​We are very happy and excited to announce our re-opening on Monday, January 31st in accordance with the latest government announcement.  (Please note the studio will remain closed for the remainder of this week and all of next week with online services only.)  We look forward to welcoming you back to in-person services at the studio starting on the 31st!
 
Keeping you safe and healthy is our number one priority.  After all, as members, you come to Inspired by Fitness to maintain and improve your physical and mental well-being in a safe, healthy and supportive environment.  That’s why we will continue to follow government advice and carry out our enhanced safety measures.  Everyone has a part to play in keeping our studio safe, and we are asking our members to continue to be vigilant.
 
CONTINUATION OF HYBRID MODEL FOR FITNESS CLASSES
Whether you decide to come back to the studio or prefer working out at home for now, we understand.  We will continue with our hybrid model offering our fitness classes both In-Studio and Virtual (online participation alongside in-person instruction).
 
In-Studio
Do you desire the sense of community and team that in-studio group fitness classes offer?  Make sure to follow the guidelines below.  In-studio classes are available to members and pass holders.

• Signing up for in-studio classes via WellnessLiving is mandatory.  Class size will be limited to 8-9 in-person participants per class; therefore, it is imperative that you sign-up for your desired classes on WellnessLiving at least one hour before the start of class – this will give our team the time to set up classes properly.  If you do not sign up for a class and the class is full with registered participants, you will not be able to participate in-person; however, you will still be able to join virtually.
• Cancel in-studio classes if you cannot make it via WellnessLiving.  To allow as many members as possible to attend a class in-studio, we will be strictly enforcing our cancellation policy – you must cancel your class two hours prior to the beginning of class; otherwise, you will be charged a $10.00 fee.
• Drop-ins will be limited.  We love to welcome new participants to the studio; however, we ask that if you are planning to drop into a class (ie., with the Inspired ACCESS class pass), you let us know before you come so that you will be registered.

 
Virtual
Do you favour the convenience and perceived safety of a virtual offering?  We are pleased to continue to offer our amazing fitness classes virtually.  Virtual classes are available only to members.

• Our full fitness class schedule will be offered virtually through our private, members-only Facebook group (by following the exact format that was presented during lockdown).
• Daily reminders for the class schedule will be posted on our public Inspired by Fitness Facebook page, so make sure to follow our page to stay up-to-date.
• If you are joining virtually, you do not need to sign up on WellnessLiving.  Just join us live at the scheduled date/time for your favourite fitness class.
• All classes will be archived for one week, with the exception of Zumba, Spin and Bounce.

 
PROOF OF VACCINATION REQUIRED
Inspired members will need to be fully vaccinated (two doses plus 14 days) and provide proof of vaccination along with photo ID (ie., driver’s license, health card or passport) to participate in in-person fitness classes and training sessions at the studio.
 

• We kindly ask that you bring your proof of vaccination and photo ID every time you come to the studio.  Inspired staff will visually verify the documents before entry into the studio and will add you to a manual tracking system.  While you will not have to show your proof of vaccination and photo ID after you have been added to our manual tracking system, we feel it is important for everyone entering the studio to always have this information readily available in the event of by-law enforcement. 
• Please note individuals who cannot receive the vaccine due to medical exemptions will be permitted entry with a doctor’s note and photo ID until recognized medical exemptions can be integrated as part of a digital vaccine certificate.  This information will be added to our manual tracking system; however, your doctor’s note and photo ID would need to be brought every time you come to the studio.
• Please also note that proof of a negative COVID-19 test or a recent infection will not replace the vaccine certificates.

 
OUR ENHANCED SAFETY MEASURES
We are continuously reviewing government guidance and want to ensure your experience at the studio is safe and positive; therefore, we will continue to strictly follow these measures:
 

