Hello friends –
Week two is almost in the books and it was so awesome seeing so many of you over the past two weeks. The energy has been off the charts in Kickboxing, one hour felt like 5 minutes, and I already lost 5 lbs of sweat! Ha! I hadn’t seen many of you for years and I really missed everyone more than you know. Our family is coming back together and it feels so good.
Many of you from the BAC have asked me what happened and why I made the decision. I want you to know it was an extremely difficult decision because I love you all so very much. But a couple things happened that made my decision clearer for me over the past few months. There were several reasons and pieces to the puzzle that I won’t go into but I do want to say a few things and I apologize for the length of this.
First – I know it was a shock to many – and it has been 4 weeks now of upset/tears from many of you and trust me – me too. Change is not easy and I never ever wanted to hurt anyone. I think you know me better than that! There are many things that go on behind the scenes that people don’t see but you need to trust me that I wouldn’t make a decision like this lightly or make it without a lot of focused prayer. I want to explain a couple things that I do want you to know in an effort to understand my heart.
Most importantly – I just want to say how much you all mean to me and how grateful I am for the years we’ve had together from Bally to the BAC. I had the time of my life at both places and every time we are all together again it feels just like old times! We have a bond that will never be broken. People who have never experience what we experienced don’t get it. But it was more than a workout, it was something I can’t put into words. You guys are amazing!
I knew the ship was sinking when I left BTF and went to the BAC. It was so very sad seeing the Amherst club be knocked down. I cried. I know many of you felt the same way. A 30 plus year chapter ended and it would never be the same – but then —-I thought maybe it could!! Because it’s not where you are it’s who you’re with!
So many of us moved to the BAC coed clubs which was amazing. I am so grateful for the opportunity I had for nearly 5 years at the BAC – and especially the new friendships I made. You all are like family to me all over again.
Hundreds of BTF members had joined the BAC nearly 5 years ago and it felt like home again. New friends and old friends – the circle got bigger and we all loved it. I never wanted to leave. I have been blessed by each and every one of you in ways you may never understand. I believe our paths have crossed for a reason.
When the Bac sold the co-ed clubs we were split up again – I had a difficult time with all of that as I know many of you did. You need to know – I did not expect that to happen.
Btw I never would have joined a “ladies only” gym losing our coed family. I had no idea that was going to happen. I did not want to go to a national chain for many reasons. I appreciate the “home town” gyms who care about members – where I can work closely with the owner myself and things get done without all the red tape. I was blessed to work hand in hand with the VP’s all those years at BTF even though it was National – and had the same at BAC.
When the split happened and we were all divided again at the BAC – Jeff and I along with a close circle of friends spent many months praying and trying to figure out how to get us all back together again to coed. We tried UB – outdoors etc. – but we needed a gym.
When I taught the outter harbor event last Labor Day – I heard from so so many of you that you really wanted us to all get back together again permanently (we wanted the same), Jeff and I knew we had to do something. I was praying for Gods will if it was meant to be – that He would direct our path – and He started to do just that. It’s not about our plan for our lives – it’s about His plan and purpose for our lives.
At the same time God was stirring in my heart to go on another “assignment” and He started to put the pieces of the puzzle together. The way it happened was only God. He has the master plan – and He will always work for the good of those who know and follow Him. Stepping out to something new isn’t always easy or comfortable but I knew he was stirring in my heart and leading the way. I knew if I could help one new person take care of their temporary earth suit it was going to be worth it.
It was not an easy decision as many of you close to me saw first hand. I cried – a lot. I was struggling with leaving the people I loved but still felt this was the right time and place to make the move. More importantly – I felt God was leading the way.
I love my BAC friends, the members, classes, the owner Rick his wife JoAnne, Director Ellen and many of the staff. I prayed about this a lot as you can imagine – had many meetings/conversations on both sides to try to figure how how to make it work. I even proposed teaching at both clubs – the BAC in the morning and Catalyst in the evening. It’s crazy to me that we can’t do that in this market but it is what it is. Many of my night class friends had also been encouraging me for two years to do something to get us all back together. The signs were all around me.
One of the things that helped make my decison was how the owner Amy at Catalyst agreed to meet all my terms and concerns, especially when it came to all of you. She has been amazing – working with me and all of you coming over and making it possible and a no brainer for people to join like I have never seen in my entire career. From waiving enrollment fees along with waiving many months of actual dues so people don’t have to pay two memberships, to offering the buddy deal where you can bring a buddy in for free each and every time you work out – and it can be the same person for the low cost of 19.99 per month all 6 clubs and amenities. And finally our husbands, wives, significant other and friends can work out with us each and every time – and for free! What is there not to like!
The fact that Jeff and I can work out again together was of course a main factor for us. We no longer need to have three gym memberships or be apart 7 days a week to work out. Yes we still have other interests but when in the gym it’s a fun date where we are getting fit and healthy with our like minded friends at the same time! Btw – Do you know you are most like the 5 closest people you hang out with? That’s another good reason to join a gym if you haven’t already!
So that’s it in a nutshell friends – I hope you understand my heart a bit more.
You don’t need to cancel memberships – if you want to check it out just come over, check out the clubs, my classes, the amenities and be my guest no strings attached and no pressure at all. Come and get a weeks pass. If you do decide to join ask them what they can work out for you since you have another memebership. It’s really amazing what they have worked out for people on a one on one basis.
And on the other side of the coin, if you can’t come or want to stay where you are that’s okay too. We are blessed with so many wonderful gyms, classes and instructors in this area, and we will always be connected.
I am grateful for the opportunity at Catalyst and excited about the future! We are planning to do master classes at all the clubs, offer my seminars, healthy eating classes, along with many other exciting things outdoors and in doors, and I’m excited to join forces with this company that is truly on the move! And I mean moving UP!
Hope to see you all soon! Next class is this Saturday 1pm Williamsville right off the 290 to Main Street – Union/Wherle! We have added two night classes on Tues/Thurs at Williamsville effective next week along with the 4 morning classes, Saturday class, and two classes at Eggert Sheridan!
So we’re not done yet my friends! Here’s to the next chapter of getting Healthy and Fit – Mind – Body – Soul – Spirit! You know – you need it! I know I do!
I love you all – with Gods love –
Robbie
Commit to the Lord, whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3
PS: My class schedule is below:
Monday & Wednesday – Williamsville
11am Raw Cuts Sculpt
12pm Raw Vinyasa Yoga
Monday and Wednesday – Eggert/Sheridan
6:30pm Raw NRG Kickboxing
Tuesday – Williamsville
6pm Raw Cuts Sculpt
Thursday – Williamsville
7pm – Raw HIIT Kick/Sculpt Fusion
Saturday – Williamsville
1pm – Raw HIIT Kick/Sculpt
