Betty and Michael Motes, owners of Be Fit! Women's Fitness Club, is answering the questions for today’s Small Business Snapshot.
What is the primary purpose of your business? (Betty) To provide a safe, convenient and fun facility specializing in the exercise and fitness needs of women all ages.
What is your business background? (Michael) I have lived in the Rome area all of my life and love the community. I was co-owner of Advanced Communications for 21 years and chief engineer and part owner of WKCX-FM ( K-98) here in Rome. (Betty) I was born and raised in Birmingham, Ala. I moved to Coweta County in 1987, where I owned a gift shop and antique business. I moved to Rome in 2005, after meeting and later marrying Michael.
Why did you start this particular business? (Michael) I am, by training, a communications engineer, but after 30+ years in the profession I wanted a change. In February 2006, I had major back surgery and my surgeon told me that I would have to exercise daily. I told him jokingly the only way I would do that is if I owned a gym! Owning a fitness club was something Betty (who had back surgery in 1996) had wanted to do for months, so here we are! We both feel it is never too late to start living a healthier lifestyle. And that is what we teach our women at Be Fit! Exercise is so important in today’s busy lifestyles of fast food, missed meals and processed foods. We do not believe in diets, it is a lifestyle change. Our approach is eating healthier meals, proper portion sizes, (good nutrition) and exercise. Our members have received good results to a healthier lifestyle by following our plan.
What makes your business unique? (Michael) Be Fit! Women’s Fitness Club is designed to address a healthier lifestyle for all women. What sets us apart from most other “women’s facilities” is our Star Trac plate-loaded circuit equipment and Needak re-bounders. (Betty) I worked in another “women’s club” for a short period of time, however it was long enough for me to realize the drawbacks from standard hydraulic equipment vs. plate loaded. Our equipment is completely adjustable for each and ever woman. The use of plate-loaded adjustable equipment eliminates the “plateau” many women reach when using hydraulic equipment.
What do you enjoy most about your chosen profession? (Michael) The most enjoyable part of our job is knowing we help women from all walks of life and all ages (sour youngest member is 15 years old and our oldest will be 90 years old in September) learn to live healthier and longer lives.
What has been the biggest or most interesting challenge to overcome as a small business owner? (Betty) The most interesting challenge was when we opened our doors with 117 women on a waiting list to become members. My thought was what do we do if they all show up on the first day! We signed our 100th member on day nine! It was an awesome feeling to be part of so many women’s desire to get active and live healthier. Helping others helps Michael and me stay on track! (Michael) Teaching women that exercise and good nutrition are important, but can be fun also. The most difficult decision a woman has to make is to walk through our front door for that first visit.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers? (Betty) In addition to our circuit workout, we offer group exercise classes every 30 minutes. We also offer eight-week “Weight Loss Challenge” classes that include nutrition and workouts. During the first WLC of 2008, our first place winner lost 22.2 lbs. and 25.5 inches. Now that is results!! We would like to invite all women to come by for a personal tour of our club and to receive a FREE WEEK pass. (Michael) The American lifestyles today have created an obesity epidemic. As a result, we are now faced with increased health risk and cost. That is why we decided to join IHRSA and become involved in their “GET ACTIVE AMERICA” campaign during May. For more information anyone can call our club at 706-234-9889 or visit www.getactiveamerica.com
THE FACTS:
Business name: Be Fit! Women's Fitness Club Business age: 14 months Owners: Betty and Michael Motes Location: 3874 Martha Berry Highway, in Armuchee Piggly Wiggly Shopping Center Telephone: 706-234-9889 Fax: 877-830-7232 Employees: four Web site: www.womenbefit.com Hours: Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m..; Friday, 7:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m.; and Satur-day, 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
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