Behind a new wooden bar in Belgrade, Jess and Dean Longhurst serve up a new kind of shot.
Aloe shots, which help aid digestion, are just one part of the nutrition and wellness system the husband and wife duo sell at Peak Nutrition. Nutrient-packed meal replacement shakes and metabolism boosting green tea blends round out the menu at the new cafe and fitness club.
The pair moved to the area about two years ago from Australia, where Dean is originally from. After coming to Montana for the mountains and active lifestyle, Jess took jobs teaching fitness classes and coaching soccer, and continued her work as a personal trainer.
“This just blends right in with all that,” she said of Peak Nutrition. “I guess I’ve always been obsessed with fitness and wellness in general.”
The new business is in the space where the Sweet Cream coffee shop once was. After that closed just before Valentine’s Day, Longhurst said they scooped up the open store front and turned it over in just one month.
“It was a quick turnaround, for sure,” she said. “Dean’s a good handyman, though, so he did most of the work in here. He’s a great behind the scenes kind of dude.”
A lot of people have popped their heads in to ask what Peak Nutrition is. Once they try a shake, Longhurst said most customers say they love them.
The protein and nutrient-filled shakes come in a wide variety of flavors ranging from classic fruits to Snickers and cheesecake. Athletes can get extra nutrients added in for pre and post-workout fixes, and they also offer a collagen-pumped shake called “the beauty booster.” The most popular combination is an aloe shot, a regular shake and tea for $9.99. Longhurst said customers on the go can even call in orders for pick up.
“It’s a healthy fast food option,” she said.
In addition to the made-to-order drinks, Peak Nutrition sells shake ingredients in bulk. Longhurst said they plan to offer some how-to classes so patrons can learn to make tasty shakes at home.
Furthermore, the business can serve as a home base for locals wanting to get fit, lose weight or boost their energy. Longhurst said they offer free wellness evaluations to determine body fat percentage, metabolic age and visceral fat, weight, muscle mass and bone density.
“Most people just need to be held accountable,” Longhurst said. “We like to help people reach their goals and we like a fun, friendly environment.”
As the weather warms, the pair plans to offer fitness camps in Lewis & Clark Park. They’ll host their first group workout for free on April 22. Future classes will probably run between $5 and $15 each.
“We just want to help Belgrade come together and get ‘em fit,” Longhurst said.
They’re still working out which hours are best, but Peak Nutrition will most likely be open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.
source”pcworld”
