Clayton's Naturally Fit to Offer Pilates, Yoga

A new fitness studio approved last week in will offer personal training, Pilates and yoga.

Personal trainer Kimberly Johnson plans to open Naturally Fit at 8029 Clayton Rd. Johnson has more than 20 years of experience and previously operated a studio in Europe, according to a letter of introduction she wrote to Mayor Linda Goldstein.

The Clayton Board of Aldermen unanimously approved an operating permit for the business at its June 12 meeting.

"We intend to educate people in the community about practicing preventative health through fitness and nutrition using the latest and safest techniques," wrote Johnson, a Clayton resident. "Our market is mainly woman, but we do have male clients. (Child) fitness is also a target for Naturally Fit."

Both one-on-one sessions and group classes of up to 10 people will be offered Monday through Saturday.

Ward 3 Alderman Mark Winings asked Johnson why she requested an opening time of 5:30 a.m. He said the slamming of car doors and the chirping of remote-controlled locks could be a concern because people live nearby.

Johnson said that classes won't begin until 7 a.m. and that only one-on-one sessions would happen earlier, at 6 a.m. The 5:30 start time will allow her to arrive and prepare for the day. The latest classes would begin at 6:30 or 7:30 p.m.

She said the business doesn't have a stereo system. At most, meditation music might be played during yoga sessions.

Naturally Fit will operate on the first floor of the two-story building, which once housed Bergama Furs.