Brooke Pearson & Nicole Forgione
Amy Sims caught up with Brooke Pearson and Nicole Forgione from Just Move Just Eat over lunch recently.
Tell me about your business?
We operate a women’s only studio situated on Middleton Loop in Albany. Being working mothers ourselves, we understand what the modern woman wants and/or needs and our studio is tailored to suit. Our studio is not a place you come just to work out. We offer a range of classes, personal training, nutritional coaching, body composition analysis, workshops and much more. The majority of our clientele are aged between 30 and 60 so our class timetable is custom-designed to suit both stay at home mothers and working women. We have a kid’s room equipped with a DVD player and toys allowing our clients to bring along their children and team training is scheduled around school drop off and pick up times.
What made you decide to go in to business together?
We have both worked in the industry for a number of years. Brooke was actually one of Nicole’s first clients when Nicole first started her own business over thirteen years ago. So we have known each other and been friends for a number of years. In 2015 we made the decision to go in to business together, at that stage we were both wanting to go out on our own although didn’t want to go it alone.
Since then we have got to know each other a lot more and worked out how well we complement each other. Brooke tends to think big picture whilst Nicole is more into the details and is the perfectionist. We are both very passionate about our business which makes it hard not to double up on tasks.
What is your point of difference to other gyms?
The obvious being we are a women’s only gym allowing our clientele to feel safe and comfortable whilst exercising. We pride ourselves on promoting a judgement free environment. You do not need to be fit before starting at the studio and we are happy if you want to work out in your pyjamas, if you so desire. We also have a limited membership which allows us to really focus on each and every one of our clients individually to help them to achieve their life/lifestyle goals.
Is it all about weight loss?
Absolutely not. Everyone that comes to our studio is there for a different reason. It might be training for an event, resolving health issues, eating better or just having “me” time, the list goes on. Unfortunately there is no quick fix to improving your health and wellbeing, it is something you need to do consistently.
How do you handle your business workload and balancing family and lifestyle?
Keeping ourselves physically and mentally active allows us to keep on top of day to day life the best we can.
Since starting the business we have promised the business will always fit in around our families. We are very conscious to not let our business consume us 24/7 which it can easily do, if we let it. Weekends are focussed on spending quality time with our families and we are mindful of taking enough time off during the year, even if it is forced upon us.
As you can imagine our schedules are pretty busy with running the business, family commitments as well as our own personal training. We were concerned we didn’t have time to sit down as business owners to discuss the business although we do call each other at least two to three times a week. Often on the drive to or from school after dropping the kids off we will check in with each other and discuss plans for the week.
Who has helped you along the way?
Our husbands, Greg and Rob, have been by our sides every step of the way, helping to renovate the premises, a sounding board for all our crazy ideas as well picking up the slack at home. We cannot thank them enough.
Also, having an amazing team of trainers working for us. We are very lucky each of our trainers share the same values as us and are committed to our clients as much as we are.
More recently we have taken on a business mentor to assist us with the business. We are always coming up with different ideas and it is great to have someone in the industry to bounce the ideas off, taking out the trial and error. It also gives us access to more training to keep us at the top of our game.
Do you encourage people to make New Year’s Resolutions?
New year’s resolutions might not be for everyone but it is a great opportunity to make a few changes to your life if you feel you need to. It is always a good idea to have some goals, mini goals and/or big goals. Goals are very important as if you don’t know where you are going you won’t know how to get there. The first step is turn outcome goals in to behaviour goals. Behaviour goals focus on the things you have control over. Instead of having a goal to get fit (outcome goal) it could be to go for a 5km run at least 3 times a week (behaviour goal). The best advice when setting your goals/new year’s resolution is be realistic.
Your challenge is to begin a new way of life.
Visit
For more information, please visit:
344 Middleton Loop
Albany
