For Sunita and Joe Shouse fitness is a lifestyle. They are both long-distance runners who run marathons, half-marathons as well as local 5K and 10K races.  Over the years, they have been members of several health clubs.  They both served in the Armed Forces and were required to maintain high fitness levels before retiring to civilian life.  They both understood the importance of fitness and wanted to help people achieve sustainable fitness and healthy living goals. In 2006 they began considering options for starting their own business, investigating fitness clubs was a logical choice.

“We always wanted to do something in fitness,” said Sunita, who co-owns Butterfly Life in Raleigh with her husband Joe.  “I saw an ad in the newspaper for a free seminar about Butterfly Life and we went.  I liked the holistic approach they take to fitness.” After some thorough research, the pair decided to invest in the franchise and open up shop in August at the Ridgewood Shopping Center on Wade Avenue in Raleigh.

Butterfly Life differentiates itself from other women-only fitness clubs by taking a holistic approach to health and well-being. It integrates exercise, nutrition, psychology and beauty.  While each club owner can choose where to place the emphasis, the Shouse’s club focuses heavily on individualized exercise routines and nutrition.  As a result, they see improvements in the psychological dispositions of members as well as the beauty side of the equation through members who smile more, feel energized, radiate, have increased confidence and higher self-esteem.  “The big gyms are great for people who know what they are doing or what they need. But people who feel uncomfortable there, or who don’t know a lot about it tend to get lost with no one there to help them, except for a high fee. Here they get individualized attention. We know each member by name and if they have any specific needs.”

One member, Ellen Baker, is a breast cancer survivor who came to Butterfly Life soon after surgery and chemotherapy.  Side effects of her chemo included a 20 pound weight gain and arthritis.  Today she is 10 pounds lighter and without arthritis. “This is life changing for me,” Ellen exclaims.  “I haven’t missed a day in two months.”  Prior to joining Butterfly Life, Ellen couldn’t do everyday tasks. If she dropped something on the floor she couldn’t get down to pick it up. “If I went down to the floor, I was staying there,” she said.  Today she is doing circuit weight training and taking cardio classes.  “Yesterday I took cardio boxing. I couldn’t do that before. It is truly life changing for me.”

Ellen attributes much of her success to Sunita’s dedication and commitment. “It’s very personal to her and she’s very invested in all the people,” said Ellen.

Likewise, club member Jeannette Rogers has changed her life by joining Butterfly Life.  In her younger days, Jeannette was a dancer.  Today she says she is facing the likelihood of hip replacements.  Her initial goal when joining Butterfly Life was to get in shape before surgery so that her recovery would be easier and faster. Today, she has lost several pounds and feels well enough that she has delayed surgery. “I’ll still have to eventually get it, but I can wait now,” she said. “I wasn’t expecting that.”

Members with special situations such as Ellen and Jeannette are welcome by Sunita and Joe. They research members’ conditions to determine the best and safest exercise regimens.  But special situations aren’t required.  Some of their members love the fact that it is a quick work out that they can do on their lunch hour.

The Shouses also are focused on encouraging young women to make exercise and good nutrition a way of life.  “Generally speaking the Butterfly Life concept targets older women, but I’d like to target everybody.  A lot of young people have no clue about health and nutrition and they will end up overweight and suffering from various diseases as a consequence of that. I’d like to catch them early,” said Sunita.

To learn more about Butterfly Life, contact Sunita or Joe Shouse at 919-755-3322, or drop by their center at Ridgewood Shopping Center, 3512-A Wade Avenue in Raleigh.