Slim Gyms Fitness for Men

 Building More Than Better Bodies

            On the surface, it seems like any other gym. Top-notch equipment is carefully arranged around the perimeter of the room. Energetic tunes pump from the speakers overhead, punctuated every now and then by a voice that tells the sweating, flexing bodies when to move to the next station in the circuit. Trainers are on the floor, helping clients perfect their form, challenging them to push for that next level of strength and stamina. But this is not just any other gym. It is Halifax-based Slim Gyms, and its innovative style and structure could turn the fitness industry on its well-toned gluteus maximus.
Slim Gyms has found its niche with a demographic that has been largely ignored by the fitness industry: men, particularly those over age 30. With years of experience working in the fitness industry, Slim Gyms owner Don Hunter was keenly aware of the great things being done in other gyms, but he also saw that some crucial components were missing. Hunter felt that men represented a largely untapped market, and that the key to getting real results and keeping members was to offer them a much greater degree of personalized help and support than they could receive at any other facility.
“The goal at Slim Gyms is to let people tap into our expertise,” says Hunter. “We educate them, and let them flourish, so it becomes a lifestyle for them.” Clearly, it works. The club’s nearly 600 members have shed a combined total of 3,500 pounds, as well as 3,200 inches. And while most gyms only manage to retain 30 per cent of their clients, Slim Gyms has an incredible 85 per cent retention rate.
            With a combination of well-trained staff, highly motivating and effective customized programs, and an atmosphere of genuine camaraderie, Slim Gyms strikes a balance between work and play for its members. Trainers are well versed in the art and science of exercise, and they take the time to get to know each member’s goals and needs.
Stan Salsman joined Slim Gyms when it opened in October 2005. “The trainers here know that at a certain time of day, the old-timers like us come here,” chuckles the vibrant 69 year-old. “They know if you’ve got heart problems or anything like that, so they’re out there watching. They come and check your heart rate, and make sure you’re doing ok.”
That same knowledge and attention to detail is applied to every element of Slim Gyms. In addition to the circuit workouts, members can access a variety of other innovative and individually tailored programs, ranging from nutritional counselling and “waist management” seminars, to balance, flexibility and muscle building workouts, to sport-specific and post-rehabilitation routines. Members have had custom workouts built around such diverse interests as boxing, and tango, and every program takes into account the individual’s physical and psychological motivation, as well as health history.
When Charlie Doucette had a knee replacement surgery in October 2008, Hunter and his team even developed a routine to help with the recovery, and build up strength in the knee. “I did that program for a few months, and it was great.” Doucette says. “I came back from that surgery really quickly because of it.”
Although they work with men of all ages and fitness levels, Slim Gyms is truly exceptional in its approach to helping older members get – and stay – active. With an aging population, and the toll that the associated health and lifestyle factors can take, this Nova Scotia-grown business is poised to make some meaningful changes in the Canadian fitness scene.
“We’re not in this to be just one club,” Hunter says. “We’re moving toward franchising.” With a second location set to open later this year, a separate women’s program in the works, and growing interest in the Slim Gyms concept and philosophy across the country, Hunter and his team are not just helping people build better bodies. They are building a ground-breaking business.
“My dream is for this concept to really catch on nationally and internationally - to be able to say that something so great in the fitness industry came from Nova Scotia, and actually made a real difference,” Hunter says. “We’re starting a brand-new concept, with a market that’s never really exercised, in fairly tough economic times, and it is working. It’s definitely the character of our people – of Nova Scotia - that has brought this to life.” And it’s innovative ideas like those at Slim Gyms that keep Nova Scotia so healthy and strong.

Feature story written by Amy Spurway