Kevin Etmanski and Kailey Bateman are changing the face of fitness in Haliburton.
The local couple are taking the leap in pursuing their joint dream of opening a gym, taking over space downstairs at Stedmans Mall. While the gym will be small, at just over 1,500 sq. ft., the pair say it will serve as a gateway for people looking to make connections in the community and improve their physical and mental health.
“We’ve been looking to do something like this for a long time – I’ve been hooked on weight training for 30 years, Kailey has been a personal trainer for the past four years, this just feels like something we’re meant to do,” Etmanski said. “This is all about helping people to reach their potential.”
The space will open April 1. It will boast a treadmill, recumbent bike, two stationary bikes, a quadricep extension machine, hamstring curl machine, free weights and dumbbells, a squat rack, cable crossover machine, and a leg press.
Bateman said she also plans to introduce some group classes, while the pair will offer personal training tips and packages.
“A lot of people can get discouraged in a gym setting because they don’t really know what they’re doing, they can get intimidated by the atmosphere. We’re trying to curb that by making ourselves available to assist anyone with anything – we want to make this gym almost an extension of our family,” Etmanski said.
“We will meet everyone individually. We’ll get to know our people. If you need someone to walk you through all the equipment and how it works to get started, we’ll be here. We’re in this for the long haul. We want to build an entirely new community in Haliburton,” he added.
Monthly membership is $60, Etmanski said, noting the gym will be accessible 24/7. Members will be provided with their own card to enter the building after hours.
Etmanski said he’ll split his time between the gym and his arborist company, Etmanski Tree Experts. Bateman will also have a regular presence at the gym. They say it will be staffed from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The goal is to reach 100 members within the first year. Looking long-term, Etmanski said he wants to create a space of his own in Haliburton.
“I have a vision for what this place can become. I can absolutely picture us having our own building, a bigger space that can accommodate our growth, but also offer space to work with other like-minded business owners who have a passion for fitness,” Etmanski said.
He sees this new venture working hand-inhand with existing fitness operations, such as Sweat Social Health and Fitness.
A recovering alcoholic with 12 years of sobriety, Etmanski said he uses the gym to channel his addictive personality. He said working out is a great way to maintain a routine. He said the gym will also be a constant reminder of his dad, Gary, who passed away in 2022.
“We’re able to do this because of him – we want to make sure the money he left doesn’t go to waste. My dad was always in shape and pretty passionate about fitness, so I think this is a great way to honour him,” Etmanski said
There will be a community open house in the space April 5, with Etmanski and Bateman on hand to answer any questions. For more information, email haliburtonfitness@gmail.com.
