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 Dickerson grew up in Lincoln, finished high school, and
when she began her college career at Illinois State University, her
chosen field was kinesiology. But after a year she dropped her
major, went for a certificate in secretarial services and began her
working career.
For more than two decades she worked in an office environment.
She married her husband, Bill, and together they made their home in
Lincoln.
However, the area of physical fitness and exercise was never far
from the foreground in Dickerson's life, and after more than 20
years, she went back to college and finished her education, earning
her bachelor's degree in kinesiology.
"I always like to say I got my degree in this century. I went
late into life to get it, so it's not like its 50-year-old
knowledge," Dickerson laughed.
Kinesiology is the study of human movement. It relates to the way
bones and muscles interact with each other to perform movements.
In addition, Dickerson studied a great deal in other areas,
especially yoga, which became the exercise method she preferred.
"I was going to school, trying to finish, working part time,
coaching tennis, and I got started in yoga. I was just taken by how
sound it is," she said. "It is just so good for the body."
Dickerson took additional training in yoga and then began her
business in November of 2001, offering only the one course. Her
first place was a small shop on South Sangamon Avenue, rented from
her sister. However, after only two years, her business outgrew the
space and she purchased a storefront building at 125 N. Sangamon
Ave.
Dickerson said she chose to start with yoga not only because it
held great value, but also no one else in Lincoln offered
it. However, as a smart business person, she soon realized that to
keep a small business going in a small community, she would have to
diversify, so she began expanding her offerings to her clients.
Today, her business offers a wide variety of physical fitness
programs, including classes taught by her, personal training
sessions and opportunity for independent workouts for those who do
not need training, but just a great place to go for exercise.
Her shop is divided into sections, with the cardio room being the
first section at the front of the building. Just beyond the cardio
section is a cleared area where Dickerson says she offers classes
for seniors.
Dickerson said she has several seniors who come in for
class. They use chairs for balance and do a variety of exercises
designed to help improve or maintain mobility and strength.
With yoga still playing a primary role in her business, there is
a separate room designated to the practice. Yoga is an ancient art
form in its own right. The true experience melds mind and body for a
complete experience that reduces stress while improving physical
health.
Dickerson also offers a fusion program, which is specifically for
women, and low-impact programs that benefit those who have joint
issues that running or jogging could harm.
Dickerson said the best low-impact exercise anyone can do is
walk. She encourages everyone to make an effort to get that type of
exercise. She notes, "If you can't walk, what can you do? You
wouldn't even be able to get up out of bed on your own."
Another form of exercise Dickerson offers is weight training,
with a room filled with exercise equipment designed specifically for
that.
As she walked through the room, she explained each device, what
it does for the body and how it works. One of the pieces she stopped
to explain and demonstrate is a bench machine. Using this machine,
people can do a variety of weight-lifting exercises such as squats
and bench presses.
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The advantage of this particular machine is that it is guided.
The bar used in lifting has special levers with hooks on them. The
bar is gripped with both hands and turned to remove the hooks from
notches in the framework. Clients working out can then lift in the
fashion they choose, but if they need to get out of the lift, the
notched levers will lock back into the frame regardless of where
they are in the lifting process.
Dickerson said this type of machine offers a few advantages. It
is safer for the person training, but it is also safer for her as
the trainer. Because she works with both men and women, she said
some of her clients are capable of lifting more weight than she
can. The machine allows her to spot for them and get the lifting bar
safely in place when needed without hurting herself or her client.
Dickerson said keeping a small business running for 10 years has
not been without its challenges. First, she had to recognize that
offering one specialty area was not going to be enough. In order to
cover the overhead of running a business, she had to have enough
diversity to attract a wide array of clientele.
At the same time, she has to consider affordability for her
clients. It is true that a person can price themselves right out of
business, and Dickerson pays close attention to make sure her prices
are reasonable and affordable.
As a trainer, she said one of her biggest challenges is keeping
her programs fresh and relevant. She continues to take classes to
keep up-to-date with new methods and new programs.
Another challenge is in teaching her clients the importance of
continuing an exercise regimen. Clients sometimes come to her for a
specific reason or need, but once they've accomplished their
personal goal, they need to understand daily exercise is important
to maintaining their good health.
Looking back on her 10 years of service, Dickerson said she owes
a great deal to her clients. She said that she wanted to
specifically express her appreciation to all those who have come to
her for their exercise training. Without their loyalty, her business
would not have become what it is today.
Anyone who is interested in learning more about Fitness Balance
can stop by and talk to Dickerson personally at 125 N. Sangamon. The
gym opens at 11 a.m. Monday through Friday and at 8 a.m. on
Saturday, or you can visit the Fitness Balance website at
www.fitnessbalance.net.
Please note it is dot-net, not dot-com.
[By NILA SMITH]
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