Boutique gym K Fit Health and Wellness to open in South Bend's Market District

Before the pandemic, Kerri Anderson already had in mind that she wanted to open her own studio. 

The mother of three started her fitness journey seven years ago, first as a personal trainer and instructor at Beacon Health and Fitness, receiving 32 certifications in fitness in a year, and then becoming a national presenter and sponsored athlete for Les Mills BodyPump workouts. 

"I wanted to evolve from Beacon and evolve my own brand," Anderson said. "Then COVID hit and kind of crushed our industry."

During the pandemic shut down, Anderson decided to make good on her aspirations to open a studio and began designing her business logo and offering Zoom at-home workouts for clients. Now, after about a year and a half of dreaming and four months of work transforming a former art space, her dream is a reality. 

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K Fit Health and Wellness will open in the next few weeks at 1139 E. Mishawaka Ave. in South Bend, next to Bamber's Superette and near the South Bend Farmer's Market. 

Anderson partnered with Navarre Hospitality owner Kurt Janowksy in starting the business, with Janowsky saying it was an opportunity to diversify his portfolio. 

"I try to do some other things, not just restaurants, and it seems like something that could and should be successful," Janowsky said. "Kerri has a following and people seem to be excited about what she brings to it."

With Janowsky providing the capital and Anderson at the helm of operations, the new boutique gym space is filled with specialized equipment such as TRX equipment that uses body weight and suspension, rowers, weights and medicine balls. Anderson said she wanted the gym to feel like a New York-style premier option, something she said is lacking in the area.

About eight female instructors will lead three to four different group class options, like HIIT, core, Pilates reformer, barre and more. Personalized training will also be available at the gym. 

"I think that's why I got so many certifications, because I love impacting so many different people and balancing different workouts and just to change lives," Anderson said. "I think in our industry, so many people only have one practice and I just want to evolve."

K Fit will not have any membership fees, but instead will charge based on class attendance and packages. Anderson said scheduling for classes will be available online and that groups will be kept small, with only about 15 to 17 participants at a time in order to keep classes feeling personalized and intimate, but drop-ins are also welcome.  Class times range from early morning, at 5:15 a.m., to 6:15 p.m. in the evenings. 

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On the wellness side of things, Anderson said she is working toward a nutritionist certification in order to offer a well-rounded experience. In light of the delta variant, Anderson said she encourages unvaccinated patrons to wear masks indoors, but will operate on the honor system. 

With about 200 prospective clients already expressing interest, Anderson said she is a bit concerned about not having enough space. Plans for other locations across the area aren't out of the question, because for her, it's about promoting community and fitness.

"I really want to support our community and really want to promote health and wellness and nutrition," she said. "And that was kind of the thought behind why Kurt (Janowsky) and I are doing this together, like to just bring it all together."

K Fit will host a soft opening Saturday, Oct. 23, with classes from 8 to 8:30 a.m., 9 to 9:45 a.m. and 10:15 to 11 a.m. Anderson anticipates a full opening in the coming weeks.

Contact Mary Shown at 574-235-6244 and mshown@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter: @maryshownSBT and @marketbasketSBT.