New Mt. Prospect fitness center not a boy's club
After spending more than a decade in sales, Mount Prospect's Kim Branch wanted her own business that incorporated her love of women's fitness and nutrition.
For the past three years, she studied her options until she found Elements Diet and Fitness. She's opened the first outlet for the chain in the Chicago area in downtown Mount Prospect, and has plans for more.
The center is designed to address the entire spectrum of fitness by closely monitoring diet and exercise through individualized plans. And what's more, it's just for women.
"No boys allowed," Branch said.
She is promoting her business as "a boutique lifestyle center for women" where fitness goals are monitored by a staff of personal trainers and registered dietitians.
A Miami-based franchise, the center offers patrons the chance to exercise on fitness and strength training equipment while listening to funky dance music that plays in the background.
The center's resistance training machines make use of what's called a smart card, which is obtained at the front desk, encoded with the clients' vital information.
By putting it into a slot on the machine, the card's information displays past workouts and keeps track of the current one.
Fitness and nutrition classes are held in a side room with a hardwood dance floor and a wall of mirrors.
Patrons will be able to try out the hydro-massage in the changing room. Others can take advantage of the spa's sauna.
New members are given an initial consultation, in order to prioritize goals and plan a workout and nutrition regimen.
"We are trying to get them to understanding how to make a lifestyle change and incorporate it into their busy schedules," Branch said.
Memberships begin at $49.99, she said.
Branch grew up in Mount Prospect, graduating from Prospect High School in 1985. She married her high school sweetheart, Mark Branch, the center's co-owner, and received an exercise science degree from Illinois State University.
After graduation, she went into sales, but over time, wanted a job that was closer to her heart, she said.
"The biggest thing for me is that it's really hard to be a woman in today's world," she said. "Elements is a place to get healthy, forget about the world and enjoy yourself."
For more information, call (847) 222-7870 or go to www.elementsforwomen.com.
If you go
What: Elements Diet and Fitness open house
When: 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: 106 S. Emerson St., Mount Prospect
What: Makeup tips, massages, eyebrow threading, specialty classes, manicures, raffle prizes and skin care workshops
Charges: Entrance is free, but there will be fees for some services
More information: (847) 222-7870