• Sanitized equipment and surfaces.  In all areas, our team will continue to ensure equipment and surfaces are sanitized to our heightened deep cleaning and disinfecting standards.
• Face coverings.  Masks are required while in common areas of the building and studio.  This includes building and studio entry/exit points, hallways, washroom, change room, office, classroom and training room (while classes/sessions are not running).  Temporary removal of masks and face coverings is permitted only while actively engaging in your fitness class or training session.  Amid the rapidly spreading Omicron variant, experts stress the use of N95 masks or cloth masks over 3-ply surgical masks (double masking).
• Physical distancing.  Our staff will work to get members into the studio, while maintaining physical distancing practices.  Members are asked to enter through the front door of the building and go through the hall to the back door of the studio for entry.  To help, ground markers will indicate a safe distance throughout the hall of the building where we will require all members to wait before their class starts.  The front door of the studio will remain closed and locked at all times and no entry through that door will be permitted.
• Limit on class sizes.  We are following guidance on maximum capacity for our studio space, so our fitness classes will remain smaller in size.  It is important that you register for in-person classes on WellnessLiving to ensure your space in class.
• Assigned workout spaces during classes.  We have marked our classroom floor with physically distanced squares and staff will direct you to your workout space.  We ask that you remain in your square before and during your class.  Equipment needed for the class will be placed in each square by staff.
• Clean your equipment and mats.  We would appreciate your continued help with wiping down your equipment/mats once you have used it.  You will find sanitizing spray and towels in your assigned workout space for you to use.
• Self-screening upon entry.  All members must self-screen before entering the studio.  Do not enter if: (1) you are experiencing symptoms (please review the sign in the building hallway or back door of the studio); or (2) you have travelled outside of Canada in the past 14 days; or (3) you have had close contact with a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19.
• Sanitize your hands.  Everyone entering the studio is required to sanitize their hands.  Hand sanitizer located at the back door of the studio and at various convenient locations throughout the studio.
• Check-in.  Please plan to arrive at least five minutes before your class begins.  We will not allow entry beyond the start of class.
• Personal items.  We highly suggest bringing only the necessities to class.  You will be allowed to store your items in the studio during your class; however, no personal items will be allowed to stay in the studio after you leave.  The coat hooks in the front hall of the studio will not be available for use.
• Emergency change room use only.  We strongly urge you to come to class ready for your workout.  Change room use will be permitted as long as physical distancing practices can be maintained.
• Late entries.  Once the studio door closes and class starts, we will not be able to let any members in.  Classes will always start promptly at the designated time.
• Staff hospitality and safety.  The Inspired Team is here to help, from a safe distance.  We have put a protocol in place that limits staff from closely interacting with members before, during and after class.  When absolutely necessary, staff will (safely) assist members with equipment requirements but will only do so wearing a mask.

 
TO OUR INSPIRED COMMUNITY
During these difficult times, we would like to take a moment to thank our Inspired community for your continued support.  The past two years have been challenging for all of us, and we could not have made it through without our members, clients and supportive staff.  You are at the heart of our small business, and for that, we thank you.  We are here for you because you have been here for us!

​In response to the Ontario government’s announcement today regarding an alarming increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations, Ontario will move back into a modified version of Step 2 of the Roadmap to Reopen effective Wednesday, January 5th at 12:01 am for at least 21 days (until January 26th).  This timeline is subject to trends in public health and health system indicators.
 
As a result, Inspired by Fitness will be CLOSED IMMEDIATELY to all in-studio services (ie., fitness classes, training sessions, appointments, workshops, etc.) during this time.  We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will advise when we will be able to resume in-studio operations as soon as we are able to.
 
Below are updates to our plans for the lockdown…
 
Fitness Classes to be Offered ONLINE

• Our current hybrid model for fitness classes will revert to online classes only.  Our full fitness class schedule will remain as scheduled, and these classes will be offered virtually through our private, members-only Facebook group.  Online classes are available only to members.
• Join us live at the scheduled date/time for your favourite fitness classes.  Since these classes will run online, there is no limit to the number of attendees, nor do you need to sign up on WellnessLiving.
• To view our class schedule, please follow this link.

 
Memberships/Passes

• Inspired Members – Your membership fees will continue as usual since our full class schedule will be available to you online.
• Inspired FRIEND Pass Holders – Unfortunately, we will not be able to have you join our online live classes; therefore, the expiry date on your current class pass will be extended until we are able to reopen.
• Inspired EXPRESS 10-Day Class Pass – If you are new to Inspired by Fitness and would like to join our fitness classes with our offer of $10 for 10 days, we would love to welcome you virtually during the lockdown.  Please visit this link for this offer.
• Please reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns.  And remember, you can always visit your WellnessLiving profile to check up on your account, past payment history, etc.

