Submitted by Karen Therrien.
HK Health and Fitness, previously HK Fitness, is under new ownership as of December 1, 2021. Karen Therrien and Cortney Swokla had previously taught spin classes at the gym pre-Covid. As they patiently awaited the return to teaching classes, it struck them that they wanted to be able to offer a bit more than the gym had before, including strength classes and yoga and to ultimately improve the gym’s overall atmosphere and community.
Karen and Cortney are both passionate about incorporating a new health component to the facility. Health and fitness go beyond the food we eat and how we move our bodies, although those are both very important. Health expands to our social connections, state of mind, relationships with those around us, and so much more. The duo is excited to be able to make small changes to the gym over time in order to offer a place where the community of Haddam and Killingworth can feel encouraged and excited to work out. “We have a lot of work ahead of us to get the gym to where we’d like it to be, but we also have a great foundation to go off of,” said Karen.
Spin classes are slated to start back up mid-January and the schedule will also offer strength-based classes within the next few months — both included in the cost of a membership. Yoga is on the horizon and will be offered to both members and non-members with a separate class drop-in fee (discounted for members). “We have so many ideas to sort through, so much that we feel we can offer over time as we try out new avenues,” said Karen. “Down the road we’d also like to integrate offering senior fitness classes and teen group classes.”
HK Health and Fitness currently offers a variety of machines and equipment for all levels and ages including Peloton, Hydrow rowers, Nordictrack treadmills for virtual experiences, and more. The cardio equipment and free weights have designated rooms, as do the Peloton machines. Cosmetic improvements continue to improve the overall experience for members as Cortney and Karen settle into their new space.
As a certified Health Coach, Karen looks forward to implementing the broader principles of total well-being that she is passionate about into the business. Karen lives in Higganum with her husband and three children, and looks forward to working with clients to reach their goals and take HK Health and Fitness to the next level.
Cortney is a lifelong resident of Killingworth and now Haddam, where she lives with her husband and two children. Though she also continues her business as a local realtor, Cortney’s focus is to grow HK Health and Fitness into a hometown, community-based fitness facility that is accessible to all area residents and to build comradery through fitness.
Karen and Cortney are excited to grow the business just as much as they are to get to know the members. They are equally excited to announce a grand re-opening event on January 15, 2022. Details will be posted on social media over the next couple weeks. HK Health and Fitness is located at 66 Killingworth Road, Higganum, directly across from the reservoir and in front of The Truck Bar. You can find contact information, pricing, and keep updated on their website at www.hkhealthandfitness.com or on Facebook at HK Health and Fitness.
Photos by Kathy Brown, except photo of owners, by Kelly Eddinger.
