Recently, Invest Olds had the pleasure of interviewing Sasha, owner of Mountain View Strength and Conditioning, a holistic gym in Olds. Sasha has a background in Child and Youth Care Counseling from Mount Royal College, and a deep-seated passion for sports which led her to her current career path. She holds multiple certifications, from CrossFit Level One, Precision Nutrition, to Weightlifting and Gymnastics, and much more.
A Gym for Everyone
Mountain View Strength and Conditioning was founded three years ago, catering to functional fitness, sports training, strength training, personal training, and beyond. In addition, they offer functional fitness, personal training, team training, hypertrophy training, and more.
They offer a broad spectrum of memberships ranging from punch passes to personal training, making their gym accessible for people with varying fitness needs. Moreover, they offer team training and group training sessions, enabling individuals or groups to workout together in a time slot that suits them.
Community Engagement and Mental Health
One of the standout features of Sasha’s business approach is the emphasis on community. With a well-designed website and booking system, Sasha and her team use both online platforms and word of mouth to reach their target audience. While she admits to not being the best at social media advertising, Sasha believes in the power of community, fundraising events, and local networking.
During their first year, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, they managed to raise about five grand for mental health. They’ve also run fundraisers for the Mountain View Emergency Shelter Society and local food banks. Sasha strongly believes in the correlation between physical fitness and mental health. She witnessed firsthand how her gym members suffered during COVID-19 when they were unable to visit the gym and follow their regular routine.
Overcoming Gym Intimidation
Walking into a gym can be an intimidating experience for many. Sasha emphasizes that Mountain View Strength and Conditioning is a place for “average Joes,” just trying to get healthier. There are various modifications available to scale workouts to different fitness levels. She believes that taking the first step and trying it out can change someone’s life, and she has seen it happen firsthand.
Building a Community
Sasha believes in the unique community-centric environment they’ve created at Mountain View Strength and Conditioning. They host community events like barbecues and attend other events together. Members often form lasting friendships, making it more than just a place to work out. The gym also offers a supportive space for mothers who can often feel isolated at home with new babies, fostering a sense of community and aiding in their mental health.
In conclusion, Sasha’s vision for her gym is clear – she aims to create a space that encourages both physical and mental health, fosters a sense of community, and makes fitness accessible for everyone. From the breadth of classes and certifications to the various community activities, Mountain View Strength and Conditioning is more than just a gym – it’s a fitness community.
