Hall takes over ownership of B.E. Fitness

     B.E. Fitness and Training Center in Monticello is under new ownership.

     Fitness Center Manager Andrea Hall has purchased the business from Bud and Georgia Johnson. The sale is effective June 1. The Johnsons purchased the gym in November 2016, and reopened after an extensive remodel project on Dec. 1, 2016.

     Hall has been with the business since the start, manning the office, handling the gym memberships, and organizing the many fitness classes held at the facility.

     While the Johnsons are selling the business, Hall will be renting the physical building.

     The Johnsons said at their age, they want to downsize some of the activities they have going on.

     In addition, Bud Johnson offered, “It is a challenge to operate a specialty business in a small town.”

     He acknowledged some of the thoughts Hall has to increase gym membership and participation. “Andrea has some ideas that might help the membership such as extended hours, open on Sundays, and possibly adding babysitting services, but we didn’t want to go down that path.” So, the Johnsons offered the possibility to Hall to purchase the gym and “implement whatever she wanted to do.” Hall’s purchase of the business also includes the fitness classes and equipment housed in the facility.

     “We hope we made a positive impact on the community by reopening the gym and offering equipment and classes to benefit a healthy lifestyle,” said Bud. “Thanks to everyone to supported us since we opened.”

     Hall, in fact, is expanding the fitness center’s hours. She will be open later in the evening and open on Sundays. New hours will be: Monday through Friday 4 a.m. to midnight, Saturday and Sunday 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.

     The office will remain open as usual: Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to noon, 2 to 5 p.m., and Friday 10 a.m. to noon.

     “When I came in almost two years ago, I knew at some point I’d have the opportunity to buy,” said Hall.

     She said she holds personal and emotional connections with the fitness center, and has some stake in the business.

     “As the manager, I treated this place as my own,” she said. “And now I can make some of the decisions.”

     Hall also wants to add what she calls her own personal touch to the facility with décor and inspirational and motivating signage throughout. She wants to install mirrors in the large group fitness room so participants can watch their own technique and manage the correct form during classes.

     “There have been some things members have suggested,” said Hall, “but we can’t do everything all at once.”

     Her wish list includes free-weight equipment, more options for retails items, and nutritional supplements.

     Hall said she has heard from some gym members that childcare can be an issue.

     “I want to find a way to do daycare during the (fitness) classes,” offered Hall. “As a parent of three young kids, I understand and want to help out those busy parents.”

     Class participation will remain the same; free for gym members and an additional fee for non-members.

     “I want to take things to the next level,” said Hall. “I want to meet the members’ needs.”

     Hall came into the fitness center business with a bachelor’s degree in communications. She has experience in digital, social media, and online marketing.

     “I am really analytical and detail oriented,” she said. “I’m always looking at the numbers in reference to member retention and projects in the future.”

     Hall also brings to her ownership role multiple certifications in the fitness world: ACE personal trainer, ACE group fitness, TRX suspension training, Yoga Fit, Les Mills BodyPump, and cycling. Hall is currently taking classes to become certified to teach yoga for kids.

     “I wanted something fun to add,” she said.

     Hall extends her gratitude to the Johnsons for getting B.E. Fitness off the ground. “They rejuvenated this place to what it is today. Bud had a great vision for it all.”

     Hall said her husband, Dustin, has also been a huge supporter of her goals and so understanding throughout the process. “I put my role of parent and wife at number one,” she said. “My family always comes first.”

     Hall said she considers the B.E. Fitness members and instructors as her second family. “We all have great relationships,” she said.

     For more information on B.E. Fitness visit their Facebook page and website (https://befitnesstc.com/) for a list of the classes offered. Contact Hall at 319-465-6683 (MOVE) to inquire about a membership.

     B.E. Fitness and Training Center is located at 701 John Dr. in Monticello.