 
Personal/Group Training

• Our personal/group training clients will be given the option to work out with their trainer via online training.
• You will be contacted directly to set these appointments up with your trainer.

 
Upcoming Workshops/Programs/Clinics/Events

• Couch To Confident – This program is scheduled to start on Monday, January 24th.  If you have signed up as an Online Participant, you will not be impacted.  If you have signed up as an In-Studio Member or In-Studio Non-Member, your access to fitness classes will be virtual only until we are able to reopen (ie., Non-Members will be added to our private, members-only Facebook group).
• Perfect Your Form Challenge – This online challenge will run, as scheduled, from January 17th to January 21st.
• Advanced Weight Training – This workshop is scheduled to start on Friday, February 11th.  We hope to be able to start this workshop without issue on this date.
• Nordic Walking Clinic – This clinic is scheduled to start on Saturday, February 19th.  We hope to be able to start this clinic without issue on this date.

 
Amidst the confusion and frustration of returning to lockdown, a self-care plan can help you focus, make decisions and stay healthy.  We are here to support you, albeit virtually, to help you get through this challenging time.  Take good care and see you online!

​Finding the perfect present for a loved one isn't always easy, so why not choose a gift that keeps on giving? An Inspired by Fitness gift certificate is more than a stocking stuffer - it's a chance to work out together, to discover something new and maybe even to change a life by opening the door to health and wellness! Our wide range of offerings means that whether you are buying for a spouse, parent, sibling, fitness enthusiast or total beginner, they are sure to find something they love!

We are so excited to roll out our new class schedule beginning on Tuesday, January 4th.  Remember to sign up for all of your favourite fitness classes on WellnessLiving.

​Last week, the Ontario government announced a mandatory requirement for people to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of their vaccination status to access certain businesses and settings.  This approach focuses on higher-risk indoor public settings where face coverings cannot always be worn, and as such, Inspired by Fitness will be impacted.
 
As of Wednesday, September 22, 2021, Inspired members will need to be fully vaccinated (two doses plus 14 days) and provide proof of vaccination along with photo ID (ie., driver’s license, health card or passport) to participate in in-person fitness classes and training sessions at the studio.
 
We kindly ask that you bring your proof of vaccination and photo ID every time you come to the studio.  Inspired staff will visually verify the documents before entry into the studio and will add you to a manual tracking system.  While you will not have to show your proof of vaccination and photo ID after you have been added to our manual tracking system, we feel it is important for everyone entering the studio to always have this information readily available in the event of by-law enforcement.  The government will introduce an enhanced digital vaccine receipt and verification app later this Fall which will make this process easier and more convenient, while protecting your privacy.
 
If you need to obtain a copy of your proof of vaccination, please follow this link.
 
Please note individuals who cannot receive the vaccine due to medical exemptions will be permitted entry with a doctor’s note and photo ID until recognized medical exemptions can be integrated as part of a digital vaccine certificate.  This information will be added to our manual tracking system; however, your doctor’s note and photo ID would need to be brought every time you come to the studio.
 
Please also note that proof of a negative COVID-19 test or a recent infection will not replace the vaccine certificates.
 
If you are unable to join us at the studio for in-person classes, remember that you can always join us virtually.  All fitness classes are available to members through our private, members-only Facebook group.  This is a great way to stay in shape while keeping connected to our community.
 
We remain supportive of the government’s decisions and will always do what it takes to keep our members safe and healthy.  Thank you for your continued patience and support.

​Ready for your first time?  Give Inspired by Fitness a try with our Inspired EXPRESS class pass!  You’ll get 10 days of unlimited fitness classes, offered both in-studio and online, for only $10!  You’ll have access to over 25 fantastic fitness classes, offered both in-studio and virtual, led by our amazing team of certified fitness professionals.
 
Our fitness classes have your whole well-being in mind.  You can get stronger, boost your energy level and reduce stress in a great group atmosphere making fitness fun and enjoyable.  Choose from a wide variety of classes like explosive HIIT circuits, heart rate boosting cardio workouts and targeted strength classes, all designed for every experience level.  Our classes give you everything you need to feel your best and improve your level of fitness.
 
As Stratford’s favourite fitness studio, you’re going to love your time with us because at Inspired by Fitness you won’t be just another number.  When your 10 days are done, you can make a decision about joining us with one of our many membership options.  There’s never any pressure.
 

