother of two, started Fitness Influence out of her home in 2004. After running both a fitness program and gymnastics classes there for many years, Flock decided that due to increased growth in her business, she needed to find a bigger place to rent. She eventually found that in Ellsworth.

With the closing of the River Falls YMCA earlier this year, Flock thought now would be a great time to expand to River Falls.

With over 18 years of fitness experience, Flock offers a wide range of classes at Victory Wrestling School, from Zumba to strength and abs to Ripped, the newest fitness sensation -- which stands for Resistance, Interval, Power, Plyometrics, Endurance and Diet.

According to Flock, it is a “cross between cardio and strength.” She also noted that in Ellsworth, the Ripped class is mostly men. Other classes include workout dance moves, sit-ups, pull-ups, cardio, and overall fitness.

For each move, Flock shows modifications, so everyone gets the best workout possible. “There is something for everyone -- men, women, beginners or those with experience,” she said. “I can teach to a 13-year-old girl and a 69-year-old woman, and everyone in between.”

Prior to owing her own fitness company, Flock was the Fitness Director at the Red Wing YMCA. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, and a master’s degree in Sports Administration.

According to her website, Flock has been “…awarded personal training group exercise certificates through YMCA of the USA, NDEITA, and other organizations with specialty recognition in spinning, Pilates and yoga.”

Throughout her life, she has participated in numerous sports, including running and gymnastics, which she pursued through high school and college. “It was while in college that I taught my very first step class,” she said.

Flock has completed numerous marathons and triathlons, including Ironmans. She is also nutrition certified, and really expanded her knowledge while preparing for the Great North Fitness Competition -- which she won.

Besides Flock, two other trainers, Erin Gipford and Renee Roehl, teach fitness classes. Flock pointed out that all instructors are certified in the classes they teach. “With an industry that changes so much it’s important they are (certified).”

For Flock, it is really important for her to be up-to-date on the latest trends in fitness. “I want to be the top of my industry.”

Flock is hoping an increase in attendance will mean an increase in options. “Eventually I would like to get cycles and grow this part of the business,” she said. She has some other plans up her sleeve, but wants to make sure the time is right before she commits too much.

Right now her goal is to “…hit as many people as possible with health and wellness.”

Classes at held are Monday - Friday at 10 a.m., with childcare and Tuesday and Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. (no childcare). Classes vary depending on the day and include: Willpower, Turbo, Ripped, Zumba, Strength and Abs, HIIT/Willpower and Long and Lean.

The drop-in rate is $6 per class with $2 for childcare. A 10 visit punch card is available for $55.

For more information about Fitness Influence or for class descriptions visit www.fitnessinfluence.com . Contact Flock at 715-273-5095 or heather@fitnessinfluence.com .

Tags: business announcements, news, business, ellsworth