Editor: I’m curious what research has been done by either the private or public sector regarding the impact of classes provided by Elevation Place.
I am one of the many who now take advantage of the great fitness classes provided during my lunch hour. I have never been asked whether or not I would go to a private gym if they stripped the majority of the classes that I participate in. I have never been asked whether I left a private gym to join Elevation Place now that they provide some of the same classes.
No, but the private sector told the town, “Look! Our bottom lines are lower than before, this is proof the fitness classes Elevation Place provides have taken away all our business.” I just don’t buy it.
I already have a membership at Elevation Place because I have a family. I take my kids to swim lessons, we climb on weekends as a family and I use the weight room when I can squeeze it in.
My wife uses the child minding room so she can join a class at lunch, her only chance in the week to exercise. We are both the fittest and healthiest we’ve been since we started our family, because it’s the only way can make fitness work in our lives. We did not leave a gym to join Elevation Place because it now offers what the gyms do. We take the classes because we already have memberships and it works for our family.
And try asking around, I have. There are lively discussions now on a daily basis before these classes start. I have not heard one person admit they would move over to a private gym if Elevation Place cut classes, only that they would go to less classes. I’m sure there are some out there who would go back, but they certainly aren’t the majority.
No, what is now happening is that Elevation Place has given in to the pressure of a few private businesses and are taking away the opportunity from the community to have easy access to a fitness community they otherwise would not be a part of.
I am disappointed with the town and Elevation Place for giving in to this pressure without any proper research. And for listening to the voices of a few as opposed to the voices of the community.
Joe Splane,
Canmore
