LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Even on a cold winter morning, you could find a few people at Shred415 using a good workout to warm them up. Shred415 is a gym focused on group fitness classes, something that is now prohibited by the latest round of coronavirus restrictions.
Shred415 Highlands and Hurstbourne owner Kathleen Brinch says she is getting used to adapting to ever-changing guidelines. Instead of seeing it as a roadblock, she quickly pivots to find a new way to deliver a service to members.
“Creativity is a big part of our business and it’s a big part of what makes us unique. It’s been fun to work with our team to get creative with how to get our clients engaged, sweating, and healthy. It’s a challenge, but it’s so worthwhile to see everyone so happy when we have figured out what to do next,” Brinch said.
When Gov. Andy Beshear imposed restrictions on group classes, she didn't want her studio to sit empty. Since they have the equipment and space, Shred415 is now allowing people to book a spot for open gym workouts instead of class workouts. While members move through a workout at their own pace in a socially distant environment, an instructor is there to offer encouragement.
“One of my biggest initiatives with the latest guideline was to keep our instructors employed even though they are not teaching the classes that are normally part of their day-to-day life," Brinch said.
For members who need a class atmosphere to hold them accountable, Shred415 is now offering a few live stream classes a week. The virtual classes allow people to see one another while working out from the comfort of home. Brinch said you can sometimes find people joining the virtual space early or staying late to talk and catch up.
“Shred415 really is more than a workout. We have been trying from day one to create a community and to keep that community connected to each other whether it is virtual, in the studio, or at home. People have just been very thankful to have that,” Brinch said.
If people cannot attend a live stream class but want to get a workout in at home, they can find on-demand classes on the Shred415 app.
Brinch is no stranger to pivoting because of health guidelines. When it was nicer out, Shred415's outdoor group fitness classes were a hit. She also launched her second location on Hurstbourne Parkway during the pandemic.
"It definitely was not as expected. We were pleasantly surprised by the response we got from our clients out in the East End. People were looking to get fit, get back in the community, and join a family. It was really awesome that we were able to provide that for them in the middle of a pandemic,” Brinch said.
With every new hurdle, Brinch found a new opportunity. She even said some of the changes have gone over so well, she plans to continue some of them once the pandemic is over.