​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.

​As of Saturday, April 3rd, we will once again be in the GREY-LOCKDOWN level of the provincial COVID-19 response framework for at least four weeks.  As a result, we will not be able to offer any of our in-person services (ie., fitness classes, training sessions, appointments, workshops, etc.) during this time.
 
We had already planned a studio closure for the Easter weekend, so the changes outlined below will take effect on Monday, April 5th.
 
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 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.
• 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, which is currently in progress, will continue to run until Friday, April 16th; however, the photo shoot will be postponed to a later date (hopefully).
• Advanced Weight Training – The final class for this workshop, scheduled for Friday, April 9th, will be postponed until a later date when we are able to reopen.
• Inspired by Colour Week – This event will be cancelled.
• Total Tabata Challenge – This online challenge will run, as scheduled, from April 19th to April 23rd.
• Learn To Run Clinic – This clinic is scheduled to start on Wednesday, May 5th.  We hope to be able to start this clinic without issue on this date.

 
We know this lockdown is necessary to stop the explosive growth of the variants of concern, and we fully support our government’s decision to implement the province-wide emergency brake.  These are challenging times, and we will continue to do our best to keep you strong, fit and healthy!

​As of February 16th, Huron Perth Public Health region will be in the ORANGE-RESTRICT level of the provincial COVID-19 response framework.  This means that we will be able to reopen the studio to in-person fitness classes and training sessions.
 
We are thrilled to announce that Inspired by Fitness will reopen on Monday, February 22nd to all in-person fitness classes and training sessions.  We will use next week to undergo one last deep clean of the studio to prepare it all for your return on the 22nd.
 
Since we realize that our members require flexibility now more than ever, we have decided to offer our fitness classes in two ways upon reopening:  In-Studio and Virtual.  This hybrid model will accommodate the shift in mindset and behaviour this pandemic has presented, as well as offer a new level of convenience and flexibility some members may prefer.  And since the recent lockdown has pivoted the fitness landscape, our intention is to offer this model for the duration of the pandemic.
 
In-Studio
Are you chomping at the bit to get back to the studio for in-person classes?  Make sure to follow these 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.
• 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 our Free Three-Class Pass or with the Inspired ACCESS class pass), you let us know before you come so that you will be registered.  At this time, we will be only allowing drop-ins from Perth and Huron Counties.

 
Virtual
If you aren’t ready to come back to the studio just yet, we understand.  We are excited 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, in the training room 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.

 
It is important to recognize that public health information and provincial orders can change quickly, especially with the introduction of the “emergency brake system”.  We will do everything we can to update our operations as quickly as possible to accommodate these changes.  We remain committed to keeping our Inspired community safe while continuing to serve the physical and mental well-being of our members.  If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at info@inspiredbyfitness.ca. 

​On Saturday, January 16th, the Government of Ontario announced it is extending nearly all emergency orders under the Reopening Ontario Act (ROA) for an additional 30 days.  The orders under the ROA, which were set to expire on January 20th, have been extended until February 19th.
 
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.  It is our hope that we will be able to re-open the studio on Saturday, February 20th, pending the status of the lockdown.
 
Upcoming Workshops/Clinics

• Advanced Weight Training – This workshop was scheduled to start on Friday, February 19th.  Due to the lockdown extension, we will now plan to start this workshop on Friday, February 26th.  This will run for six weeks and end on Friday, April 9th (please note there will not be a class on Friday, April 2nd due to closure for Good Friday).
• Nordic Walking Clinic – This clinic is scheduled to start on Saturday, February 20th.  We hope to be able to start this clinic without issue on this date.

 
Thank you for your support throughout the highs and lows of the COVID-19 pandemic.  We look forward to reopening our doors to you as soon as it is safe to do so.