Business focus: New, larger space for Exercise Solutions

A fitness trainer dedicated to helping people reduce has found the need to expand.

Arthur Shaw recently relocated his Spokane Valley fitness center called Exercise Solutions to a larger facility to accommodate his growing physical-conditioning service.

The additional space translates to greater opportunity to help people get active and feel better, something Shaw has been passionate about since opening his fitness studio in 2002.

Some clients are looking to lose weight and keep it off. Others want to build muscle and flexibility. Still others are simply looking to establish or expand their healthy exercise routines.

“I’m trying to come up with solutions for people,” says Shaw. “What’s your solution, not mine? Some are those you liked when you were younger.”

The move to his new locale at 12907 E. Sprague Ave. in March is just a few blocks from his former location, but it provides more than twice the space at 1,200 square feet.

Shaw, 47, has trained people from beginner to those already physically fit but needing to change up their workout routines. He develops safe and effective custom strength-building plans that together with a cardio workout can help people reach their health and fitness goals. The custom plans can then be done at home or a gym.

Clients have included the one who wanted to lose more than 100 pounds and become physically fit, the soccer player who wanted more power to his kicks, the badminton team that received a little flexibility training, and the athlete who needed to challenge her body with new exercises.

Clients meet with Shaw routinely until they reach their goals. His fee is $50 an hour.

Part of Shaw’s expansion includes hiring additional trainers. He recently hired fitness trainer Elizabeth Lambert to lead Pilates classes that will begin in June. His new studio can accommodate 15 participants for the activity. Cost is $10 per class.

To expand his training abilities, Shaw began his own conditioning last summer to prepare for the 2007 Ironman competition in Coeur d’Alene. It will be his first time competing in the Inland Northwest Ironman competition and said he consulted with others to help him train.

“We all need help to reach our goals,” he said. “People are willing to say, ‘I need some coaching.’

“I wouldn’t be doing this if it wasn’t for the success stories.”