My Biz: Got fitness?

Owner: Mary Drake

Company: Ultimate Body Shaping

Address: 217 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids

Phone: (319) 651-6300

Website: http://www.ubscr.com

Elevator pitch: “You can do anything else, but you have to have fitness, too.”

Up by 4:30 a.m. 6 days out of the 7, Mary Drake begins her workday of fitness instruction by teaching 2 sessions - one at 5:30 a.m. and again at 6:30 a.m. - “for those who want to get their workouts in before work.”

“I thought a downtown location would be more convenient for people who want to come in the morning. They wouldn't need child care,” says Drake, owner of Ultimate Body Shaping, a new studio she opened in downtown Cedar Rapids this past November.

Forty-five-minute cardio and endurance classes also are offered a 12:15 and in the evenings at the downtown location Monday through Friday.

“All of my staff are trained and experienced,” Drake said. “We are more one-on-one here at Ultimate.”

She stresses the importance of good form during the workouts, and attention is given to her students during their workout sessions.

Drake taught cardio and endurance classes in the greater Cedar Rapids area for the past 15 years through other fitness locations before deciding to open a studio of her own. She continues to teach at other locations during the evenings as well as on Saturdays in addition to working part-time as a sales manager for a hotel chain.

“I take naps at the studio in between classes,” she laughed.

The owner-trainer has a degree in fitness from the University of Wisconsin and is certified in a long list of fitness areas that include personal training, turbo kick, karate, Johnny G Spinning, Silver Sneakers and Pilates, among others.

What precipitated this fitness passion for her?

“I have nine older brothers, and one of them is a Kettle Bell Champion,” she explained.

Kettle Bell training involves endurance, strength, balance and agility training using a single bell-shaped weight.

“They taught me that you have to be healthy - it's just a part of your life,” she added. “You can do anything else, but you have to have fitness, too.”

Drake said all her 13 siblings are into fitness and compete in marathons and Ironmen competitions.

Drake has a lot of experience training area high school soccer and basketball players.

“I trained soccer girls and other basketball athletes for schools like Kennedy and Washington,” she said. “The kids liked the sessions so well they came back during their breaks.”

She said she wants to start summer fitness training programs for children ages 11 on up through high school, and also has plans to include dance exercise options to her studio soon.

“We'll be adding Hot Pilates as well as Zumba very shortly. Those are two of my favorites,” she added.

Sunday is her one day off. And what does she like to do then?

“Clean my house,” she said.