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By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

ROCHESTER — The new FitStop24 location in Rochester offers memberships to a variety of people, said its owners.

The Fulton County Chamber of Commerce had a ribbon cutting for the fitness center, 2088 Peace Tree Village, on Friday, Aug. 23.

The site switched from being Ace Fitness earlier this year. Luis and MaKla Sanchez own the location as well as FitStop24’s site in Plymouth.

“Rochester seems like it’s a community that needed a fitness center … that was paid attention to,” said MaKla of why FitStop24 was brought to Rochester.

There are plenty of exercise machines and weight equipment for people to use.

MaKla added tanning is also offered as well as personal and group training, with the latter done by Manager Rachel Mahan. The location’s other employee is Aidan Smith.

Those with a membership receive a key fob and may access the gym 24/7 as well as any of the other FitStop24 locations in Indiana or Michigan.

“We do corporate memberships,” said MaKla, adding there were also ones for “students, individuals, seniors, couples and families.”

“We also accept insurance programs like SilverSneakers (or) Renew Active, so if you’re wanting a gym membership, come talk to us,” said MaKla.

There are also hours for nonmembers from noon to 4 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. Monday through Friday.

“The gym can be intimidating, but we don’t want it to be intimidating,” said MaKla of what she and Luis hope to provide their clientele. “We want it to be an environment that is friendly and encouraging.”

She noted fellow members at FitStop24 are “always willing to help” others use equipment.

“It’s a good environment for newbies, but also people that have been doing it for years,” said MaKla.

Luis said anyone may use the gym “who wants to benefit from a facility that has cardio equipment, strength lifting equipment, personal training and group training.”

“We hope that it’s inviting and that they can just achieve their goals, and one thing that’s really nice about this facility is you’re wanting to come to the gym,” said MaKla. “It can be your friends are there or people that you know and just a relief to some stress, so I think a fitness center is beneficial to any community.”