Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Gray.
Hi Melissa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story with Body Systems Fitness began at the age of 13 when i joined a gym that had just opened. I have struggled with my weight and confidence my entire life and wanted to start working out. I quickly fell in love with the feeling of accomplishment after a good workout. At the age of 16, i began to work at the same gym in their childcare room. My father also began to work at the same gym as a personal trainer. Soon the opportunity to purchase the business became available and my parents took the leap and became the owners of that gym. They eventually relocated the facility to a small town called McDonald where they grew up. That location allowed them to continue to serve the same cliental while opening up the chance to expand the business to even more members. During all of this time, I got my personal training certification to expand my knowledge and share it with others. I married my high school sweetheart and we started a family. Together we brought 3 amazing boys into the world and after having my last child, I began taking group fitness classes. I fell in love again with the friendships made in that room and decided to get my group fitness certification so I could become and instructor. I began teaching classes such as Pump, Indoor Cycling and Silver Sneakers. Then in 2016 my world was shattered when my father, my superman and the person who was with me from the very start of my health and fitness journey was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a blood cancer. In December of my dad began the fight of his life while my family lost another health inspiration, my father in law George to brain cancer. Two of the strongest men I know had their health fail them. I began to lose my faith in not just God but also the gym. I continued on however knowing that I had people that relied on me to push through. I very slowly became myself again. Fast forward to 2020 when our world shut down. The gym shut down for months that felt like an eternity, and I not only was missing my workouts, but my gym friends and so much more. We slowly opened back up but the lasting effects of being shut down on my weighed on my parents and they were forced to make the difficult decision to close the gym down. Needless to say, I, along with many others were devastated. I went in to teach what I thought would be my last class and so many tears were shed that morning everyone. I went home gutted. The place that I began my fitness journey was going away. That was the same place my son took his first steps, that I watched my dad heal from his diagnosis and inspire others, that helped me find myself when I felt most lost and that friends became family. My husband knowing how much the business as a whole meant to me, said to me as I cried “I think we should buy a gym today” and so we did! We became business owners in a matter of 24 hours, saving the business and my heart. We needed a name for our gym and while we wanted to keep the legacy of Body Systems alive, we knew it needed a twist. Body Systems Fitness for All Generations was formed in 2021, and we have now owned and operated the business for 5 years, though we have been a part of it for almost a lifetime. I operate the business with some of the greatest people by my side while my husband continues his career in finance. My dad still comes to the gym almost daily, now as a member who shows others that anything can be possible with your health and faith. I still continue to not only run the day to day operations but also teach my favorite classes to some very incredible people.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been far from a smooth road. We faced the continued fear of covid, competing with franchised gyms, finding a balance of working and maintaining a family, home and business, saying goodbye to some of our valued employees while welcoming new ones, and trying to maintain the “old school” feel of the gym while trying to keep up with ever evolving technology.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We are a small and locally owned gym in a small town. The area is growing but we still maintain the small-town feel. What sets us apart from other gyms is you can put a face to a name when you call us or email us. You know the people there and everyone is so friendly and welcoming. Even more so, there isn’t judgement and we strive to make everyone feel welcome regardless of where they are in their fitness journey. We offer NUMEROUS classes for all age and fitness levels. We provide a fully equipped weight room and cardio area with 24/7 access to the gym. We have a dry sauna also that our members love. The gym is well kept and clean with employees who are friendly and welcoming. We are also proud to offer childcare, so your children are cared for while they see you make yourself and your health a priority.
How do you think about luck?
I believe my mercury is in constant retrograde as we have dealt with flooding, electrical issues, more flooding, random outages and more flooding.
Pricing:
- $39.50/ month memberships
- First Responder discounts
- student discounts
- insurance programs accepted
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bodysystemsfitness.com
