Business Member Spotlight: Hive Muskoka
What type of business are you?
Hive Muskoka is a full-service movement and canfitpro education facility in Muskoka, Ontario. We have over 40 classes weekly, personal training, nutritional coaching and an all are welcome social enterprise business model. We are more than 4 walls and dumbbells- we are the Hive.
Tell us about your business?
Hive Muskoka is a multi-use 7300 square foot gym/class facility located at 227 Wellington Street in Bracebridge, Ontario. Hive Muskoka’s mission is to be more than a gym with 4 walls and dumbbells. They are the Hive who help people find their WERF- their wellness, education, resilience and fun. Hive Muskoka is community, diversity, safety, inclusiveness and accessibility- and this is felt the moment someone comes through the front doors.
Hive Muskoka provides a safe, accessible, friendly, staffed place to train, participate in classes, use equipment, enjoy yoga and be coached on one’s own distinct journey. Hive Muskoka is a body positive, inclusive, diverse gym that offers both onsite, in home and virtual classes and programs. Our members represent several demographics in Bracebridge from very active to challenges with mobility/neurological limitations. We also offer Muskoka’s only hot yoga studio.
As soon as the member sets foot or wheels in the door, they are enough. The Hive is here to nurture and support. There is more ability in the health industry to change the population for the better than in any other aspect of health care. Exercise is about enjoyment, not about cutting calories. It is a weapon against depression and anxiety and is a step towards mental wellness. And in a new COVID-19 Compliance landscape- it is also imperative to exceed standards of Health and Safety.
The Hive prioritizes education and growth for the staff. They’re the face of HIVE Muskoka. They are focused on fitness facts, not fads. Staff are offered Educationals, and once restrictions are lifted- a place for employment for Community Living, Agilec, Ontario’s Immigrants and the Indigenous population in Muskoka. Hive will also offer Co-op placements.
Hive does this by proper documentation, adherence to government guidelines, a discipline towards documentation, maintaining networking/ global collaborations, having the right people for the team, ongoing education and research development, having a business mentor, collaborating with funding/grant channels, essential bookkeeping/accounting procedures and adapting to COVID-19 changes.
Testimonials from www.hivemuskoka.ca
“Despite the challenges which we have all encountered due to the pandemic, Fyonna has maintained a positive attitude and has gone above and beyond the current regulations imposed to keep everyone safe. More than ever, it is so important to take care of your physical and mental health, and there is no better place to start than at The Hive. “-Rita W
“Muskoka Hive is an incredible space to fulfill your fitness goals. A large space for all types of work outs and a very clean environment including professional service from the owner and staff. Not to mention, the inclusive attitude for all abilities to have a safe space to workout is truly a bright spot for our community and should be something all gyms strive for.”
– Alex O
“Everything from the cleanliness and care into keeping the gym in compliance with the Covid-19 guidelines and the spaciousness takes away any anxiousness about returning to a work out facility. The workouts are invigorating and positive. I can’t say enough. Hive Muskoka is a new community gym that I believe will really make the community better. I especially, like the way I felt after every workout.” – Pauline C
How long have you been in the fitness industry?
I have been in the industry for over 25 years, starting with an undergrad in physical anthropology and amassing over 75 certifications and several business courses. I have also been with canfitpro since 2000.
What attracted you to the fitness industry?
I was the underdog in every gym class, every sport, every incident of coordination. I love how movement and health feels. My goal is to get Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson to host a canfitpro event.
What has been your greatest challenge as a business owner/operator and how did you overcome it?
Making the transition from trainer/instructor to business owner and operations director. I am working through it by delegating and leaning on my team to build better.
What do you hope your buyers achieve within your product/service?
They leave feeling good about themselves, share that experience and bring others back to share how they feel.
Tell us your greatest highlight in your career?
Dancing onstage with Richard Simmons, Teaching Zumba, client stories and obstacles overcome, presenting for canfitpro, leaving a job I grew out of and opening a gym- no way to pick on, I get to change and build people up and help them find their WERF- every day is a highlight.
How long have you attended canfitpro events?
21 years, and everyone of them was inspiring and a game changer.
What is the percentage of Canadian business you currently have?
I run operations in nutrition, fitness classes, hot yoga, yoga, personal training, adaptive training, and collaborate with 31 Canadian businesses – 95%.
How do you plan to grow your Canadian business in the next 12-24 months?
Survive and thrive through COVID-19, be a gym standard for cleanliness and adaptive ability, build through innovative and clear programs, classes, personal training and build a strong gym social enterprise model.
Hive Muskoka
227 Wellington Street
Bracebridge, Ontario P1L 1W9
705-706-2809 / fyonna@hivemuskoka.ca
Muskoka’s only canfitpro Education Academy
