Sam Macdonald Featured, Moncton, New Brunswick 0

Just Fit Fitness Centre ’s founder and owner, Julie LeBlanc Solbak, told Huddle she plans to augment her 3,800-square-foot gym at 645 Pinewood Road with an additional 1,000-square-foot space reserved for the Just Move Health Studio.

“People are wanting to get out of their homes to exercise – I’ve been hearing that again and again,” said LeBlanc Solbak, who holds a Bachelor of Science with a specialization in kinesiology and exercise science from Dalhousie University.

“Even though they have been able to do some workouts at home via video, app, or online training, they really seem to be craving a dedicated space for their exercise – somewhere not surrounded by home, work, or Netflix.”

Just Fit features cardio machines, strength machines, and free weights and offers a variety of fitness classes to members.

The gym has a small classroom at the back and LeBlanc Solbak said it was repeated requests for more fitness classes that inspired the expansion into the neighboring property.

“Because of the size of our classroom, combined with Covid and not wanting to pack people in, we really have been searching for a larger space, so we can afford to offer more classes,” she said.

“That’s what led to our acquiring the unit adjacent to us. It will all be the same business, but one is basically a studio room and there is separation between the two.”

LeBlanc Solbak said she hopes to open Just Move sometime this fall.

Just Fit has operated in Riverview for about four years. It opened shortly after LeBlanc Solbak returned to her home after living out of province.

“I’ve always worked in the health and fitness world and was looking for a small space of my own where I could train people and have exercise classes, and help people get their workouts set up,” she said.

LeBlanc Solbak said that on a busy day, Just Fit sees about 100 people come in through the doors. While membership jumped in its early years, member growth slowed and began to reverse during the early days of Covid-19, when she was forced to close down to abide by health restrictions.

However, she said 2022 has been a good year with increased membership growth in the last eight months.

Once Just Fit opens, LeBlanc Solbak plans to offer regular yoga, pilates, Tai Chi, and boxing classes for members living with Parkinson’s. She said Just Move will also provide rentals for mother and baby groups and local sports teams for training.

LeBlanc Solbak said the gym’s proximity to many of Riverview’s amenities is a big draw for her older clientele.

“We know who our market is; we have a lot of seniors because we’re in a health-centered area, with people coming over from rehab and physio clinics,” she said.

“With all the influx of 50, and 55+ homes in the area, it’s helping us change who our market is and who our clients are,” she said, alluding to the multiple high-end apartment developments and building permit value growth going up within town limits.

LeBlanc Solbak stressed how excited she is to open a new fitness facility.

“I love yoga and classes that contribute to emotional and overall health, even in my own practice. I’m excited to grow our business, so soon after Covid, but also a little scared, because it’s sometimes a bit scary to jump into a big venture like this,” she said.

Sam Macdonald is a Huddle reporter in Moncton. Send him your feedback and story ideas: [email protected] .

Featured, Fredericton, Moncton, New Brunswick, Opinion, Saint John

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