Husband-and-wife team Jim and Karen Schutters are taking their fitness business in Munster to a new level with the addition of a HydroMassage bed.
The bed was made available to the public on Oct. 15, and Jim Schutters hopes it will revolutionize the way Northwest Indiana sees massage therapy.
"It provides a powerful and relaxing massage in just 15 minutes, and it's convenient enough that it can be done on a daily basis," he said.
The HydroMassage concept is the first of its kind in the region. Clients lie fully clothed on a supportive, open bed and relax as jets of water massage from underneath. The dry bed is controlled by the client's using a touch screen that adjusts speed, pressure and proximity.
"We hope that it overcomes some of the barriers that prevent people from getting massages regularly," Jim Schutters said. "It has a ton of benefits -- it relaxes muscles, calms the nervous system, improves circulation, helps with muscle recovery, mental stress, sleep and reduces chronic pain."
The HydroMassage bed will be a service offered in addition to a booming fitness program. The business recently doubled in size, now boasting 2,700 square feet of space and a clientele of around 100 people.
Programs include strength training, flexibility, cardiovascular health and nutrition advice.
"We wanted to start a business that was private, not intimidating, where clients would feel at ease and where trainers would not have to fight for equipment."
So the pair divided the space into four training rooms, where individuals and small groups can exercise without intimidating mirrors or large crowds.
"We have lots of husbands and wives that work out together, and see more men on average than other fitness centers in the area," Jim Schutters said.
Although the majority of the center's client base is between 30 and 60 years of age, those as young as 10 and as old as 90 regularly participate in the 30- and 55-minute sessions.
Both Jim and Karen Schutters are certified exercise specialists, and although not affiliated with any one hospital in the area, frequently see patients that have gone through rehabilitation programs and are uneasy about continuing the recovery process alone.
The Schutters celebrated their fifth year in business this month, with the center reaching annual revenues between $150,000 and $200,000 and employing five other trainers. Financed initially by the pairs' private funds, the center turned to a local bank to help finance the expansion.
"We have definitely held our own in the last 12 to 18 months," Jim Schutters said. "We want to make our clients feel better, mentally and physically, and do it affordably in this economy."
Payment plans are available for both the fitness and HydroMassage programs, and some insurance companies will compensate customers for services.
Priority Fitness Personal Training Center
When opened: 2004
Owner: Jim and Karen Schutters
Location: 9337 Calumet Avenue, Suite A-2, Munster
Phone: (219) 836-8330
Web site: priorityfitnesspros.com
Additional services: Guided Imagery -- clients recline and listen to guided imagery audio and relaxing music. Benefits range from pain and stress reduction to aiding in weight loss and smoking cessation.
