Group fitness studio will soon open up in former Columbus Avenue pawn shop

Soul Shine studio has already attracted more than 70 locals who want to stay fit after losing the Strafford Y in September. (Courtesy photos)

ROCHESTER - Ever since the Strafford Y closed its door in September there's been a void in the city's fitness community.
That void will soon be filled with the Soul Shine Studio located in the former Quick Cash Trading center at 725 Columbus Ave.
Patricia Carey of Farmington, who formerly was a fitness instructor at the Strafford Y, told the city's planning board last week that the group fitness center was something she envisioned was to replace the Y. Part of her plan ia was to have "all the classes that we had at the Y."

The former Quick Cash Trading center at 725 Columbus Ave will soon be a group fitness center.

Carey told the planning board she had eight instructors and 70-plus members ready to join.
Planning and Development Director Seth Creighton said that the transition from pawn shop to fitness studio for the 3,375-square-foot building should be a fairly easy process.
Carey said she envisioned the hours at the fitness center would run from 8 a.m. to noon and then 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Among the many classes there will be strength training, yoga, pilates and senior fitness.
The planning board unanimously approved the conditional use permit and site plan amendment.