With regards to the Town of Barrhead interfering with private business in the fitness industry:
In my opinion, there is a void in town that is not being met by local businesses and I am happy to speak up about it. Some years ago I won a one-month free pass to Vince’s Gym. When I presented for my initial visit, I was made to feel less than welcome and that the gym was for the “pretty people,” not those of us who are overweight and out of shape. I went back once on a drop-in basis with my daughter and again found a poor fit.
I tried a zumba class at Xpressions Dance and Fitness Studio and after two sessions knew my knees would not handle the moves. And timing of the classes was difficult for my schedule.
I have tried Curves and find the machines are made for standard women in mind. Having grown up on a farm, my body strength is such that the Curves program does not supply the proper workout for me.
My best success has been aquasizes – gone now that there is no pool, and Super Circuit, which was a program offered by the recreation department back in the day when they owned fitness equipment. The program timing was such that my children could attend swimming lessons and I could have a workout. In the past, I also attended town organized aerobics classes where the instructor offered various options for those with specific challenges.
I have tried many things since that time. In 2009 I traveled to Edmonton once weekly and worked with a personal trainer who devised a program that allowed me two more weekly workouts at home. Last year I drove to Westlock to attend a fitness program offered by Alberta Health Services which used Occupational Therapists to design custom made programs for people just like me. Remember that my type of person (overweight and out of shape) is exactly the one who needs fitness opportunities designed for them!
I believe that there should be multiple options available for citizens of Barrhead. I too, have my own business and if I am not offering what clients need, they don’t come. Remember that competition is healthy for your business and has you organize a plan to bring people in the door, not by default but because you are offering something they need and want and you have made it accessible for them to get.
As someone in the healthy living business, we need more opportunities for our community to be active and healthy. Remember the Town of Barrhead hires instructors to lead their classes so this provides employment as well. Instead of complaining that there is competition, do a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis of your business and figure out what you need to do to increase your market share.
Sincerely, Rita Lyster
