Patti is in the business of changing and improving people’s lives, longevity, boosting confidence, providing a sense of community and belonging, educating on health and transforming their view of what fitness is – overall improving quality of life, she said.
As COVID lockdowns were lifting, she knew people would be excited to get back in the gym. “We couldn’t fulfill that demand in our current space – so I researched for Oxford County business loans and found Community Futures Oxford.”
Since opening in November 2016, there have been challenges. “As an industry, we are selling something people don’t really want, a small percentage of people go to the gym routinely,” she said. “There’s delayed gratification and it requires mental, physical and emotional investment.” She said people tend to quit before they should, some view a gym as a luxury and fitness tends to fall to the bottom of the budget.
However, it is rewarding to see a family has formed and a sense of community with members that have been coming since The Ripped Club opened. “Seeing results and changes people have made in their lives like the confidence to make changes or go for new job is wonderful. I am also a functional nutritionist and clients’ blood work shows results, seeing tangible proof that what we are doing makes a real difference. People comment that it positively impacts their mental health the most!”
Patti would like Oxford County to know that she is qualified to educate on proper training, chronic disease and nutrition. She has been coaching and training athletes for over 30 years with certifications and credentials in training modalities and board certification for nutrition. “I own a gym because it allows me access to people who need more than just a gym membership, and I work alongside their other health practitioners. I’m not in it just because it’ll be fun to open a gym,” she said. “If you are serious about progress, changing your life and health, we are your gym – all of my coaches have degrees, certifications and licenses.”
