StrongFit Year 4, The Good, The Bad, The Future

On September 6, 2016 we had our first day of classes and on March 17th, 2020 we temporarily closed our doors.

With the threat of COVID-19 looming to overwhelm our healthcare system and too many people at risk, we started implementing precautionary protocols. Within days we decided to close the gym. Despite the reduced classes, cleaning measures taken, and social distancing, we barely beat the buzzer between opting to close the doors and being forced to shut down. Days after our announcement to close, the Government of Saskatchewan went into a state of emergency and all gyms had to shut down.

What does that mean for StrongFit? Well, it’s far too early to tell. Next month we are told that there will be some form of government assistance to aid small businesses to get us through our shutdown, but with no details beyond that. Our world has not yet reached peak chaos and so we have no idea how long it will be before we are able to re-open for business.

Regardless of how much help is on the way from the government, I wanted to come up with a plan for the gym. Meanwhile, most of the StrongFit community decided to take matters into their own hands to help ensure that we would be back, no matter what. In exchange for gym equipment, many have kept memberships going while others have done so without asking for anything in return and I thank all of you for the help. I understand that this is a difficult time for everyone, not just small business owners, and if you do not have the means to be supporting us in this way please do not feel obligated to do so. I can cancel memberships effective immediately.

Going forward, we are working to stay on track by moving to a virtual gym through the use of an app called ZOOM. All past and current members will have access for the next four weeks and then we will be moving to active members only. Classes begin on Monday, March 23rd and are at 10am and 5pm until Sunday, March 29th. Based on member feedback we will be modifying the schedule as we go until the day that we are able to re-open the gym.

Again, thank you goes to all of our members, past and present, for your support. For many you’ve kept your memberships going despite having your lives disrupted as well and that is greatly appreciated. With your help and continued support there will be a StrongFit to come back to and I would like to share my gratitude and a future of prosperity with you.

By the end of 2020 StrongFit will be moving to a larger space and your memberships will be more valuable than ever before. In addition to having more room inside the gym, we will be expanding programs, adding classes, offering 24/7 access, and providing nutrition guidance, goal-setting, and check-ins as part of your unlimited memberships. With this move we are increasing membership rates for all new members, but as a thank you to our present supporters, you will be maintaining your current rates going forward.

Anyone interested in pre-purchasing 10-passes, know that current rates will be applied and there will be no expiry on these purchases. For everyone that currently holds a 10-pass, the 3-month expiry on these passes will be adjusted due to our current closure.

For all comments, questions, and concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.