MN Fitness 247 is open in Dassel , Cokato , Howard Lake
JACOB WANDERSEE
Staff Writer
After 13 years of experience within the industry , Alyssa Bergemann has taken the jump to owning her own business . Her goal has been realized as MN Fitness 247 .
Bergemann and her co-owner , Travis Rawlins , graduates from Dassel-Cokato High School in 2008 , are now operating fitness facilities in Dassel , Cokato , and Howard Lake , a goal that Bergemann has had for a long time .
“ I worked for the previous owners / clubs for the last 13 years ,” Bergemann stated . “ And my goal was to one day own a couple of the locations , and that day came sooner than later .”
The opportunity presented itself earlier this year and Bergemann dove right in .
“ We didn ’ t want to stay in a franchise , as we wanted to be more of your hometown gym . Switching the business to our own business would help achieve that ,” Bergemann explained .
That was exactly what she did – and did so quickly . In a short matter of time , they were able to purchase the business and the equipment in the clubs , and get to work starting their own brand .
The sites were formerly Snap Fitness-owned , so they went to work immediately painting the walls and changing over the branding to the newly-formed MN Fitness 247 .
Hurdles to opening
According to the restrictions of Governor Tim Walz , fitness centers were able to open June 10 , and MN Fitness 247 was able to be prepared and make that happen .
“ When we opened , we weren ’ t 24 / 7 , as the door systems took a little longer to receive and install due to CO- VID-19 . It took about two weeks to get them all running fully 24 / 7 .”
COVID-19 wasn ’ t the only hurdle in starting fresh . Converting the gyms to a different business meant starting over with memberships . The summer months are slower than the winter , mostly due to people exercising outside , so it has been a process building up a membership base .
As far as precautions , there are plenty being taken due to the pandemic . There is additional cleaning and disinfecting throughout the clubs , and they are making sure that members are following the rules cleaning their equipment . As with all other businesses at this time , they are asking everyone to keep their distance from other members , and to not come in if they aren ’ t feeling well .
“ Most members just stick to themselves in order to get in , get their workout done , and get out right now ,” Bergemann noted .
Starting to workout again
COVID-19 has also had a noticeable impact on those of us who maybe skipped their workouts over the summer and are just now returning to try to catch up .
“ About 90 percent of the members who have come back so far have realized that they didn ’ t do a whole lot while we were shut down . They ’ ve had to start back at lesser weight , and they are sore for longer . It is the most common thing I hear ,” Bergemann said with a chuckle .
However , there have also been plenty of members who have stayed on track during quarantine and have been hitting the goals they have set for themselves .
“ No matter what your situation is , it is simply good to be back in the gym ,” Bergemann explained .
Options for seniors
It is also good for older adults to aim to be as active as possible , as exercise can help you live a longer , happier , and healthier life .
Attending a gym regularly can help improve strength , improve balance , raise energy levels , improve your mood , and even help your cognitive function .
To help reach seniors , MN Fitness 247 has partnered with Silver Sneakers and Silver & Fit programs , where seniors might be able to enroll in the gym for free .
If that option is unavailable , seniors can still join for free classes at the Cokato location , such as Stretch & Flex , where you can work on balance , fall prevention , and loosening up joints , as well as Active & Fit , where you can work more with weights to strengthen your muscles and joints .
Exercise is an important part of everyone ’ s everyday health . This is true for older adults , as well . Seniors should aim to be as active as possible , exercise can help you live a longer , healthier life .
There are many benefits to exercising when you ’ re a senior , including :
• improving your strength , which helps you stay independent ;
• improving your balance ; which prevents falls ;
• giving you more energy ;
• preventing or delaying diseases ;
• improving your mood and fighting off depression ( especially during the Minnesota winters ); and
• improving your cognitive function .
Special events
Whether you are a first-timer or a regular , there are plenty of options of which the community can take advantage . There are classes on the schedule , with more coming in the fall .
If you want to see what it is about , you can check out their open houses : in Cokato , Friday , Sept . 18 ; and in Dassel and Howard Lake Saturday , Sept . 19 .
Details for these events along with membership information can be found on its website at mnfitness247 . com .
The end goal of working at the gym for 13 years was to own her own business . Bergemann is thankful to have the chance to carve her own path .
“ It ’ s been amazing , over the years , watching people transform , and helping them along their lifestyle changes . Now , we get to continue to help everyone in these communities achieve their goals ,” she added .
Alyssa Bergemann and Travis Rawlins started their own fitness business , MN Fitness 247 , with locations in Cokato , Dassel , and Howard-Lake .
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Open houses
MN Fitness 247 will be hosting open houses at all three locations :
Cokato – 201 Broadway Ave . S .; Friday , Sept . 18 from 9 a . m . to 1 p . m .
Dassel – 631 Parker Ave . W .; Saturday , Sept . 19 from 8 a . m . to 1 p . m .
Howard Lake – 613 8th Ave .; Saturday , Sept . 19 from 8 a . m . to 1 p . m .
Located in the friendly river city of Watertown
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SeniorConnectionsHJ . COM Senior Connections Sept / Oct 2020
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