By Angelica Ingram

Those looking to get physically and mentally fit while enjoying a scenic view now have a new option in Haliburton Village.
Open for the past few weeks Exhale Fitness Studio has long been a dream for Sean and Jen Chapman the couple behind the new business.
Located in the former space of Wild Outdoors at 163 Highland St. Exhale Fitness Studio offers a variety of classes such as yoga sculpt Milfit and Zumba as well as the opportunity to use equipment in the facility.
The idea to offer fitness classes in the community came to Sean years ago following a military deployment to Afghanistan.
For the past few years Sean has been teaching classes in the area at different locations but saw a need for a more permanent facility following the closing of Millennium gym.
“I realized there is a need for fitness and a place for people to come and be fit” he said. “My goal here isn’t to become rich. My goal is to cover rent and then anything above rent will go towards purchasing new equipment … whatever the community puts into this place it’s going to get back.”
Sean says there will be a suggestion box for the public to write down what they would like to see at the studio.
Serving in the Canadian military for a number of years and going through a near death experience have taught Sean the importance of good mental health and being physically active.
A teacher at J.D. Hodgson Elementary School and certified zumba and yoga instructor Jen is also passionate about fitness and previously taught at the Minden Hills Community Centre.
The pair are promoting the studio as a wellness facility
“We think that fitness is mentally important and physically it can help you with healing” said Jen. “We want it to become a community hub.”
Apart from a large open space with windows overlooking Head Lake and the park the studio has weights a punching bag and other equipment.
With physical training done while in the military Sean believes he has the knowledge to help people use the equipment and get in better shape.
“It’s going to be a workout for anybody it doesn’t matter what your fitness level is” he said. “We’ll have everything here that people will need to be fit.”
The studio offers a drop-in rate of $15 five classes for $60 and a 10 class pass for $100. An unlimited monthly pass is available for $100. The first class is free.
For more information search Exhale Fitness Studio on Facebook.