By Kate Bartlett
Core Performance is Ellicottville’s only Personal Training Studio offering individualized Personal Training sessions and packages along with group fitness classes. With over 16 years’ experience as a Certified Personal Trainer, owner and operator Kim Duke has the expertise to motivate her clients and customize plans to meet individual needs and personal goals.
Kim began on her fitness journey as an aerobics instructor with the Buffalo Athletic Club in 1983. She studied Physical Therapy at the University of Buffalo and graduated with a degree in Education from Buffalo State College. She worked full-time as an elementary teacher for 10 years in the Williamsville School District. In 2000, Kim decided to take a break from teaching to raise her boys. During this hiatus, Kim decided to pursue her fitness career and became a fully certified trainer in 2006. At this time, Kim trained clients out of her home gym in Ellicottville and branched out to join the newly opened Spring Creek Athletic Club in Springville. This experience was not as satisfying as she’d hoped due to the distractions the gym environment added to her training sessions. That’s when Kim decided to create a studio for just personal training that provided a private and controlled atmosphere, and in 2009 Core Performance Fitness and Health officially opened. “My vision was to create a space with equipment and an environment best suited for both myself and my clients.”
Since 2009, Core Performance has changed locations a few times gaining more square footage with every move. The current location is 55 Bristol Lane in a commercial plaza tucked just behind the main village streets. It’s Kim’s biggest location yet boasting 2,000 square feet with rubber flooring throughout and separate bathroom and shower facilities. The space is temperature controlled offering a comfortable and bright space to workout. All of the equipment in the studio was purchased for its core-building nature. Some of Kim’s favorites are the TRX, BOSU balls, Kettlebells, cable system and free weights. There are no machines, because as Kim reminds her clients “we are the machines.”
Kim decided on the name ‘Core Performance’ since her philosophy and number one goal is to strengthen each client’s core or as she calls it our ‘tower of power’. “Once we build and strengthen the core, we twist, hinge, stand and overall move better.”
The personal training team at Core includes Kim and 2 other CPT, Debbie Fredrickson and Dawn Rowland. With the expansive square footage, Kim is also able to offer a variety of group fitness classes aimed at training the core. Current classes include a TRX based program (TRX strong and TRX fit), Circuit Training classes and a popular Deep Stretch class with Darlene Allen. “This class is really gaining in popularity attracting both men and women who want to strengthen and stretch to feel elongated and pain free.” In January, afternoon classes will be offered, and Core will once again offer The Basics Class.
All classes are designed for all gender and ability levels. Core also keeps class sizes limited ensuring all participants enjoy a safe and effective workout. “We have a great group of regulars who have helped us really develop and evolve each class. All exercises can be modified to fit each participant individual needs.”
For January 2023, Kim is introducing a new set of ‘a-la-carte’ fitness class packages. They are designed for drop-in groups who come to Ellicottville seasonally or for the weekends. Individuals pick from an option of three class types, pick a time slot/day, and pick a fitness level to create a personalized fitness class. For more information about this check out Kim’s Facebook page or her website coreperformancefitness.com or contact Kim directly at 716-698-1198.
Kim is passionate about getting her clients motivated. “It is an amazing opportunity to have the ability to help people change their lives by helping them reach their fitness goals. I’ve never bought into the ‘no pain, no gain’ philosophy. I believe in building on people’s strengths and guiding them to overcome their weaknesses. It’s a process, not a sprint.” Kim’s experience speaks for itself. She was worked with clients aged 9-95 with a variety of ability levels with everything from rehab to weight loss to staying on task and in shape. “I just turned 57 years old and I’ve been in this industry since I was 17. I’ve seen and done a lot throughout my career to help shape who I am today. All of this has contributed to how I help my clients. I can relate to most of them in one way or another. It’s all about longevity, and my goal is to help you be your best self.”
For more information visit http://coreperformancefitness.com/ call (716) 698-1198 or stop down to visit Kim in her studio and make an appointment to get in your best shape yet.