Pumping it up at KT Bell Fitness in Camas

The opinion that working out is mundane and repetitive is tossed out the window at KT Bell Fitness in downtown Camas.

In fact, business owner and certified personal trainer Karen Bell prides herself on mixing it up. Not only does this approach keep her clients coming back, she said, but it’s better for the muscles as well.

“It’s never the same workout because muscle confusion is the way you keep the body working and changing,” Bell said.

Bell is certified through the Accredited Personal Trainer Certification program. She has been working in the health and fitness field for the past 25 years, including stints at the All Women’s Fitness Spa in Portland, a women’s gym in Tacoma and a Gold’s Gym. For the past two years, she has led “Power Pump” fitness classes out of the Universal Institute of Martial Arts in Camas.

KT Bell Fitness is Bell’s first venture into owning her own business. The studio located at 415 N.E. Fourth Ave., opened in June and Bell plans on holding an official grant opening celebration in September.

“It’s been going well,” she said. “I think the word is getting out.”

Bell and her staff, including personal fitness trainers Vanessa Williams and Ryan Grover — Bell’s 22-year-old son — offer a variety of options for those looking to get in shape, tone up or build athleticism.

“I love teaching group fitness where I am teaching form,” Bell said. “I like to get people to like to exercise.”

In the Power Pump classes, Bell combines free-weight training with cardio timed to music. There are no weight machines, elliptical machines, treadmills or Stairmasters. Several of the students in the intense 5:30 a.m. class have been with Bell since she first began teaching it two years ago.

There are also Boot Camps, taught by Williams, and soon Grover will offer personal training for men. Bell said she also hopes to offer classes including yoga, dance, ballet and pilates, if there is a demand.

Bell said she limits her group fitness classes to about 10 people — small enough to provide personalized attention and instruction.

All clients who sign up for classes or personal training go through an assessment, and Bell prepares a personalized fitness program that includes eating and nutrition plans.

“I am a fitness expert,” she said. “My job is to make you look better and feel better. I want to give you every tool that I can to succeed.”

For more information about KT Bell fitness, visit www.ktbellfitness.com, e-mail karen@ktbellfitness.com or call 852-1624.