Vicki Wilson launched Lighten Up Fitness in St. Marys, West Virginia as a way to foster a community where people can hit their fitness goals, while supporting their physical, mental and emotional health. In her dual role as owner and instructor, Wilson envisioned a wellness center focused on group classes for all levels of fitness.
Everyone Can Be Active
There are a variety of classes offered depending on your fitness level and the intensity you would like to experience during a class. First time students always get their first class free.
“We offer classes for every person,” said Wilson.
“We can add weight to increase the intensity of the workout and we can also add modifications and props to make the class more accessible.”
Lighten Up Fitness celebrated their one year anniversary of being open May 2024. Before opening the doors, Wilson originally taught at a different studio and wanted to venture out on her own.
“This journey started a couple of years ago,” said Wilson. “I originally taught at a different studio space and it took a lot of research trying to figure out what I wanted for a new space.”
Getting the Doors Open with the West Virginia Small Business Development Center
“We ran out of space and did not have the freedom to do the things we wanted to do,” said Wilson. “We then started to look for a place that we could make our own.”
That is when Wilson reached out to the West Virginia Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
“After finding a space, I contacted the West Virginia Small Business Development Center and started working with them,” Wilson said.
Marsa Myers, SBDC Business Coach, helped support Vicki as she set off on her own.
“ I worked with Marsa and she gave all the information,” said Wilson. “Who to contact, who I needed, what the next steps were and really helped me fill in the gaps for things I did not know yet.”
The West Virginia Small Business Development Center offers no-cost business coaching and low-cost training to help you start, grow or expand your business. Business coaches are here to guide you every step of the way! Learn more about our services here.
Looking ahead
“The best part about owning Lighten Up Fitness is helping people,” said Wilson. “Giving them a safe place to come workout, be social or just to destress.”
Wilson plans to one day have a bigger building to offer more classes to get more people exercising.
“I just want to keep going,” said Wilson.
If you are interested in signing up for a class, Lighten Up Fitness offers a free trial period where you can try up to five classes for free within a two week period. View their full class schedule here.
WV Small Business Development Center (SBDC), is an accredited partner program with the U.S. Small Business Administration and a division of the West Virginia Department of Economic Development, which helps small businesses at all stages of development by connecting owners to programs, resources and coaches.
For more information about WV SBDC services and WV SBDC coaches, visit wvsbdc.com.