Able Bodies expands exercise facilities

In a shrinking economy, businesses that are expanding stand out.

Able Bodies Personal Training Center in December moved from an 1,100-square- foot space in the Frontier Mall to a 10,000-square-foot space in the same complex.

"It's an industry that really has a lot of growth in it," said owner Jocie Truesdell, who will host an open house at 5:15 p.m. Thursday. "No one wants to go to the doctors, so they go to places like this instead."

What was once a dark pool hall has been remodeled to be lighter and brighter. The expanded space gives Able Bodies room for traditional and mixed martial arts training and other exercise programs. They've also added an infrared sauna and a place for their in-house massage therapist to work.

Yet to be added are a heated yoga studio and an oxygen bar. Truesdell wants to add an area for pole dancing classes, and has about 100 people already signed up.

When the weather gets warmer, Truesdell said she wants to stage outdoor events, such as a strong man competition.

Unlike other gyms, there are no memberships. Besides classes, people can work with independent-contract personal trainers. Truesdell said she has 40 to 50 clients doing personal training, and the classes are just getting going.

Truesdell said she does a lot of rehab work with her clients.

"I had back surgery about

10 years ago, and they said if I ever walked again, it would be with braces and a cane," Truesdell said. "So I went out and tried to do it my own way, and I rehabbed my back on my own. I do rehab different than other trainers because I don't do it by the book, I just do what works."

Able Bodies also does sports-specific workout programs, like the one for the semi-pro bicycling team they sponsor.

"We design cardio programs so you have the most wind for the time you need it in your sport," Truesdell said. "We have different programs for soccer, for football, for basketball, and others."

The new space also makes it more comfortable for people to come in and hang out and talk.

"It's a place where you can go to get the knowledge you need," Truesdell said. "Even if you come in here and want to know what's the best way to do cardio for your sport, I'm going to tell you and I'm not going to charge you for it."

- Contact reporter Kirk Caraway at kcaraway@nevadaappeal.com or 775-881-1261.

What: Able Bodies

Personal Training Center open house

Where: 555 East Winnie Lane

When: Feb. 19, 5:15 p.m.

Call: 450-5700