Move over Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sudbury may soon have its own exercising politician.

Greater Sudbury Mayor John Rodriguez said the plan for the new year is simple — “Get in shape.” In fact, the mayor is looking to get a jump on it, and said he plans to start working out as of early December. So, what kicked off the mayor’s new-found drive for exercise?

T-Zone Vibration health studio, located at 233 Brady St. in the Brady Square, is Fabio Belli’s latest business investment, following Just Soccer and BMI Apparel.

In honour of its grand opening Dec. 4, Rodriguez stopped by to cut the ribbon. “This is a new venture for Sudbury and I want to wish them success,” he said. “It’s a great concept... It’s important for health and I want to get fit. It’s just a perfect fit for me.”

The staff at T-Zone led the mayor through a workout.

Suit, tie and dress shoes included, Rodriguez climbed onto one of the T-Zone machines.

The exercise machine looks similar to a stair-climber machine, except at ground level.

Instead of any sort of pumping mechanism, or walking simulator technology, T-Zone users stand on a vibrating platform.

The T-Zone vibration machine’s benefits are similar to weight training, Belli said, but the machine does not replace cardiovascular workouts.

The mayor said he enjoyed his trial with the machine.

“It was great, and yet I’m not sweating,” the mayor said, after stepping off the machine. “I was able to give my muscles an opportunity to get used.”

The mayor is planning on taking advantage of having the new health studio across the street from city hall.

“I’m going to come back, I’m going to do the early mornings and (spend) 20 to 30 minutes on (The T-Zone machine).”

Members will pay monthly fees, available on a one-month, three-month, six-month or yearly basis.

Belli said the business should do well in Sudbury, due to a community-wide desire to improve health.

“I think we’re really health driven in the community and a lot of people want to look at losing weight and getting better health.”

The exercise studio is low-impact, so it should appeal to everyone, Belli said.

“You can be nine years old, or you can be 90 years old. It’s very low-impact style machinery. You can come in and do it at your own pace.”

As opposed to a gym, which Belli said can take an hour or two to get a solid workout, T-Zone is “driven more to people ... who are more business-like. Time is crucial.”

As far as location, Belli said downtown provided a central location with a high population, due to the many businesses and offices in the area.

Belli said he understands those who are skeptical of the technology, as he was once in their shoes.

However, he said he knows the machines work because he tested it himself and lost 60 pounds over six to eight months.

“For people who want to try it, come on in and give it a shot. We have no problems with that, we like giving people free trials.”