Common Sense Fitness: Taking a Positive Approach to Wellness

Business Name: Common Sense Fitness
Contact Info: Stephen Stern, 203-234-2539, stepstern@comcast.net
Business Owners: Stephen Stern
Business Address: 605 Washington Avenue North Haven, Ct. 06473
Website: www.comsenfit.com

Stephen Stern, the owner of Common Sense Fitness, shares with Patch readers a little bit about his North Haven-based small business.

How did you come up with the name?
It is my belief that getting into and staying in your best possible physical shape can be done by using a common sense approach to fitness.

Why choose that location? Why start a business in North Haven?
North Haven is a great town. My family and I live here, and it is a great place to live, play and work.

Briefly, what business are you in?
Personal training and wellness.

What's the most difficult moment or challenge you've faced as a business owner?
Dealing with the poor economic environment in the country as a whole, and in Connecticut particularly.

Were there any challenges that made you second guess your decision to be an entrepreneur?
None

What's been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?
When people say to me that they are now able to do daily activities that they either never could do or haven't done in a very long time.

What's the most innovative idea your employees or customers have had that you put into practice?
Many people who struggle with sports competition or getting fit do so because of an inability to focus their mind set in a positive way. After seeing this in many of my customers, and them asking for help, I became a certified sports hypnotist. I am a registered hypnotist with the state of Ct.

How do you deal with difficult customers?
They have to do an extra 50 push ups.

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?
I have done work with the high school cross country and outdoor track teams at NHHS. Providing them with free sports nutrition advice and training advice as well. I have been a sponsor to the NHHS 5k road race as well.

This article is part of Patch's series highlighting local businesses in our community. Learn more about the series, and if you're a small business, fill out the form to be included, by checking out this link.