Onyx opens in Essex

Two provincially ranked body building medalists and certified personal trainers have opened their own fitness centre in Essex, Ont.

Kim and Ken Dennison have been competing as body builders in Ontario for over a decade. In 2013, Ken placed second in the lightweight division of the Ontario Provincial Championships in Toronto. Kim is also a competitive body builder and an International Sports Science Association certified personal trainer.

“Our plan was never to build a big gym,” said Ken Dennison. “Kim’s and my passion has always been fitness but more importantly being able to help people.”

“Kim and Ken started Onyx fitness in their Essex garage three years ago, training people through “boot camps.” They opened their gym in August and are trying to give back to the residents in the community.

“We have always been doing online programs, boot camps, and working with competitors,” said Kim .

Kim said that the name Onyx was chosen to be gender neutral and that by having a gym in a small town customers could get the family atmosphere that they think might be appropriate.

“What sets us apart is our person ability,” said Ken “I know every one of our members by first name and I know something about them. They also know something about me.”

Ken said that those customers who choose to live a healthy lifestyle can’t afford to spend a lot of money on purchasing the right food let alone gym memberships. Therefore Ken says the goal is that every customer can afford Onyx’s services, that is why a membership is only $ 33.90 per month or $ 360 a year plus tax.

Maureen Bedford, 73, is an Essex resident and she says that Onyx is the place for her.

“There is fantastic personal one-on-one help from both owners, and enough willingness on their part to help me,” said Bedford. “I’ve tried a lot of fitness places in the past but this has been the best.”

The facility is in its opening stages however both owners are adamant that it will continue to grow.