By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
NILES – The health and fitness industry is growing as people of all ages are realizing the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. No matter what the age, it seems people are always looking for ways to get in shape and add a few extra years onto their lives.
The Holistic Wellness Academy School of Sports Science &Message Therapy trains students who hope to help those lead healthy lifestyles.
Originally located on Third Street, owners Chad and Tammy Gartner moved their academy to 222 Front St. and are pleased to do business in downtown Niles.
"We love what we do. We have a very close relationship with our students and are really happy to be in Niles," Tammy said during the academy's grand opening on Thursday morning.
The Holistic Wellness Academy offers a nine-month program, where classes meet every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. Students are trained and certified to become massage therapists and in the field of sports science.
What's unique about the academy is the fact that a student will become certified in five different areas, including therapeutic massage therapy, personal fitness trainer, advanced sports nutrition specialist, confidentiality act and first aid/CPR.
Tammy explained that at other massage therapy or sports science training facilities, a student may only receive one certificate.
"When you come to The Holistic Wellness Academy, you know you are getting a great education. Chad is an excellent teacher, has a teaching degree and background and we want people to be well educated, especially in this type of field. It's so important for students to get a good education," Tammy said.
The academy also has a lower tuition price than most other facilities, she added. "They may say tuition is only $4,000, but once you have actually paid for your schooling and all of the hidden fees, it turns out to be around $8,000-$9,000," Tammy said.
Tuition at the academy is $7,195 with no hidden costs, she said. Financial aid is available.