Finish Line Fitness officially opens its doors in Brussels

BY SCOTT STEPHENSON

Brussels is now home to a brand new gym, which is conveniently located in the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre (BMGCC). Exercise-oriented early birds and night owls can also rejoice, because Finish Line Fitness is a 24-hour facility! 

 

Owner Chris Gibson officially opened his doors to the public on Sept. 7, and, in his opinion, things are already off to a pretty good start. “There’s been lots of people coming through, and they’re excited about it,” he explained.

 

Keeping fit isn’t just a hobby for Gibson - as a volunteer firefighter with Huron East, a proper workout is all part of the job. “I’ve always been interested in fitness, and now I compete in the FireFit challenges, so that kind of got me more streamlined in a direction - something to train for.” Soon, Gibson will be packing his bags and heading to Kamloops, BC to compete in the FireFit Nationals. “Fitness is important for me, for life longevity. And if you’re active, you feel better. If you eat clean, you feel better. And then you can just enjoy life more.”

 

While his dream of providing a proper workout space for the people of Brussels was in the works for quite a while, Gibson already has more than enough experience running his own business. After 10 years as a firefighter, Gibson knows first-hand that an increased understanding of fire safety amongst the general public would lead to a decrease in deadly fires. That’s why he owns Fire-Alert London - a mobile education unit that teaches fire safety wherever it is most needed.

 

When Gibson saw the community’s need for a fitness facility in Brussels, he decided to take matters into his own hands. “There’s nothing in the area, right? Unless I drive either to Wingham, or Listowel, or Seaforth. There was nowhere to work out locally. Brussels is where I live and where the need is.” Since Finish Line Fitness is the only gym around, Gibson strove to create an exercise space that works for the whole community. “It’s for everybody, really. The 24/7 access allows people on different shifts and different schedules to still be able to get in and work out.” In terms of equipment, Gibson went for a mix of everything.

 

There’s cardio equipment, treadmills, a stairclimber, free weights, barbells and much more. “It’s kind of a mix of all different styles of gym in one,” he explained. If you’re still not sure if you’re a ‘gym person’ or not, Gibson suggests stopping by to check out what he’s put together at the BMGCC. “Come to the gym and just take a tour, see the space, ask questions, and get started.”

 

For more details on Brussels’ newest business, visit www.finishlinefitness.ca