Canton Business Spotlight: Canton Fitness

Canton Fitness owners Tony Midi, left, and Jim Medeiros “hang out” in their Church Street facility.

Jim Medeiros and Tony Midi, the owners of Canton Fitness, always ask their clients to begin a workout program with the same exercise — a visualization exercise.

“We ask, ‘What does your fitness look like to you?’” Midi said. “Have a moment when you really think about what fitness looks like in your life.”

Medeiros and Midi opened Canton Fitness in January on the first floor of the Masonic Lodge on Church Street. Their studio, a large, airy room painted a cream color with blue trim, fills what used to be the dance hall. Classes take place on the hardwood floor in the center, while cardio equipment, pull up bars, free weights and kettle bell weights create specific workout stations along the walls and in the corners.

Midi got into fitness at a young age. “I wasn’t in very good shape growing up,” he said. “I was asthmatic and overweight.”

He wanted to play lacrosse in his junior year of high school and began to lift weights and exercise regularly to strengthen his body.

Medeiros played hockey and football growing up and started focusing on fitness in high school. He went on to the University of Connecticut and continued working out to stay in shape. “I found that I was passionate about it,” he said.

Medeiros graduated with a degree in exercise physiology and sports nutrition. Both he and Midi hold CrossFit Level 1 Trainer certification.

Choosing the name Canton Fitness for their business was easy for the two owners. “The community here in Canton is very enthusiastic about athletics,” said Midi, who recently ran in the Luce 5K road race with a group of six clients.

“We encourage our clients to participate in town activities,” added Medeiros. “Participating is a great way to get your fitness in and have fun.”

Canton Fitness clients may choose to work one on one with a trainer or to take a class. Classes are usually made up of two to four people. Medeiros and Midi mix clients of different abilities in classes and then individualize the intensity of the workout. Individual sessions and classes both last 45 minutes.

They also talk to clients about nutrition. “Proper diet and personal fitness go hand in hand,” Medeiros said. “You can’t have one without the other.”

Medeiros and Midi use the word “goals” frequently in talking about their work and describe themselves as counselors as well as personal trainers.

“Everyone needs fitness,” Midi said. “They’re scared to ask for help. We understand that everyone’s at a different spot.”

Canton Fitness is located at 21 Church Street and is open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information on classes or personal training sessions, call 781-713-4499 or go to www.cantonfitness.net.

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Posted by Mary Ann Price on May 16 2012. Filed under Business. Both comments and pings are currently closed.