Support our women's health community

About me: My odyssey began 11 years ago. After a serious car accident with a drunk driver, I gained a new appreciation for the blessing of health. My personal focus became promoting health and fitness among women.
My passion has been realized through the ownership and management of this fitness club designed especially for women. My club members have become close friends, and I cherish the opportunities I have had to live and grow with them.
After 11 years in the business, I sensed that it was time to move on. I have seen the club through thick and thin, through market upswings and downswings, and I felt confident that I would be able to sell. Unfortunately, this has not been the case.
When I announced to my membership that, due to lack of a buyer, I would need to close the club by the end of the summer, the response was overwhelming. The membership came up with the idea of fundraising the purchase price. To date, we have raised $10,000 from members. (You see, there is a perfect candidate to become the new owner, but she does not have the financial means to purchase the club.)
If this dream is going to come to fruition, we need your help. My parting wish is that my friends will continue to have a woman-centered, safe and supportive space where working out becomes an essential part of their daily routine. I hope that there is a part of you that dreams of participating in our community of women "“ achieving health and wellness through love, community and sweat.
Why we are in business: We empower women of all ages to take control of their physical and emotional health through good nutrition and regular, comprehensive exercise. However, we are more than that. We build community and friendships which endure through thick and thin. We celebrate together life's successes and grieve as a community during times of loss.
But most of all, our job is to believe in miracles "“ the miracle of friendship, the miracle of community, the miracle that is the human body. We invite you to be a part of our belief that miracles can happen when we gather for the good of ourselves and for the good of all.
The Impact: Let the women speak for themselves.
· "This place has made the difference between being crippled with arthritis and being able to enjoy life with all that offers. I tried at least 3 different gyms, and could never stay with them. I've been here for 10 years now. It has made all the difference! The support and camaraderie of this particular facility is essential to being able to stay with it "“ from the owner to all my fellow circuit sisters. Seeing these folks 3 times a week is a treat to look forward to!"
· "I used to have back problems. Since I've strengthened my core and I stand straighter, no more problems!"
· "Helped keep my health in one piece as I started when I was diagnosed with high blood pressure and type II diabetes "“ I'm still insulin free and 30 pounds lighter 11 years later! It's so friendly and I love the ladies."
· "After 8 years here, I have lost 30 pounds and made so many new friends. I always love being greeted by smiling faces and catching up with everyone. This is really a "˜home away from home' for me. I have more confidence, energy and happiness because of this place!"
· "My friend and I have enjoyed working out at your facility. We have liked it so much that we have joined twice! We began working out together some 15 years ago and during that time we have tried several workout locations, including fitness gyms. The gyms did not meet our needs, as we found ourselves doing less at the gyms. We would get lazy and bored, which led to doing less and less on the machines or not going at all. We made the move back to your place after trying one of the leading gyms in the area. At your facility we get the workout done and we do not get bored! We hope that "˜our' place continues to thrive."
· "This place is my one stop diet and health plan! I don't need to go one place to exercise and another to diet; I get them both here, as well as competent, compassionate coaching. I've lost almost 15 pounds in the last several months and I feel so much more energy and motivation. Why do I love this place? Beyond the practical "“ easy access and parking, it's the camaraderie and support that I've never experienced at any other "˜gym.' The women here have become friends. It's actually fun to work out and share stories and ideas. It really is an amazing place!"
· "This location is perfect! A library branch, an independent book seller, re-sale shops and a grocery! Even my hair dresser is here!"
· "I absolutely love the half hour workout "“ easy in and out. The women are amazing here. You feel welcomed and a part as soon as you walk in the door."
· "The warm support of my "˜Circuit Sisters'!"
· "I really like the program here "“ exercising with all women. I love the circuit. I can get a really good workout, but I don't have to think about what to do next."
· "This is a special place, very supportive, friendly and not competitive. There is a place for everyone here, from the younger ladies to our older role models."
· "I have been coming for 10+ years and love it! It keeps me on a semi-schedule. But the "˜girls' and Robin are so special "“ we have to keep it going!"
· "I didn't catch a single cold last winter because I was working out here!"
· "Nor did I catch a cold! This exercise is great for arthritis "“ keeps me going strong."
· "I love the stretching machine!! I feel great after using it "“ and look forward to it when I'm done with the circuit! I've made some great connections with the ladies here! We share ideas, our lives and laughter! This is the healthiest I've felt the last 6 years:working out here!"
· "During the 10 years I have been coming here, I have been able to maintain my weight, protect my bones, and build strong muscles. I am so much stronger! It is the amazing members and staff that provide a safe, supportive environment that allows women of all abilities to feel successful!"
· "All of the previous comments! "“ plus it's clean and doesn't have people sweating profusely "“ and people don't wear headphones for their workouts so there are actually conversations and connections. I like going where I'm greeted by name, there are flowers, no bad smells, you don't have to wipe down machines before touching them and people are smiling instead of glaring and grunting!"
· "This is the ultimate sisterhood network. Learn about great things while exercising (books, events, movies, vacations spots, etc.)."
· "I can come at any time "“ it really accommodates my busy schedule. Only 30 minutes out of my day and see my friends!"
· "This place is like a workout class that starts the minute I walk in!"
· "This is my community."
· "Not many things would get me up at 6 a.m. on a January morning. It's the 6 a.m. crowd that keeps me coming (and at the end of my workout, I can greet the 7 a.m. crowd as well)."
· "People miss you when you haven't been around for a while."
· "It feels like family."
· "It's a convenient location in a terrific mall."
· "It's not just exercise; it's also my social time."
· "If you have a question about anything, you will almost always find an answer from one of the amazing women in this club."
· "The trainers really get to know you well and support your success."
· "This club is always spic and span, and keeps the machines in top condition."
· "Nothing in my upbringing encouraged me to love exercise. This club did."
· "It's a great and effective workout that (unlike other gyms) doesn't leave me feeling exhausted or injured."
· "It's incredibly efficient "“ a complete workout in 30 minutes."
· "The all-woman atmosphere is welcoming and safe."
· "The exercise model encourages us to be consistent in our workouts "“ especially important for physical and emotional health during the winter doldrums."
· "The machines are easy to use."
· "The nutrition/exercise plan is evidence based "“ a complete package of diet, exercise, and coaching. We all have so many success stories to share!"
· "I suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder "“ this club is what gets me through the dark days of winter!"


Thank you from the bottom of my heart for considering a contribution of any amount to our club. I am so thankful for people like you!