Studio 83 bringing the gym environment into clients’ homes through the power of social media

The grip of isolation continues to squeeze local businesses especially those that offered services that required close contact. Studio 83 was forced to close on March 17 after the provincial government forced the closure of non-essential businesses. The gym has been open for nearly two and a half years and owner Candice Zemp said, financial hardships aside, the hardest part about being closed is missing her clients. “We all have become so close and all have so much planned for the future. This has been really hard to be apart and paused from what we love.”

Health and wellness has been a big part of Zemp’s life, and getting to open her own business and provide a different level of physical fitness to local clientele was a dream come true. “Fitness changed my life in so many positive and different ways and I love sharing that with other people. I was a personal trainer for years in Whitecourt. When an opportunity presented itself, I dove in headfirst to open the studio.”

Building a relationship with those who frequent the gym is essential to growth so not being able to have that has been difficult. “We know everyone’s first name and we know their goals. We do every single workout with them. We literally meet you at the front door and walk you through your workout from start to finish. Then, we give you a cold peppermint towel and a high five. It’s personal,” she explained.

While she awaits a re-open date, Zemp has changed things up and taken her positive, uplifting, and hard-hitting workouts online. If her clients could no longer come to her, she would bring the workouts to them. “We have a members-only Facebook page to continue working out with us from home, daily. In a time when overall health and physical health are at risk, the best thing we can do is stay connected and stay active. The positivity, inspiration, and fun workouts are helping keep everyone a little saner!”

When the studio was open, Zemp employed six people. The isolation measures have forced her to lay off some staff. “Doesn’t matter if the studio doors are open or not, I still have huge bills to pay. Everything that is being offered so far to small businesses doesn’t apply to most small businesses or really help them so far, in my opinion. It’s a nightmare.” The switch to online workouts has helped. “I’m very proud of our members. We closed March 17 and by March 18 we had lent out and swapped some equipment out, so people were set up at home and we had our first workout posted. Everyone has handled it very well.”

Zemp said she will never be able to thank her members enough for the outpouring of love and support they have given her through this time. Going forward, she said she is focused on helping people reach their true potential. “I want to make people realize what they are capable of. We as humans deserve to be healthy and feel good. In just 30 minutes a day we are changing lives and I just want to continue doing that until I’m 109, God-willing.”

Just like most of the community, Zemp is isolating. She said reaching out to friends and finding new hobbies is important. “I’m learning how to crochet over Facetime, and I have done more puzzles than I can count.” The normally “go-go-go, up at 4 a.m.-every day kind of girl” is focusing on the positives and putting the extra time to good use. “On days when you feel down, do a good deed for a friend, family member, or random stranger and spread some love! Making someone smile always picks me up out of a slump.” To join the large group of individuals working out together through the member-only Facebook page, visit the main Studio 83 page and send a message. “We have dozens of families that are working out together. It’s really nice to see, and it melts my heart