Spring Equinox Reflections and New Cohorts
Dear Fitness Union Community,
The spring equinox is almost here and here in Portland the shift in daylight has been dramatic. Between daylight savings and the return of sunshine I have noticed how much lighter and more energized I feel. The longer days bring a sense of possibility, motivation and hopefulness.
I hope some of you are feeling that shift too.
Spring has always felt like a season of renewal and expansion and that energy is very much present here at the studio as we continue to grow our team and offerings.
This month I also want to share a little context around something that is part of our mission.
As a small community based business one of our values is supporting other aligned small businesses and practitioners. We also believe deeply in a holistic approach to health and wellbeing that extends beyond strength training.
Occasionally when we collaborate with someone whose work aligns with our values we invite them into the space to briefly introduce themselves and share what they offer. My intention in doing this is actually the opposite of traditional marketing. Rather than simply sending out a link or promotion I hope to create a warmer opportunity for you to meet the person ask questions and decide for yourself if their work resonates.
And if it does not resonate that is completely okay. There is never any expectation or obligation to participate in anything outside of your membership.
Thank you for always meeting these moments with openness and for supporting our efforts to build a broader ecosystem of wellness within our community.
Studio updates
Coach Caroline’s new cohort
Our newest team member Coach Caroline will be launching her very first cohort.
Date and time: Mondays and Wednesdays at 4pm, Starting March 30
We are so excited to have Caroline on the team. She brings warmth care and thoughtful coaching to the space and we are thrilled that she will now have a cohort of her own.
If you or someone you know has been considering joining Fitness Union this is a great opportunity to step into a new cohort. Please send them our way.
Coach Amy’s expanding schedule
Coach Amy has now been with us for a little while and I continue to receive messages about how wonderful she is and how much people are enjoying working with her.
Date and Time: Tuesday/Thursday 11am cohort, Starting March 31
And she will be taking over my Tuesday/Thursday 12pm cohort.
This also means that I will no longer be coaching regular cohorts. This is actually a very exciting transition for me. I feel deeply called to step more fully into the role of visionary focusing on supporting the business our team and our community in ways that I simply have not had the capacity for while coaching multiple cohorts.
Fitness Union has now been open just over three years and we are continuing to grow in ways that we hope feel both regenerative and sustainable for our coaches our members and for myself as the founder.
I am incredibly grateful for the team we are building. Each coach brings their own unique gifts perspective and style and it is a joy to watch that diversity enrich our community.
Friday community class experiment
Starting in April we are going to experiment with a new Friday community class at 12pm.
This will be a trial offering to see how it resonates with our members.
The Friday class is an opportunity to get an additional workout in meet members from other cohorts and experience coaching from different trainers. We are considering rotating coaches so that you all have the chance to work with different members of our team.
If you have been hoping for a later community class this is your opportunity to show up and help us see that it is something our community would enjoy.
Community classes began as a simple experiment and we hope to continue expanding them as long as they feel aligned for both our members and our coaches.
Share the story of Fitness Union
One of the most meaningful ways people find our studio is through the words of our members.
If you feel called we would love to hear about your experience.
A few questions we are curious about include
What drew you to Fitness Union originally
What makes Fitness Union different from other gyms or studios you have experienced
What is something that keeps you coming back
Your reflections help others understand what makes this community special and we are deeply grateful for your support.
From Kim
Your support truly means everything to us.
Fitness Union exists because of this community. Your trust your presence and your willingness to show up for yourselves and each other week after week.
Right now we are taking a bit of a leap of faith as we expand our coaching team and open new cohorts. If Fitness Union has been meaningful in your life the most powerful way to support us is simply to share about us with friends neighbors and loved ones who may resonate with what we offer.
We are always looking for people who feel aligned with our mission as a trauma informed strength training studio. A place where movement is coached with mindfulness compassion and care.
Thank you for being part of this community.
With gratitude
Kim