• You must have Facebook to gain access to our online community.
• Your Inspired EXPRESS pass begins on the day of purchase.
• Limited to one pass per person.
• Direct link to purchase the pass can be found here.

 
Come meet new friends and start working towards those goals with the Inspired EXPRESS class pass.  We look forward to meeting you and helping you get in the best shape of your life!

We were thrilled to learn that Ontario will move to Step 3 of the Roadmap to Reopen on July 16th.  This means that we will finally be able to reopen the studio to in-person fitness classes.
 
We are excited to announce that Inspired by Fitness will reopen on Monday, July 19th to all in-person fitness classes!
 
Upon reopening, we will continue with our hybrid model offering our fitness classes both In-Studio and Virtual.  Since the fitness industry has been transformed completely due to the pandemic, this hybrid model has proven to be extremely important to our diverse membership base.  Inspired by Fitness is proud of being an inclusive fitness studio that has continued to give new and current members an experience that will deliver results, especially during these challenging times.
 
In-Studio
Do you desire the sense of community and team that in-studio group fitness classes offer?  Make sure to follow the guidelines below.  In-studio classes are available to members and pass holders.

• Signing up for in-studio classes via WellnessLiving is mandatory.  Class size will be limited to 8-9 in-person participants per class; therefore, it is imperative that you sign-up for your desired classes on WellnessLiving at least one hour before the start of class – this will give our team the time to set up classes properly.  If you do not sign up for a class and the class is full with registered participants, you will not be able to participate in-person; however, you will still be able to join virtually.
• Cancel in-studio classes if you cannot make it via WellnessLiving.  To allow as many members as possible to attend a class in-studio, we will be strictly enforcing our cancellation policy – you must cancel your class two hours prior to the beginning of class; otherwise, you will be charged a $10.00 fee.
• Drop-ins will be limited.  We love to welcome new participants to the studio; however, we ask that if you are planning to drop into a class (ie., with the Inspired ACCESS class pass), you let us know before you come so that you will be registered.

 
Virtual
Do you favour the convenience and perceived safety of a virtual offering?  We are pleased to continue to offer our amazing fitness classes virtually.  Virtual classes are available only to members.

• Our full fitness class schedule will be offered virtually through our private, members-only Facebook group (by following the exact format that was presented during lockdown).
• Daily reminders for the class schedule will be posted on our public Inspired by Fitness Facebook page, so make sure to follow our page to stay up-to-date.
• If you are joining virtually, you do not need to sign up on WellnessLiving.  Just join us live at the scheduled date/time for your favourite fitness class.
• All classes will be archived for one week, with the exception of Zumba, Spin and Bounce.

 
Protecting the health of our staff and the wider Inspired community remains our top priority, and we are proud of the measures we have already put in place to ensure the safety of everyone who comes to the studio.  To support the safe return of staff and members to our studio, we will continue to strictly follow our safety measures.  These measures include:

• Sanitized equipment and surfaces.  In all areas, our team will continue to ensure equipment and surfaces are sanitized to our heightened deep cleaning and disinfecting standards.
• Face coverings.  Masks are required while in common areas of the building and studio.  This includes building and studio entry/exit points, hallways, washroom, change room, office, classroom and training room (while classes/sessions are not running).  Temporary removal of masks and face coverings is permitted only while actively engaging in your fitness class or training session.
• Physical distancing.  Our staff will work to get members into the studio, while maintaining physical distancing practices.  Members are asked to enter through the front door of the building and go through the hall to the back door of the studio for entry.  To help, ground markers will indicate a safe distance throughout the hall of the building where we will require all members to wait before their class starts.  The front door of the studio will remain closed and locked at all times and no entry through that door will be permitted.
• Assigned workout spaces during classes.  We have marked our classroom floor with physically distanced squares and staff will direct you to your workout space.  We ask that you remain in your square before and during your class.  Equipment needed for the class will be placed in each square by staff.
• Self-screening upon entry.  All members must self-screen before entering the studio.  Do not enter if: (1) you are experiencing symptoms (please review the sign in the building hallway or back door of the studio); or (2) you have travelled outside of Canada in the past 14 days; or (3) you have had close contact with a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19.
• Sanitize your hands.  Everyone entering the studio is required to sanitize their hands.  Hand sanitizer located at the back door of the studio and at various convenient locations throughout the studio.
• Check-in.  Please plan to arrive at least five minutes before your class begins.  We will not allow entry beyond the start of class.
• Personal items.  We highly suggest bringing only the necessities to class.  You will be allowed to store your items in the studio during your class; however, no personal items will be allowed to stay in the studio after you leave.  The coat hooks in the front hall of the studio will not be available for use.
• Emergency change room use only.  We strongly urge you to come to class ready for your workout.  Change room use will be permitted as long as physical distancing practices can be maintained.
• Late entries.  Once the studio door closes and class starts, we will not be able to let any members in.  Classes will always start promptly at the designated time.
• Staff hospitality and safety.  The Inspired Team is here to help, from a safe distance.  We have put a protocol in place that limits staff from closely interacting with members before, during and after class.  When absolutely necessary, staff will (safely) assist members with equipment requirements but will only do so wearing a mask.

