Fit to Print Volume 23 Issue 1: March 2014 | Page 16

Generations...
30 Y
ears of Growing Up at Fitness Incentive

O

ne of the greatest
discoveries we made in the
early days of Fitness
Incentive was that if were going to
succeed we would need to offer
free babysitting services. The young

mothers that were our potential
members couldn’t get to our classes
unless they had someone to watch the
kids. That someone became us - literally.
So we opened a very modest nursery; so
modest, in fact, that it was dubbed “the
closet” by the babysitters that worked in
it. Expansive it wasn’t, but it got the job
done. As we moved and grew the gym,
the nursery got a lot bigger and brighter,
with lots of windows overlooking the
main aerobic room. We had discovered
that it really helped reduce everyone’s
separation anxiety if the kids could
watch their moms and vice-versa. When
we moved to our present location, the
nursery got the royal treatment: big
undersea murals, tons of toys, movies,
books - the works! In fact, the nursery all
by itself was now bigger than the original
gym back on Grove Place!
Through the years we have been
extremely fortunate to have many
outstanding babysitters work in our
nursery. They have been, and continue to
be, kind, caring, loving people who treat
the children like their own. We entrusted
our own children to their care. Now,
years later, if you speak to anyone that
spent time growing up in the FI nursery
they’ll have wonderful memories of the
fun they had, the friends they made, and
a lingering affection for the babysitters
that took such good care of them. Many
have grown up to be members, parents
themselves now with children of their
own in the FI nursery. So we have
watched a generation grow up in those
rooms. And now they’re back with their
kids in tow and we get to watch a new
generation grow up at FI.
In keeping with our 30th anniversary
theme we asked a few people who spent
time growing up or taking care of those
growing up in the nursery to celebrate
their experiences and share some
memories with us. Thanks to all who
contributed.
Linda Bornholdt
It's almost 18 years ago that my girlfriend

16

Babysitters Extraordinaire:
Linda Bornholdt &
Danielle Tinirello

won a free membership to Fitness
Incentive and invited me as her guest.
I've been at Fitness ever since. It's an
amazing place…I became addicted.
Fitness Incentive is my second home! I
have tried other gyms but wasn't
happy with the day care. When I
joined Fitness Incentive, I felt very
comfortable leaving my children in the
nursery. My son used to cry, but thanks
to Lee I was able to work out without
worrying.
Through my time in the nursery, I have
met so many wonderful people, both
members and staff. It was through one
of the employees with whom I became
very friendly that I joined the FI staff
myself, working the Front Desk. When
they began looking for help in the
nursery, I started working there
instead of the desk. I love to watch
and be around children, so it was a
perfect position for me. I have been
working in the nursery for almost 18
years.
Seeing all the children, beginning
when they were infants and watching
as they grew and became adults, has
been so amazing. I remember playing
“House” and “Supermarket” with Cor's
daughter, Jourdie, and with Cathy's
children, Kelsey and Rae, and Eileen's
daughter Erin, and Liz's children.
There are so many more…I could go on
and on. Now they are all grown up and
some are members and work at FI.
Just look at Jourdan! In addition to
Spring 2014 FIT to Print

everything else she does, she has added
being an instructor and teaching classes.
It's wonderful when the children I've
watched over the years and who are now
older come in the nursery to visit with
me. It's a special feeling, knowing that
the gym is such a good place for parents
to regroup, have social contact,
exercise, feel good about themselves…all
without having to worry about leaving
their children in my care while they work
out. That level of trust is extremely
gratifying. Some members are so pleased
by the way their children respond to the
nursery that they very generously donate
new toys.
It pleases me to know that many parents
chose Fitness Incentive because of the
nursery and because of the availability of
childcare during peak hours.
Tami Beierle
I became member when in 1992, and
have had a Founders Membership for a
long time. The year following my joining
I began using the childcare services at
Fitness Incentive. Both JC Beierle and
Brandon Beierle started as infants and
stayed until they were too old to need a
nursery! While they were being minded, I
did a little bit of everything…classes,
free weights, cardio machines, and
personal training for a little while with
Iris (she was great!).
FI childcare was like no other. Back when
my children were young that nursery
would get packed, but never did I feel
like it was too crowded for my kids.
When my kids were there, Lee ran the
nursery along with Linda and Janet, both
of whom are who are still at FI. The
patience of these 3 women was
incredible. My kids loved going. The
hours were great…many more hours than
the gyms my friends from other towns
worked out in. In the afternoons, Laurie
Gilfedder's daughter worked in the
nursery. She was so great that I had her
babysit for me at home!
FI is a family. I felt it from the time I first
joined. Back then, I would come in and
do the 5:00 pm classes after work. I
especially remember meeting Karen,
who is now a yoga instructor at FI. I
would look forward to seeing her and to
our chats. I was so happy once I was able
to see her again in the mornings. Once I
had children I began coming in the
mornings, and I met so many friends with
whom I have remained friendly over the