The Background

Reflections on the journey to my next chapter

Once upon a time, my husband and I took a leap of faith and bought a gym—a 27-year-old fitness and health facility that many knew as their Workout Club.

I still remember the summer before our purchase, when a friend urged me to try “that gym in the shopping center.” The moment I stepped in, I was embraced by a warmth I’d never felt before. In my very first class, I heard inspiring stories—cancer survivors sharing how the community became their pillar during treatment, a grandad lifting weights alongside me while proudly recounting tales of his karate-champion grandson, and early-morning members discussing everything from health tips to life’s little quirks on the treadmills. I even overheard members urging trainers to check in on a member who hadn’t been around, just to be sure they were alright. I had visited many gyms over the years, but none had felt as connected as this one.

I believed in this club for two heartfelt reasons. First, as someone who’s been passionate about health all my life, I wanted to create a space where everyone could access a healthier lifestyle—a place where physical fitness went hand in hand with emotional and social well-being. Second, I saw something special in “that gym in the shopping center.” I envisioned a legacy where community-based wellness wasn’t just a goal, but a lived experience. I knew that the real power of our vision lay in the members—the remarkable individuals who made every workout, every conversation, every shared smile, truly unforgettable.

In January 2020, my husband and I began thinking bigger, scouting locations for a second space. Our members wanted more, and we were ready to give it to them. Then, as life often does, the unexpected happened. COVID-19 arrived, bringing loss, hardship, and challenges none of us could have foreseen. The pandemic not only reshaped our plans but redefined our community in ways that were both heartbreaking and inspiring. Despite the chaos, our commitment to health and to one another never wavered.

Over the years, there were moments of disappointment and exhaustion. Yet, what sustained me were the memories of supportive members, warm hugs from that ever-cheerful grandad, friends who shared secret recipes and spice blends, and the genuine smiles greeting me at every class. You all lifted me up, and in doing so, lifted one another.

While the gym may be closed, I am excited to share my next adventure. I have pivoted to launch a new health website—a platform dedicated to nutrition, health, and wellness coaching, along with personal training available both remotely and in person. This digital space is designed to continue our mission of making healthy lifestyles accessible, relatable, and community-driven, no matter where you are.

I invite you to explore the new website, connect with our wellness coaching, or join a personal training session tailored just for you. Let’s continue to support each other, sharing the same kindness, encouragement, and passion for health that made the CLUB so special. Whether you’re a longtime member or a new friend, our commitment to your well-being remains unwavering.

Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. I look forward to writing our next chapter together—lifting one another up, every step of the way…no matter where we are.

xoxo,

Colleen