In sweetness and in health: Is there a conspiracy between Edmonton fitness clubs and bakeries?

It was a sweet tip: a CBClistener wondered if there was a conspiracy between her gym and the bakery next door.

The two 118th Street businesses Custom FitPersonal Training Studio andThe Art of Cake seem to exist harmoniously while simultaneously presenting an apparent conundrum to customers.

That tiplaunched a tongue-in-cheek investigation in which Edmonton AM found multiple instances of workout locales within sniffing distance of an edibleguilty pleasure.

It was a delicious job, but someone had to do it.

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In short order, we found an Anytime Fitness location in Old Strathconawhich is across the road fromCrave Cupcakes and Ohana Donuterie.Downtown, anOrangetheoryFitness is around the corner from both La CarraiaGelateriaand District Caf& Bakery on 109th Street. Further west, the Glenoralocation of World Health Club occupies the same strip mall as Bliss Baked Goods.

Conspiracy? Collusion? We set off to find out.

A sweet schemein the city

Our news tippersuggested that smells from the bakery drifttoward the fitness establishment during working hours, acting as a "lure" that attractgym-goers to pick up a sweet treat after their calories are expended.

Custom Fit ownerJeff Woods said there is a whiff of truth to the statement.

"The aroma, this wafting aroma of cinnamonthat just came out of The Art of Cake, it's not uncommon," Woods said.

"We get these beautiful little hints every day in the gym."

The gym has been at its location for 17 years, while The Art of Cake just opened its doors in the strip mall in March 2017.

Since opening, both businesses report seeingbenefits.

"From a business perspective, it's nice to have other businesses that are well-runbecause it attracts people to the area," says Woods.

Gloria Bednarz, owner of the Art of Cake, says the bakery's proximity to the gymwas unintentional.

"We just wanted to belong to a really nice area, and it just so happened that Custom Fit was next door," she said.

A strong customer connection

But there is definitely clientele crossover.

Bednarz sees bakery customers in workout gearalmost constantly throughout the day.

Adds Woods: "After they've worked out really hard, they can do something nice for themselves."

As for the customers, they are happy with the arrangement.

"We integrate treats into our activity," said DonnaEggleston, who had participated in apilatesclassthen joined friends for coffee atThe Art of Cake.

She is clear that they would be doing the activity regardless, but added: "Isuppose to a certain degree we think we're allowed to have a few extra calories since we've burned a few."

Saving citizen's waists, weights and wallets

Ward 8 councillor Ben Henderson wasasked if azoning bylaw might be appropriate to spare citizens from the potential smell-traps.

"We tend to only put separation distances through things like say a liquor store and where kids might be, something where there might be a detriment to a certain part of the population," he said.

"Let's face it if you exercise and have a doughnut afterwards, there's a sort of balance to that."