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Fit This brings activewear to downtown

Amanda Bush says the garments she carries aren’t just for exercise class

-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen Amanda Bush, owner of Fit This Casual and Activewear, looks over some of the many items available in her shop. Bush celebrated her grand opening on April 8. She's located at 1208 First Ave. S. in Fort Dodge.

It might be a little difficult to tell if Amanda Bush, the owner of the recently opened Fit This Casual and Activewear, is working — or about to work out.

She not only wears what she sells, she works out in it too.

“I’m big into eating right and working out,” she said.

Helping others find better health in their own lives is part of what motivated her to open the store, located at 1208 First Ave. S. in Fort Dodge.

“It helps promote living a healthy and active life,” she said.

Amanda Bush, owner of Fit This Casual and Activewear, looks over some of the many items available in her shop. Bush celebrated her grand opening on April 8. She's located at 1208 First Ave. S. in Fort Dodge. Rich Sells, who owns the building, still has some of his fireplaces on display in the store, making for a cozy environment.

Her inventory includes a wide variety of activewear for a variety of exercise disciplines and a variety of brand names.

“I have leggings and tops,” she said. “No shoes, though.”

In the future, she plans on adding more brands, including the popular Under Armour.

She also plans on adding items for men in the future.

“It’s just women’s for now,” she said. “Eventually I plan on carrying men’s.”

She said that activewear isn’t just for going to the gym or a run around the neighborhood.

“It’s not just for working out,” she said. “People wear it every day now.”

Bush said she is also actively working to find active wear for plus sizes. She said that locating those sizes is difficult.

“I’m struggling to find activewear for plus sizes,” she said.

Bush also has plenty of business experience to draw on while she’s in her store. Her mom, Jill Bush, is the owner of Xessorize!

“It’s extremely helpful,” she said of having her mom next door. “I just pop in when I have a question.”

The stores are not only right next door to each other, they’re actually connected and customers can go from one to the other through a hallway.

Her store space was formerly the fireplace showroom for Rich Seltz, who owns and renovated the building.

The built-in fireplace displays are still in her store.

“In the winter we can turn them on,” she said. “It’s nice and cozy.”

Bush is also planning to bring her message of health and fitness to her customers during the summer and fall months with a series of Saturday morning treks.

“You can run, walk, push a stroller or walk your dog,” she said.

The registration for the runs will be from 9:30 to 10 a.m. They will be held the first Saturday of July, August, September and October.

There will be a door prize or two. The event will be free.

Bush said that she can help those who might be hard to shop for.

“I do have gift cards,” she said.

She’s also working on developing a website. She’s currently on Facebook and Instagram.

She said the response to her new business has been positive.

“There’s a demand for activewear,” she said. “I’ve had a very good response.”

Fit This hours are Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The store is closed Monday through Tuesday.

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