Big gym alternative

Gyms can be intimidating places.

Bodybuilder men hog machines and lumber about. Young women use exercise machines they don’t seem to need.

The Fit Over 40 workout facility, just behind the Walgreens drug store at Sprague Avenue and Sullivan Road, is trying to help people over 40 who might be intimidated by the big gym atmosphere.

“Its not crowded, there’s no waiting,” said Jana Lane, an employee at the studio. “It’s safe, it’s fast and it’s incredibly effective.”

The fitness center features about 10 different exercise stations in a circle. Users come in, start at one station, and make their way around in a circle. In between machines, the person can do cardiovascular work. There are changing rooms, and a room in which employees take body fat measurements to show progress.

“It’s a very supportive environment for people just starting out or who haven’t started for a long time,” Lane said.

Since the store opened July 5, business has been brisk, said Don Clifton, owner of Fit Over 40.

“It’s a different concept than what’s been done before,” Clifton said. “People over 40 are becoming more health conscious. This is a good niche that hasn’t been tried before.”

If the store does well, Clifton said, he would likely open other stores throughout Spokane and Coeur d’Alene.

For those interested, the store offers a free month of membership with no obligation, Clifton said. The fitness center welcomes people of all body types and ages, but caters primarily to the 40-plus crowd, he said.

“We’re excited about how well this is doing, and we’re looking forward to the future,” he said.