NOTE: This updated version of the column fixes the name of the author

Axel Mahlke and his wife Lynnea Mahlke are co-owners of two small health clubs, Anytime Fitness in Niantic and Salem. The Mahlkes celebrated 10 years in business and have maintained a team of eight trainers and coaches who have been with them for the duration.

“Our trainers are like family who embody similar values and understand the whys and hows of fitness,” Axel said.

Axel has worked as an exercise specialist since 1992. He is a personal trainer and coach who shines a light on the importance of healthy living.

When interviewed on “Stories Worth Telling-with the Steels,” Axel discussed the value of keeping a healthy body. Axel’s background includes medical school training, military combat medic, and six years in orthopedic surgery. His background provides critical understanding in his role as he helps others develop, maintain, and sustain fitness.

“Taking care of your body is like completing the oil changes in your car,” Axel said.

Axel’s primary focus is on health and well-being and preventing surgeries whenever possible.

“We all want to live our lives on our terms: independent and with dignity. The most important group, who should exercise, is the 65 and older population. The need for exercise increases as our bodies age. Our bodies degenerate at an accelerated rate. We lose our balance and muscle mass. This is when the first diseases from genetic programming might occur.”

Axel explains, “Exercise is not something you have to love but you do have to do it. Small amounts of exercise will help you enjoy the things you want to do like traveling or playing with the kids.” Axel said, “I want people to talk about their experiences and not their diseases. It is important to build camaraderie, have fun and become passionate when possible.”

Even if we exercise just 20 minutes two to three times per week, we can reap benefits. When people say that you need to get in 10,000 steps and work-out an hour a day, that’s discouraging. Fitness is great when it’s fun and Axel and his team of trainers and instructors make it so. Avoid yo yo diets and enjoy the process. The journey begins with lacing up your shoes.

“Structure is the key to building health. It is important to measure balance, strength, flexibility and cardio when beginning to exercise. The metrics will help determine steps towards improvement.” Guidance is critical and that is what the Anytime Fitness trainers and coaches do. Once the baseline is established next steps can be taken.

Based on each individual’s profile, programs are established so that members can use a variety of equipment, machines, or exercise routines to achieve better outcomes. “It’s not about the equipment. Everyone knows how to use the tools. It is about the right exercise for correction that should occur. If posture is an issue then pulling exercises will strengthen and correct for rounded shoulders.”

Axel’s favorite sport is soccer which he loves to coach. A second favorite is Pilates.

Axel learned Pilates while in Germany.

Joseph Pilates, an anatomist, stressed the angles, execution, stabilization, control, and breathing. Orthopedic prevention happens during Pilates classes which occur three times a week in Niantic. The hips, knees and spine are focal points.

Axel was very grateful for the government assistance program (PPP) which helped to keep Anytime Fitness in operation during Covid-19. Optimism is important during tough times.

“We were able to keep our staff and use the time to advance our skills,” he explained. All service industries were hit hard during Covid and the fitness industry was included. Anytime Fitness closed for a couple of months as per Governor mandate. During that time, Axel and his team advanced their skills and knowledge as trainers gained more advanced certificates.

Air circulation was increased, fresh oxygen filtered in, mask mandates, social distancing and impeccable sanitation standards were implemented. Classes and training occurred in homes, outside, and virtually.

“Function and safety are always the priorities,” explained Axel.

The Mahlkes build community through giving. They are involved with coaching soccer, sponsoring Boy Scouts Pack VII, The Dagle Foundation, Toastmasters, Rotary, Masons, and ELBO to name a few. “Community is key,” said Axel. “We knew when we moved here from Seattle that this is where we wanted to raise our family.”

And they did. You may see them at a fun run or on the soccer field. They are active, engaged and generous.

Cate Steel lives in East Lyme.