On the busy street corner of Tumwater Boulevard and Capitol Way in Tumwater, Louisa (Ward) Shimamoto pulled on a muscle suit and donned a pink bikini top over the costume. Hustling outside in pouring down rain, Louisa proudly waved to drivers and held a sign announcing the opening of South Sound Champions Center.
Louisa’s goal was simple. “I want people to know that we are here and open,” she says.
The new business is more than a gym or place to get physically fit. Certainly, there are racks of free weights, ample weight lifting machines, and plenty of recumbent bikes and treadmills across the 8,000 square foot facility.
But the goal of Louisa and her business partner and husband, Alan Shimamoto, is to create a space where every one is welcome. For example, instead of being bombarded when you walk in the door, you are greeted by name with a smile.
The Shimamoto’s attitude is that every person should receive immediate respect. “Whether you are in great shape or struggling with your shape, either inside or outside, everyone has significance,” says Louisa.
To that effect, the South Sound Champions Center lobby includes an open space with tables and chairs. Louisa and Alan hope this area becomes a gathering place for people to mingle, chat, and build relationships.
After over 20 years building a successful insurance business, the Shimamoto’s were ready to try something new. “We knew we wanted our next passion in life to include three things,” describes Alan. “We wanted to do something that we are passionate about, utilize our skill sets, and take on something together as husband and wife.”
“Our health is something that has evolved for us,” continues Alan. “About fifteen months ago, I was well on my way to becoming a diabetic or having a heart attack. I got on a nutrition program through Advocare. People started asking what we were doing and Louisa and I had an opportunity to share Advocare with others and talk about how it affected us.”
After his nutrition was back on track, Alan turned to exercise to complete his physical transformation. “Getting to the gym was the hardest part of the exercise routine. Now, I don’t have an excuse,” says Alan with a laugh.
South Sound Champions Center offers a gym packed with equipment. Nutrition consulting, personal training, health coaching, and group fitness classes round out the offerings.
Walking in for the first time, I was greeted with a warm and friendly smile from Emily Sampson. The South Sound Champions Center crew is ready to help you through your first workout. The new member package includes two free personal training sessions. The lead trainer, Rodney Soto, brings thirteen years of experience to the team.
“Instead of being intimidated by the equipment, our team will show you how to use it. We ask questions about your goals and give you ideas on how to meet those goals,” describes Alan.
Besides being local business owners, the Shimamoto’s are deeply rooted in the Tumwater community. Louisa’s parents are retired Tumwater School District teachers and her father, Bill Ward, Sr., was the first basketball coach for Tumwater High School when it opened in 1961. “The Champions Center sits on the location of a blackberry patch that I used to ride my bike to when I was little,” recalls Louisa.
They have built their team strategically, selecting employees that they are connected with. “We want people on our team that have the same attitude that it doesn’t matter where you are coming from when you walk through our door,” summarizes Louisa.
For membership specials and more information about the Tumwater gym, please call 360.338.0509 or visit their Facebook page. When you arrive for your tour, be sure to visit the unique cherry locker rooms – one of Louisa’s favorite parts of the gym, along with the studio.
111 Tumwater Blvd Suite A209
Tumwater, WA 98501
360.338.0509
Open weekdays from 5:00 am – 9:00 pm and weekends from 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
