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Thrive asks for your help

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While this feels vulnerable and has taken me months to work up the courage to do, I am asking the community for help. Thrive is a small, independent, women-owned fitness studio in Davis, Ca. In July 2019, we took a leap of faith and moved Thrive from a room inside Get Fit Davis Sport to a brand-new building at the corner of Covell and Lake Blvds. It was an exciting time, full of optimism and love for what we do to help women of all ages and abilities achieve their fitness and wellness goals.

Little did we know that a global pandemic would strike just six months later and destroy even the most well-thought-out plans. Between 2020-2021, COVID wreaked havoc on Thrive and many other businesses, especially those in the fitness and service industries. Our studio was ordered to shut down all indoor instruction and classes - our main revenue stream - for over nine months. We were then allowed outdoor-only options and 10% maximum capacity indoors. When restrictions did lift, indoor masking, capacity limits, the HVAC/filter and sanitization requirements made it challenging to operate. Because of fear, many members were not comfortable returning to indoor exercise. We carried on, however, dedicated to serving our clients.

Our small team of instructors did our best to stay positive and focus on what we could do. We spent sleepless nights brainstorming new and safe ways to operate and pivoted to virtual classes, personal training for men, women, and youth, and outdoor classes once they were allowed. This helped ease the financial strain but was not enough. We lost over 50 percent of our members and were drowning in bills, so we sought out and applied for every kind of state and federal assistance available.

Fast-forward four years and Thrive survived…sort of. We were resilient but saddled with new debt. In 2019, there were over 40,000 fitness facilities in the US. By the end of 2021, fewer than 50% survived without federal support. Ultimately, we are open today because (1) we received federal support; (2) we kept our word and honored our lease agreement; and (3) we had an amazing group of core clients who never left our side. What does this mean? It means (1) we have a federal loan to pay back totaling $28,000; (2) we used this money to help pay our staff, as well as our rent, so that we would not break our lease agreement or lose our instructors; and (3) we continued to fulfill our purpose of helping our clients stay sane and fit despite a terrible time in our world.

Thrive has been trying to pay off the federal debt for the last two years. We have the income to pay our current operating expenses, but not enough to retire the federal loan. It accrues daily interest and contributes to our anxiety.

From our very first Thrive workout nine years ago, our number one goal remains the same: to be a valued part of the local community where individuals feel safe, supported, welcomed, and cared for as they experience both physical and mental growth. Our fitness studio operates differently than a big box gym. We offer small group classes and personal training with the highest quality instructors and guaranteed results. We know everyone by name, their goals and aspirations, and help them achieve them through individualized instruction and guidance. Our personalized and small group atmosphere is what makes Thrive unique. Additionally, in 2023 we launched strength training just for girls in our community and increasingly served more individuals age 40+ to help them move well, feel well, and age well. Whether it’s helping someone build strength to get up and down off the floor, keep up with their children and grandchildren, or compete at a higher level of athletic play, we plan to continue serving our community in 2024 and for years to come. To do this we need your support.

You can help us by:

1. If you are looking for a fitness home, give Thrive a try. We offer small group classes, personal training, virtual classes, and more. Check out our New Client Special here.

2. Please donate to this GoFundMe appeal.

Thank you so much for your support,
Amy Spence
Thrive Owner & Trainer
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Donations 

  • Lyle Najita
    • $50
    • 1 yr
  • Shirley Gunn
    • $500
    • 1 yr
  • Anonymous
    • $376
    • 1 yr
  • Anonymous
    • $50
    • 1 yr
  • Amanda Guyer
    • $50
    • 1 yr
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Organizer

Amy Spence
Organizer
Davis, CA

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