Arcadia Fitness opens in Dawson

“I remember the Arcadia Grill, and I remember running up and down Arcadia,” Holloway said in the announcement to her kickboxing class on Tuesday. “Arcadia also has a Greek meaning which is significant to us here.”

According to Merriam-Webster, ‘Arcadia’ is defined as “a place of rustic innocence and simple, quiet pleasure.” The Greek meaning is comparable. The irony that Arcadia Avenue is the street that runs through the center of Dawson Springs isn’t lost on those who call the town “home.”

On Monday and Thursday evenings from 5:30 to 6:30, Holloway hosts Poundfit classes. “Instead of listening to music, you become the music in this exhilarating full-body workout that combines cardio, conditioning, and strength training with yoga and pilates-inspired movements,” she said. “Using Ripstix--lightly-weighted drumsticks engineered specifically for exercising--Pound transforms drumming into an incredibly effective way of working out.”

“Designed for all fitness levels, Pound provides the perfect atmosphere for letting loose, getting energized, toning up and rocking out,” Holloway continued. “The workout is easily modifiable and the alternative vibe and welcoming philosophy appeals to rockstars of all ages and abilities.”

While Holloway has only been instructing Poundfit in Dawson Springs for the past 18 months, “I began my fitness career in March 2020 when I became a Certified Pound Pro,” she said.

Once weekly on Tuesday nights from 5:30 to 6:30, Holloway guides a kickboxing/toning class. “Kickboxing/Toning is high-impact aerobic exercises,” she explained. “Its blend of cardio and strength training makes it an excellent workout for anyone who wants to improve their cardiovascular health and endurance.”

“When you participate in a cardio kickboxing class, you will move your whole body while also challenging your brain to keep up with the combinations of movements,” Holloway continued. “This workout is also perfect for anyone who wants to get rid of stress, tension, and anxiety--plus, it’s an intense workout that can burn a lot of calories per session.”

On Saturday mornings, it’s Gamblin’s turn. From 8 to 9 a.m., she facilitates Barre classes. “A Barre workout is a low-impact, but highly effective exercise routine that combines elements of ballet, Pilates, yoga, and strength training with focus on small movements,” she said.

“Barre focuses on engaging specific muscles until they reach fatigue, followed by stretching to create long, lean, and toned muscles,” Gamblin elaborated. “By targeting your muscles through isometric movements--think tiny, controlled pulses--Barre is an effective way to build total body strength and improve your

flexibility.”

Those wanting to take part in any of the three disciplines just need to bring $5, a yoga mat, and water to each class you attend.

“I love the group of ladies that I have met and believe in me, and in the end, have strengthened me more than they will ever know,” Holloway said as she reflected upon the past 18 months. “The friendships we’ve developed are immeasurable.”

Holloway, a 1983 graduate of Dawson Springs High School, lives in Princeton with her husband, Johnny, and an Aussiedoodle named Pearl. By day, she works in human resources at a Princeton-based firm.

“After teaching classes in Princeton for two years, a change in the gym’s schedule conflicted with my work schedule and I found myself without a place to teach,” she said of her decision to bring fitness opportunities to the town she grew up in. “I immediately thought of Dawson Springs and the devastation my hometown had suffered due to the December 2021 tornado--I wanted to bring fitness classes to them to hopefully provide an outlet to release the stressors of their day.”

The fitness duo are self-proclaimed life-long friends as Gamblin was also raised in Dawson Springs. A 1986 graduate of DSHS, she resided on Lumber Street with her parents until her marriage to Curtis. She has three stepchildren and nine step grandchildren, with a tenth expected in the near future.

“I am a certified Barre instructor and have taught barre for three years,” said Gamblin. “I also teach online classes via Zoom for people who don’t like in-person classes.”

“I love helping people keep moving, and stay strong and healthy,” she concluded. “My class is modifiable for all ages and it tones and strengthens your body more than you realize.”