Deanna Earle and David Lundrigan are the entrepreneurs behind a new fitness club coming to Millbrook they are calling Millbrook Fit. They are taking over the location vacated by the cannabis shop where they will offer fitness memberships, personal training, group classes and fitness support which they hope will make people feel stronger, inside and out.
Deanna is new to the business world but well known in the community having grown up here. In her day job she is an elementary school teacher, and she also has a side gig singing in bars and wineries in the area. David has been in the area for many years and is a joint owner/operator of a fitness club in Toronto and he is bringing the model that has worked well to the new location in town.
The vision is for a spa-like setting where residents can build their strength and fitness in a supportive and focused environment. The 1,000 square foot facility will soon have a shower and washroom for members, who will have access to the facility 24/7 with a FOB.
For a bi-weekly fee, members will have access to weekly classes, and several personal training sessions provided by David who is a trained expert. There is no long-term commitment or sign-up fees. There will be free weights, tension bands and treadmills, but no clanging universals or heavy barbells. At the moment they plan to have 4 weekly fitness classes, and are looking into hosting yoga, HIIT and “mommy and me” toddler programs as well. With six teen/tween children between them, Deanna and David are planning to incorporate programs that will appeal to local youth, who will benefit from a lower membership fee. They are looking ahead to this summer when they plan to introduce activities and events that will attract young people to embrace an active lifestyle and get involved in the community.
So far the response on social media to their business plan has been overwhelming, so the pair is pretty confident they are on to something that will success in this market. They have also connected with local health professionals at Cavan Chiropractic and Otonabee Massage Clinic with whom they plan to share referrals. The community connection they plan to develop is broader than just building mutual business relationships. The pair plan to host community events that bring the community together for local and health-related causes. A Breast Cancer fundraising event held at David’s Toronto location last spring showed them the power of community in support of a worthy cause.
There is still much work to be done but they are eager to get started. The Millbrook Fit is scheduled to open mid-May. To learn more, visit their websitewww.memberships.millbrookfit.com.