November 2nd, 2020 was the day the doors to Studio 217 opened, an F45 Training studio conveniently located on the second floor of the Charles J. Ping Recreation Center at Ohio University Well-Being & Recreation.
Since then, students at Ohio University have the opportunity to utilize this space as a place to focus on their mental, emotional, and physical health and wellbeing. We had a chance to speak with Anthony Gregory, Assistant Director of Campus Recreation, Well-Being & Fitness at Ohio University, to discuss why they chose F45 and what progress they have made since the studio opened.
F45 HQ: How did you first hear about F45? Why did you choose it over other fitness offerings?
Anthony: I first heard about F45 when I was interviewing for my position at Ohio University Well-Being & Recreation about 2 years ago. We selected to move forward with this fitness program due to its small group training, innovative technology, and the community that it had the potential to create at our Institution to promote physical activity and exercise.
F45 HQ: What is the thing that you are most surprised by?
Anthony:The program’s popularity among our college students. We knew that this program was going to be popular, but we had no idea that it would be as popular as it is. The demand is definitely there for us to continue growing our F45 program in a post-COVID world, and classes are filling up in a matter of minutes after registration opens.
F45 HQ: What’s the most inspiring member story you’ve witnessed so far?
Anthony: Witnessing the community that the F45 program has created among our student population. We’ve noticed students signing up for classes together so that they can work out alongside one another and support each other through what I would say is truly a TEAM Training program!
F45 HQ: How do your members impact your life, both in and out of the studio?
Anthony: Our students provide my work with a sense of purpose. If I know that we are able to deliver a quality program that enhances one’s ability to get in efficient workouts and physical activity with the demands of a full-time academic schedule at college, I am proud to be a part of that for sure!
F45 HQ: How has F45 been life-changing for you?
Anthony: It has changed my view on what fitness has the potential to be. I am fascinated with the technology that F45 uses, and I am super excited for the future of this industry to see what F45 will look like 5 years from now!.
F45 HQ: What is your favorite part of F45 and why?
Anthony: The number of unique workouts that are available through this program and how no program is the same! The students love the branded workouts and the fact that they are able to do the exact same workout as all of the other F45’ers across the globe who are participating at studios located elsewhere.
F45 HQ: How did you pivot and adapt your offerings/mindset during 2020? What was the hardest part and how did you overcome it? What did you learn?
Anthony: We implemented socially-distanced work stations, which were taped boxes in our studio and were spaced at least 6 feet apart. We also capped our classes at 9 participants to ensure we were following our university’s gathering limit of 10 or less students for any of our in-person activities, and provided students with towels, hand sanitizer, and wipes to ensure cleanliness of the equipment and proper sanitation.
F45 HQ: How does the rest of 2021 look for your studio? What are you most looking forward to? How will you continue to deliver the same amazing F45 workout your members know and love?
Anthony: The rest of 2021 looks very promising! I am hopeful that we get to a point where we are able to safely increase the number of participants in our classes so that we can continue to serve our university’s community. We will continue implementing safe practices and procedures to mitigate health risks.
F45 HQ: What is a piece of advice you would have for someone hoping to open their first F45 studio?
Anthony: Get ready for the ride! It’s a ton of fun, but at the same time, it is a lot of work. Ensure that you have a vision for how you want to structure your program’s offerings, registration, and pricing structure before you move forward with opening your studio. This will help set you up for success in the long term!
If you and your institution are interested in learning more about how you can install your very own F45 Training studio on your campus, please reach out to us today by emailing our Vice President of College Sales at [email protected]. We would be honored to work with you to deliver high-quality workouts to your students!
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