Why we’re moving : A new chapter for Forever Fit Method
- RT Drake
- Apr 8
- 7 min read
These last 6 weeks have been one of the biggest tests in my life. I have gone from extreme highs of excitement, to extreme lows of depression.
The quick change for the gym and this separation from VSP has been front and center for me and it has impacted many members. It literally feels like a divorce in which kids are picking which parent to stay with. It’s heart wrenching, truthfully.
Change however can happen quickly. I think back most recently to the loss of my dad. I was certainly not prepared to lose him and never be able to talk about the Giants or golf again.
Yet change is the constant that we all know is true. Change happens, whether we like it or not.
This change for our gym community pulls at my heart and it’s certainly not been easy and not something that I was prepared for.
However I can tell you that I am super excited about this next chapter for Forever Fit Method. It is so important to me that all of you feel that sense of community, that sense of belonging to a space outside of your home and work.
Today I wanted to be as transparent as I can be about everything, and ultimately show you why this next chapter will be even better than the past.
A trip down memory lane…
It was March of 2020 and we got wind that gyms were being forced to shutdown and stop operating due to the spread of this virus. Every sector of life felt this change, but particularly gyms were one of the first facilities to be forced to close. March 13th, I remember the date.
What an unknown and scary time for any business, as well as for all the people who we helped get fit every single day.
However in the background of the craziness, I was being groomed to take over the gym. COVID did not help this at all as it put us out of work for about 8 weeks.
Then when we were back, members were skeptical, scared, and the unknown of life was at front and center.
From the business perspective, we lost a ton of members who figured out alternative ways to exercise during the gym closings.
Many of those never returned to us.
Still though, I knew that the path forward was for me to take ownership over this thing.
Timing is everything and this was a difficult time to start taking on more responsibilities with an industry that lost a ton of people at home, virtual training.
When I finally took over completely in July of 2022, I had the goal of bringing the community back together, to growing the community and providing the best fitness experience possible.
Pair that with a 5 month old baby and I had my hands full!
I started with 3 trainers on staff (Me, Anthony, and Mafer). I knew that I needed to expand the staff and find trainers who were passionate about helping others achieve fitness.
Some trainers since that time have come and gone, but I’m very proud of the fact that I was able to grow 5 more trainers, helping them hit their goals in what they wanted to do with the fitness industry.
I’ve grown the gym 50% over the 2.5 years since July of 2022 - again something that I’m proud of especially coming from where we started!
Needless to say, it’s been a journey getting out of COVID times, growing trainers and clients into a gym that felt like it had a ton of life and energy in it!
I’m so thankful for every single one of you who have come and trained here (both clients and trainers).
The support is unrivaled and reminds me of the awesome community of people we have here. So then, why are we moving down the road and not to Greenlawn?
The pivot
In early March, as we were preparing for the move to Greenlawn, some unexpected business decisions were being made.
Expectations for 2 businesses working together in a huge space, with new expenses was not as clear as it should have been months prior.
Definitely a learning experience for all involved as we had thought we were on the same page when in fact we were not. We had some issues with the ownership structures that were in place from when FFM took over the gym which complicated this move even more.
No doubt that there were many sleepless nights, no appetite and the fear of deciding to go out totally on my own. Knowing the ripple effect this would have on our community kept me up at night.
Ultimately the best way for me to continue to serve the community of clients and trainers that I had grown for the past 2.5 years was to find a new location on my own, separate from VSP.
FFM never needed a bigger space to operate, we just needed the ability to operate in the afternoon. So what can I do to figure out, on short notice, a place to go?
Things fall into place
It took me 3 days to find a new space and I need to thank Jeremy and his connection with his old landlord down the road.
Jeremy operated this facility for 7 years in the location we will be headed. When I contacted the landlord and he said that the space was open to rent and that we could go see it the following day…things were starting to fall into place.
The cherry on this cake is the fact that this space is just 3 minutes down the road. I’ve had many conversations about the Greenlawn location being possibly too far…lucky enough I was able to find a place close to home!
This space is perfect for what we do. The layout is one big rectangle providing a great opportunity to maximize training floor space.
There is a ton of parking both on the side of the building and in front of it. It’s not a heavily foot trafficked area so the parking is always open.
The bathrooms are brand new with showers already in there and ready to go. The space itself was remodeled by Jeremy so having something that was more closely to move in ready, was a godsend.
Also, this space has much lower overhead. This creates a sustainable future and allows me to put back into the community with offers that I wouldn’t have been able to do in Greenlawn or even in our current space.
So for all of this to fall into place a few days after realizing that staying with VSP wasn’t going to work - things happen for a reason.
What’s staying the same?
A serious amount of changes…but what is staying the same?
I want to start by saying that your regularly scheduled classes, semi private, and 1on1 sessions will continue! We will solidify the schedule during the soft opening in May because we will be working towards adding afternoon programming!
We are still Forever Fit Method. Our coaching, community and energy all remain the same. I’ve been here for a long time so creating an atmosphere that is welcoming, non-judgemental, supportive, and caring will come down from the top.
It’s something that makes our gym different - it’s the genuine care and respect that our coaches have for our members.
Equally important is the quality of the coaching…we get results. Straight up, you know you’ll continue to get the results you have already because nothing is changing in our service. (If anything, you’ll be getting more for your memberships…more to come about that!)
It’s always been a priority for me as the owner to connect with every single person that walks in this door.
At the end of the day your progress, results and overall health is my top priority. It’s always been - I know how impactful good health is for our lives. We get to live the way we want…move without pain (or at least, not too much!), travel with no fear of your body failing you, play with grandkids without feeling immobilized, age gracefully, and be a role model for your family.
None of that will change - the commitment to your health remains as strong as ever!
What’s coming next?
I will continue to give more updates as we go, but as of now…
New equipment, fresh environment with brand new flooring, brand new bathrooms
Soft opening May 1st (for all current members, this will be day 1 in the new space!)
More personalized space throughout the entire day! (no more sharing space with all the kiddos)
More community events, and seminars (With the ability to control the space, I can run many more seminars and events without impeding on VSP)
The grand opening will be in June where we will have a big event! (more details to come for this)
Founders club 2.0 - for those who are coming with me down the road, you’ll get some goodies for your loyalty and support!
Thank you
This is such an emotionally charged time and I truly appreciate each and every one of you. Whether you are coming down the road with me, or heading over to Greenlawn with VSP…I can’t thank you enough for all the support you’ve given me.
It has been a pleasure (if not very stressful at times) doing something that I absolutely love to do : help others improve their health and their lives.
I really am looking forward to this next chapter and can’t wait to get into the new space!
Just do you know, our new address will be 2090 Jericho Turnpike East Northport 11731!
Please reach out if you have questions or comments. I’ll be updating you with pictures of the space soon, and at the end of the month I want to invite you over to check out the space before we officially open!
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