Walton now manager of Mexico gym

MEXICO -- Dawson Walton is now the manager of the town's fitness center, located in the Mexico Recreation Center.

"Ever since Dan Lemay had Generations, this is something I've wanted to do," said Walton, a certified personal trainer who became manager here on Dec. 28.

Selectmen approved Walton as the new manager of the fitness gym at their Nov. 9 meeting but had talked of advertising for someone to contract for the operation of the gym when Walton was tardy in submitting a certificate of insurance liability.

That has now been taken care of, according to the town. In the past, whoever operated the gym received 30 percent of membership fees, and the town received 70 percent. The town also paid utilities and other expenses generated by the gym.

Walton has renamed the gym to be DW's Fitness Factory because he is offering members additional benefits. In a room upstairs in the building, Walton offers boxing as well martial arts and jujitsu, for which he has a black belt.

"When you join a gym, you want to get in shape, but don't know how. You get results for awhile, then stall," said Walton, who also offers personal training, another benefit for membership owners.

As a personal trainer, Walton said if people book a time, there is a potential for him to see eight clients a way, five days a week.

The membership cost is $20 per month, but reduced to $15 per month for military and senior citizens. The cost is further with a year's membership of $200, which is like getting two months for free.

Further, if you come in with the paperwork, the first session is free.

Walton said his class schedule is as follows:

Mondays -- boxing from 5:30-7:30 p.m.;

Wednesdays -- grappling, jujitsu from 5:30-7:30 p.m.;

Thursdays -- kick boxing class;

Sundays -- martial arts for ages 4-12 from noon to 1:30 p.m., followed by martial arts for adults from 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Walton's martial arts class has about 20 adults and kids participating.

He also gave credit to Nick Graham for developing a business plan for Dawson with the gym.

The gym is open from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day except for Sundays when the pro wrestling is at the gym.

When Walton, who has three part-time jobs, cannot be here, he said coverage of the gym is provided by Rich Viitala, Jr., who teaches the kick boxing upstairs, and by a group of volunteers.

For more information, call Walton at 357-2671.

Walton now manager of Mexico gym Photo:

Dawson Walton (right) is now the manager of the town's fitness center, located in the Mexico Recreation Center. With him is Rich Viitala, Jr., who teaches the kick boxing upstairs. (Times photo by Bruce Farrin)