New fitness center nears opening day at West Ridge Mall in Topeka
TOPEKA (KSNT) – New fitness opportunities are coming to Topeka’s West Ridge Mall later this year.
KSNT 27 News spoke with Wichita native Sharlie Peterson, owner and lead trainer at Shockwave Fitness, about her new business moving into the mall and opening later this March. You might recognize Peterson from her Shockwave Aqua Fitness classes. She said the decision to move inside the mall came after difficulties arose in finding an indoor pool option for the winter months.
“I’ve been wanting to do bungee fitness for a while along with trampoline fitness,” Peterson said. “Since the mall has been rebuilding and taking in new businesses, I thought it would be really cool to be part of their rebranding and rebirthing process.”
Peterson said the opening day when all classes are available, will be on Monday, March 4. A kickoff day will be on Friday, March 1. People can start booking classes as early as 9 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 1. You can save money by signing up for multiple classes at once. In regards to her target audience, she said the door is open to a wide range of individuals.
“Adults of any age range and size honestly,” Peterson said. “That is one of the goals of Shockwave. We want to make fitness fun for everyone and it started that way with Aqua.”
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She said her bungees will be able to hold people of varying weights, including up to 420 pounds. The trampolines will also be able to hold people weighing up to 500 pounds as well.
“We’re gonna have pamphlets available, info flyers, there’s always going to be two of us in there to answer questions,” Peterson said. “Along with that, we also have CPR and first aid training going on twice a month. We’re going to have, this might sound odd in a fitness place, but we’ll also have a plant bar where you can do plant workshops in. So, a little bit of everything.”
(Photo Courtesy/Matthew Self) (Photo Courtesy/Matthew Self) (Photo Courtesy/Matthew Self) (Photo Courtesy/Matthew Self)
Peterson said she wanted to bring something new to Topeka that is usually only found in larger cities. She hopes her business will offer a place for people to visit without having to travel long distances to other places in Kansas.
“We just want to be able to help you and guide you in your fitness journey,” Peterson said. “Not just work out with us, but be able to lend a hand altogether.”
You can learn more about Shockwave Fitness by going to its website here or visiting its Facebook. You can find Shockwave at the West Ridge Mall at 1801 SW Wanamaker Road in Topeka.
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“I grew up in the mall era where it was always full when I was a kid,” Peterson said. “It’s really cool to see even teenagers coming here after school again. It’s really cool to be a part of that. In the era of shopping online, I really think brick and mortar is important and I think malls deserve a chance.”
“Give us a chance to excite you about fitness again, and give us a chance to excite you about the mall again,” Peterson said. “I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.”
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