Yesterday started off in it’s usual Wednesday manor. Blogging, teaching class, walking bigred and then I got a phone call letting me know that my particular Bally Total Fitness club, where I teach my delicious SilverSneaker’s students, would be closing in May. It was particularly crazy that this call came from the owner of Tamarac Fitness Center, and not from Bally or anyone affiliated with that club. When I walked into the club to get ready to teach my classes, corporate was in the office, but still no one thought to reach out to me and confirm the rumor I had been told. When I marched into the office, I was less than my usual sweet self. Bottom line, my last class THERE is on Wednesday May 4th. While I was offered to bring my students (of course Bally does NOT want to lose them!) to another facility, was too far away.
Tamarac Fitness Center has offered to bring my students there. Before I was finished with my 2 classes, I also had a message from the manager of 24 Hour Fitness, right on my corner and I did have a lovely meeting with him (Charlie) later in the afternoon. Several of my students in the first class had gone over and told him about what was going on. I know that many of you that are reading this, this morning, are part of “my” group. I need you to know we WILL figure this out and my guess is that we will figure it out in time to meet on Monday the 9th, and not skip a single beat! That is my goal for all of us. For the immediate I am going to suggest you call Ron or Wendie at Tamarac Fitness Center ASAP and let them know you are interested in coming by and registering there. You can do the same at 24, ask for Charlie. You CAN take classes at both clubs should that be the way it pans out!!! I just hung up with Ron and this may be the best thing that has happened to US as a group because we may find ourselves with more options and more opportunities to be together. The phone number is 954-726-1070. The address is 7935 West McNab Road (just west of University on the north side of the street) Ron will be keeping track of how many are interested in class and we will proceed from there. There is NO harm in signing up and being proactive. You can do the same at 24, where they already have 2 SilverSneaker classes. I ASSURE YOU that it is fine to be registered at both clubs!!! I will explain more when I see you next week. If you have ANY questions, you can go to my “contact me” page and send me an email. I will get back to you ASAP.
Setbacks are a given in life. I absolutely loved when Charlotte, 92 years young, calmly said aloud, “when one door closes, another always opens.” I mean, you can hardly be upset hearing those words from her. Needless to say, that attitude is why she is plugging away at 92. She told me she was exhausted from spending the entire day before preparing for Passover. Many others, at the age, might suggest the children and grandchildren do the work, but not Charlotte. She is too excited as her new great-granddaughter will be coming, too!
After my second class, another student, Gary came back to tell me he, his wife Sydelle and some others had already gone over and talked to the manager at 24 Hour Fitness. Gary gave me his card and said “he already left you a message and he is anxious to meet with you.” Thanks to those that did go over and get the ball rolling there. You are all incredible and I can’t begin to tell you how much the message I got the manager, meant to me.
If you are reading this and JUST finding out the news, don’t panic! Change is never easy, but always good!
If you are a SilverSneakers student of mine, or a anywhere in the country, 65 and over, you can learn more about where YOU can take classes, by going to www.SilverSneakers.com or you can find the link right on my link page. If you are an instructor or trainer, you may want to check them out and find a class that you can teach. This is one of the most rewarding fitness programs I have had the honor of being a part of in my 30 year fitness career.
Gym people are happy people. Gym people are caring people. As Linda mentioned in class a a few weeks ago, gym people care enough about themselves, to care about others as well. I am grateful every day for the gift of being surrounded by caring, loving people who I call my family. A special thanks to Mitch for being my sounding board and taking care of me (all ways) and to Lesley for her (always) wonderful words.
Have a wonderful Vegan Feast Thursday. Take care of yourselves, each other and eat compassionately. What’s good for us, is good for the world at large.