Riverview Fitness Centre Expands to Offer More Movement for Members
Just Move: The Solbaks Are Strengthening Their Community, One Class At a Time
Julie and Kevin Solbak have always held fitness and health as high priorities in their lives. After moving home to Riverview from Alberta, they were pleasantly surprised to see how active the community had become. From riverfront recreation to the nearby Dobson Trail and Mill Creek Nature Park, it was a breath of fresh air to see that an active lifestyle was not only supported but was also a way of life for residents.
“We love that in every season there are so many ways to stay active outdoors without ever leaving Riverview,” explained Julie. “Coupled with the fact that this is such a tight knit community where people love to support their local businesses, it was a great fit for us to purchase the gym three years ago and now expand our offering with the addition of a new health studio to better serve existing and new members.”
Ensuring everyone who walks through their doors is comfortable is top of mind for the Solbaks.
“A common conversation I have with new members is that they’re not alone in feeling anxious or nervous to start a new routine and that we’re here to help them along the journey,” said Julie. “Everything we do and every decision we make is to ensure our members feel comfortable, welcome, and leave less stressed or overwhelmed than when they arrived.”
Listening to their members is exactly how Just Move came to be – there was a need for low-impact fitness classes close to home. A few things you can expect at their new studio are a friendly atmosphere, accessible classes for all ages and fitness levels, and a personal approach. Just Fit and Just Move are for anyone who wants to work on their physical and mental well-being while never being just a number.
“We focus on connection in our gym, I do my best to get to know members and chat with them every day,” she said. “Face-to-face time with our members is the most important thing I do every day. We all just want to be seen and heard and providing a place where people feel that way is very special to me.”
Julie’s deep Riverview roots, experience in the recreation industry, and education in Kinesiology help her connect with members of all backgrounds. Add in Kevin’s knowledge as an accountant, passion for giving back as a volunteer firefighter with Riverview Fire and Rescue, and love for fitness – they make a dynamic and strong team. As business owners, partners, and parents to three teens, Kevin and Julie often plan time through weekly “business dates” to keep on top of growth and daily operations.
“We’re looking forward to growth and stability for our business in 2023,” they said. “Meeting new people to come into our new health studio for classes or bookings and growing our service offering is exciting. The more we can grow our numbers, the more we can improve the studio – whether that’s additional classes, new equipment or expanded change rooms with showers!”
With the health and fitness industry hit hard by the effects and regulations of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Solbaks say that they’re coming back stronger than ever thanks to their community.
“Community to us means support – which is something that every one of our members has done prior, during, and post-pandemic,” they explained. “They offer a helping hand whenever they see a need, and we try to do the same thing by reaching out to the local business community whenever we need help. Community also means family – our three teenagers are in this business too and our members become like family to us. We can’t wait to see what more we can accomplish together!”
Join the Solbaks, their team, and supportive community at the Grand Opening of the new Just Move studio on Saturday, October 15th from 12-2 p.m. There will be food and drinks, a yoga drop-in for kids and their parents, as well as great giveaways like passes to the Studio and more!
