Local trainer opens new gym with group fitness in mind

Earlier this month, Liz Whalen opened up her own training studio, Beyond Training: Private & Small Group Fitness, located at 918 Idaho Avenue, in the same building complex as Henry’s Restaurant.

Before becoming a trainer, Whalen knew that she wanted to help people, but realized she did not want to pursue a medical career because Whalen said, “I always wanted to do something that focused on preventive health.”

Whalen has been working as a trainer for eight years, but dreamed for many years of opening up her own studio. Recently, she achieved her goal and moved from the Orthopedic Rehab to her own building.

Since the Orthopedic Rehab is not too far away, Whalen is still able to work with the Orthopedic Rehab while also catering toward helping people reach their health and wellness goals on a personal level.

Prior to Beyond Training’s grand opening in early June, Whalen and her husband worked every night during the month of May decorating, painting and furnishing the studio.

“I’ve been really happy with [the business] so far.” Whalen said.

“She’s there to motivate but she’s realistic and with the pre-assessment she knows what your strengths and weaknesses are,” Doreen Gruber, one of Whalen’s clients, said. Gruber takes group fitness classes from Whalen.

“I go to her for posture and balance,” Jo Wilson, who takes personal training from Whalen, said. “I’ve gone to her since February and she’s helped me out quite a bit.”

The small group sizes are limited to eight clients per class because, as Whalen said, “it allows for a trainer to have more one-on-one time with the client.”

Libby locals get their first class free when they bring their driver’s license.

Circuit classes are Monday-Thursday 5 a.m.-6 a.m., and Mondays and Wednesdays at 5:15-7:15 p.m.

Cross Fitness is Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:15 p.m.-7:15 p.m.

TRX (Total Body Resistance Exercise) is on Mondays and Wednesdays 5-6 p.m.

Recess on Fridays at noon-1 p.m. and Saturdays 8:20 a.m.-9:30 a.m.

Beyond Training: Private & Small Group Fitness is open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.

For more information or to register for Whalen’s classes, go to Facebook.com/beyondtrainingmt or the website @ www.lizwhalenhfs.com

Reporter Bethany Rolfson may be reached at 293-4124 or by email at Reporter@TheWesternNews.com.