"Most gyms are owned by men," Kimberly said, "but this is a gym by women, for women. Linda and I have both been in the fitness industry for more than 20 years. We've learned what a woman needs to get a good workout and improve her health."

Fitness at the Edge opened March 1 in Middlebury Edge, a new professional/office building at 1625 Straits Turnpike, near the corner of Park Road.

The 5,000-square-foot facility features state-of-the-art Matrix equipment, cardio and upper and lower body machines that increase strength, improve bone density and provide overall toning.

Personal trainer sessions, nutritional coaching and a roster of exercise classes are included in the membership fee.

"We go over your goals, your limitations and your health status profile, and make sure the equipment and routine is set up to meet those goals," Kimberly told Voices.

"Every six to eight weeks, we meet again to make sure it's still appropriate, and make adjustments to make sure you're progressing forward."

Members can be assured of professional instruction and advice.

"Linda and I have numerous certifications," Kimberly said. "In fact, there's nobody working on the floor that's not experienced and certified through a national organization."

The 2,000-square-foot group exercise room offers more than 35 classes weekly, from Silver Aerobics to Zumba, Yoga/Pilates to Tai Chi.

Classes start as early as 5:30 a.m. and continue throughout the day, with the last Yoga/Pilates class beginning at 7:15 p.m.

"That's all included in the price," Kimberly said.

And if only one person shows up for a given class, that class isn't canceled - it becomes a private session.

"Personal attention is what we really strive for," she said. "It's our number-one goal."

The center offers free dance instruction for girls aged 5 to 12 who are daughters of members, plus "Fit Kids" classes for ages 3 to 6 and group exercise for ages 8 to 15 - also free with membership.

When you enter Fitness at the Edge, the first thing you notice is the view.

A long wall of glass overlooks a tranquil scene of flowers and trees, green grass and stone walls.

"We wanted an open, spa-like feel," said Kimberly. "It's just as pretty in the winter with the snow on the trees."

A spacious, spotless locker room features private showers and changing areas.

A number of things set the new fitness center apart from others, including the fact that there are no TVs, no loud music blaring.

"Music can be motivating, but not everyone has the same tastes. We encourage people to bring MP3 players with their own music," said Kimberly, adding that those who don't own an MP3 player may borrow one while at the gym.

"We're all about the individual," she said. "When you're a member here, it's your gym. We want to make it work for you."

Membership at Fitness at the Edge is currently $39.99 per month, with a one-year contract.

"For less than the daily cost of a small cup of coffee," Kimberly said, "you can improve your health and the quality of your life through exercise.

"Women are busy," she said, "they're pulled from every angle. We need to take care of ourselves. That's not being selfish - that's being smart.

"When you start getting in better shape, you're able to reduce your health costs," she said, noting that it's possible to eliminate the need for blood pressure and diabetes medication, improve the efficiency of medications for osteoporosis, reduce cancer risk, reduce the risk of death from cardiovascular disease. It can reduce stress, improve sleep and improve the overall quality of life.

"Being able to exercise is a blessing, not a curse," she said. "Here, we think about exercise in a positive sense. We're all about motivation."

Hours at Fitness at the Edge are 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday; 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Sunday.

Personal trainer-assisted circuit hours are 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 to 8 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.

Fitness at the Edge is a member of Silver Fit, offered through ConnectiCare and Anthem.

Those seeking additional information may call 203-598-7721 or visit www.fitnessattheedge.com.