 
Notice re: Class Changes

• Our last STRONG Nation class will run (virtually) on Wednesday, July 14th.  We plan to replace this time slot with another class in the very near future, so stay tuned for updates.
• Upon reopening, Spin will only be offered in-studio.  Due to some technical glitches, we feel this is the best way to offer this class going forward.  If you would like to continue taking this class virtually, please reach out to Julie C to make special arrangements.

 
We have sincerely appreciated the continued patience and support from our members as we navigated through another lockdown, and we can’t wait to welcome you safely back to the studio on July 19th.  Don’t forget to book your classes on WellnessLiving to secure a spot in class!

​We’ve had a few days to digest the news from the government last week regarding the province’s reopening plan and how it will continue to impact in-person fitness classes and training sessions at the studio.
 
Our immediate plan, in accordance with current provincial rules and public health measures under the province-wide emergency brake, is to stay the course with online fitness classes being offered via our private, members-only Facebook group and virtual personal/group training sessions.
 
With a focus on the health and safety of our members and staff shaping our decisions, we will not resume in-person fitness classes and training sessions until it is safe to do so.  Therefore, we have made the decision to remain online until Step 3 of the Roadmap to Reopen.  We anticipate that in-studio fitness classes and training sessions may resume on or around July 25th.
 
Thank you for your continued support and patience while we continue to adapt our operations to meet both the health needs of our members and the provincial rules and public health measures.

​Today’s announcement from the government has indicated that Ontario’s declaration of emergency and province-wide stay-at-home order will be extended once again until at least June 2nd.
 
We will continue to stay the course with online fitness classes being offered via our private, members-only Facebook group and virtual personal/group training sessions.  We will monitor the situation closely and will advise when we will be able to resume in-studio operations as soon as we are able to.
 
It’s been a long few months without our beloved in-studio classes!  We’ve missed your smiling faces, we’ve missed the camaraderie and we’ve missed the workouts.  We cannot wait to get back to the studio in-person again!  Thank you all so much for your continued support.

​Today’s announcement from the government has indicated that Ontario’s state of emergency and stay-at-home order will now be in effect until at least May 20th.
 
Considering this news, our operations will remain online with fitness classes being offered via our private, members-only Facebook group and virtual personal/group training sessions.  We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will advise when we will be able to resume in-studio operations as soon as we are able to.
 
Upcoming Workshops/Clinics

• Learn To Run Clinic – This clinic was scheduled to start on Wednesday, May 5th.  Due to the lockdown extension, this clinic will be cancelled.  Anyone who has already registered for the clinic will be notified for full reimbursement.
• Advanced Weight Training – This workshop was scheduled to start on Friday, May 21st.  Due to the possibility of the lockdown being extended even further, we have decided to proactively cancel this workshop.  Anyone who has already registered for the workshop will be notified for full reimbursement.

 
We are so pleased that Inspired by Fitness has persevered through these uncertain times.  Having to adapt to the times has created a new Inspired community, and we are so proud of our dedicated members who have stayed committed to taking online classes despite the challenges we’ve faced.  We know it hasn’t been easy, but we want you to take a moment to celebrate your efforts and accomplishments.  We will continue to safely support your health and wellness through online fitness until we can all be together again in the studio.