Fitogo offers women an alternative

• Fitogo owner Marcia Laces

Marcia Laces has opened a Fitogo in the Hudson House, which focuses on women’s fitness needs. Photo by Margaret A. Ontl

Talk about it

Marcia Laces is a Wisconsin native, who grew up on Osceola, graduated from New Richmond High School and currently lives in River Falls. Her enthusiasm for life is reflected in her new business Fitogo, a women’s only health club, located on the lower level of the Hudson House.

“Most women would like to lose a few pounds,” said Laces. “They also want to be healthy.” From an early age, Laces faced challenges she took head on. That journey is what led her to Fitogo.

“I was raising three daughters,” said Laces. “I needed to focus on my career.” This meant going to college for accounting and business administration.

“I did it because it was good money,” said Laces, whose next challenge was surviving ovarian cancer when she was only 28. Life stabilized for a time but in 2006 Laces lost the vision in her right eye. The unexplained event was eventually traced to an autoimmune disorder.

“I knew something was not right,” said Laces after numerous health professionals could not unravel the mystery. In 2007, after a year of struggling with her health, she lost her job. “I was at the height of my career, as the CFO of a credit organization. After that I lost my will to live.”

“But that didn’t work either,” quipped Laces. “Since God didn’t want me, I had to look forward.”

She had her personal training license, so gradually Laces began taking on clients. Soon she realized she had to do more, thus Fitogo, a women’s fitness club became the answer. Working with chiropractor Dr. Don Todd, they developed the business from the ground up.

Fitogo opened in the former Hudson House health club location at 1616 Crest View Drive. The area has been completely remodeled, painted and new equipment has been installed.

“We have developed three different levels for clients,” said Laces. Level one is a 10 minute program for people with limited time; level two is a 30 minute circuit program for conditioning and level three is more intense for those with specific goals.

“Fitogo means we want you to be fit to go to do whatever you want in life,” said Laces. “It’s to feel good in your body.” A membership includes use of the pool, sauna and whirlpool.

Women of all ages are welcome. With the population aging at a rate of 5,000 to 6,000 women turning 65 each day, staying fit and healthy is important. According to Laces most fitness clubs are geared toward young clients and males. Fitogo offers a quiet yet fun atmosphere for women of every age.

Fitogo is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. It is staffed Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more information on Fitogo, call (715) 768-0973. You may also visit their website, which is still under construction at www.myfitogo.com.

Tags: business, health, hudson