By Katy Savage
RUTLAND—When Kyle Finneron worked as a digital media director at the Mountain Times, he started a body transformation challenge with six people over six weeks.
The challenge, which began in 2015 in partnership with Killington Boot Camp owner Beth Roberts, helped people lose weight by sticking to a meal and exercise program.
“Some people lost 10-15 pounds in six weeks,” Finneron said.
Finneron, who grew up in Killington, studied business at Coastal Carolina University. He decided he liked fitness more than business about two years ago.
He lost 40 pounds through eating healthier and strength training workouts over 1 ½ years. He became strong enough to compete in the Spartan Beast race in 2016 and then the North American Grappling Association (NAGA) North East championships in Rhode Island in January 2017.
Exercise made him more confident.
“I was obsessed with learning about health and fitness,” he said. “Being able to see what was possible.”
He studied and took tests to become a certified personal trainer so he could teach people proper form.
Now, at age 29, he and his girlfriend, Kara White, 27, have opened their own gym in Rutland, called Studio Fitness.
They have a spin room with 14 bikes and a separate training area. They also offer 20 classes a week, including a barre class, circuit class and core class.
White, another local, was a ballerina who danced with Miami City Ballet before she moved back to Vermont two years ago with a shoulder injury.
She met Finneron at a gym they worked at together in Rutland.
“I realized how much I like training people,” she said.
They spent about a week remodeling the fitness studio.
Finneron stays fit for the challenge of it. Competing in races and competitions keeps him motivated.
“It can be monotonous,” otherwise, he admitted.
Finneron is looking for his next challenge—a powerlifting competition he’s competing in with one of his clients.
Both White and Finneron said they like what they do for the change in mood and better quality of life.
“You can see their whole world change,” said White.
For more information visit www.studiofitnessvt.com
Photo submitted
Kara White and Kyle Finneron
Hi Kyle and Kara!
Been a long time since we saw you! Steve and Sheila spent a couple of days with last summer in NC . Would love to come up this winter and see you again! Can you give some advice to a 63 year old hockey player with a partial right knee replacement!! Docs say no more hockey, but still want to ski! Hope to see you this winter!