Carol Kaminsky found that Slender Lady had helped her so much that she wanted to help other people. So it was that she and Debbie Bayliss, a woman she had bonded with at Slender Lady, decided to open their own franchise.
A special ribbon-cutting ceremony was held this past week in front of their new store at Engleside Plaza.
“Carol has always suffered with weight problems and heart disease. One of her main reasons for opening is that she wanted to help other people,” said Loretta DiGennaro, aerobics instructor and friend of Kamisky. “She has a background in nursing. This is a good place for women who want to be taken care of. I can’t think a better person to work out with.”
DiGennaro’s testimony was just one of the few acknowledgments of support from friends and family. Kaminsky and Bayliss received a plant from supporters just that morning; other arrangements were already in place.
The two owners had a soft opening last month, but are now in full swing. A dozen or so Chamber members joined them for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which was presided over by Kahan Singh Dhillon Jr. Afterwards, everybody enjoyed a healthy buffet.
Slender Lady is a nationally recognized weight loss, nutrition and fitness franchise that incorporates a nutrition plan, 30-minute exercise circuit and one-on-one lifestyle support. Kaminsky said that they try to focus on nutrition as well as exercise.
“We approach it from the point that we focus on the total person,” Bayliss said.
Exercises alternate between upper and lower body. Members then use a chart on the wall to check their heart rate.
The owners said that there is a 12-week nutrition program; during this time staff members work up a food plan that balances carbohydrates, fats and proteins.