Konnie holds up the new Shirlee's membership card. Charter members will be getting one soon.

Members Will Be Contacted in Next Two Weeks to Schedule VIP Preview/Orientation and Get Membership Cards

I want to update charter members on Shirlee’s opening. I can assure you that we want to get our doors open as much as you do!

In the next two weeks we will contact you to invite you to a Shirlee’s VIP preview. The previews will take place in groups of 50-100 members, and we will have morning and evening appointments available. At this time you can try out equipment, take part in demo classes, and get to know the trainers. This will be an opportunity for you to ask questions and give feedback. It is important to me and to Shirlee’s staff that every one of our members is satisfied with the club, and that the facilities and classes meet or exceed your expectations. Someone will be contacting you by email soon to set up your preview
time.

I want to thank you again for your patience. The main reason for the delay was that as a new ­business, we must bring all our facilities up to current code, including Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. I expect that getting the final work completed, inspected, and approved will take place in the next few weeks and we will be officially open by July 1. You will not begin to pay dues until 30 days after opening. Please be assured that I am doing everything in my power to get the doors open as soon as possible.

You can see photos of Shirlee’s on our Facebook page. Many women who have stopped by the club are thrilled with what they see. I am gratified by their positive feedback. Please feel free to stop by yourself for a tour. We are open every day from 8 am to 6 pm. Thanks again for your understanding, and we hope to see you working out at Shirlee’s very soon. The wait will be worth it.

Gary Peterson
Owner
gary@shirlees.com

Making Plus-Sized Women Welcome

The customer is always right: that adage holds true for any business. It doesn’t mean that the customer is literally always correct, but that the business should treat the customer with respect and understanding.

According to a recent article in the LA Times, however, when it comes to health clubs, many gym owners just don’t get it. In fact, most gyms alienate the very people that could benefit from them the most: those who are overweight. The Times reported that while large commercial gyms are oblivious to the needs of larger people, some independent gyms are now taking steps to make plus-sized clients feel more welcome.

The Times article hit home for me because I’ve long felt that a gym’s attitude is just as important as its equipment.

About 30 years ago I was given the opportunity to manage an independent all-women’s gym in Upland called Shirle’s. I had never managed a women’s-only gym. And because I’m a man, I learned a lot that first year, both from the professionals who worked at Shirle’s and from the clients-women of all shapes, sizes, ages and abilities who supported each other. I grew to love Shirle’s so much that I bought the place, renamed it The Spa, Fitness for Women, and ran it for 25 years.

What set Shirle’s and The Spa apart was its attitude: it was a place where women could work out without being intimidated or judged, where they could have valuable “me time” in a supportive, friendly atmosphere—and this was true for all women, no matter what their size or ability.

After I sold the Spa in 2007, it ran into financial difficulty and had to shut down. The closure was devastating for many members. But soon the gym will be back (re-named Shirlee’s with two e’s), better than ever. We will have new equipment, fresh paint, and improvements in the facilities. But Shirlee’s will still be exclusively for women, and unlike some of the big chain gyms, we will be dedicated to making all women feel comfortable, including plus-sized women. Here’s some of the this features we hope will make our gym more welcoming

• Equipment—Shirlee’s will have user-friendly exercise equipment designed to accommodate women large and small. To make sure you feel adept at using different machines, we will have free orientations several times a day. The new furniture-in the locker room, by the pool, and throughout the gym-was chosen because it supports the weight of larger bodies and will be comfortable for everyone.

• The Locker Room—Privacy makes plus-sized (and other) people feel more comfortable, and we provide spacious private dressing areas. We have private individual showers as well. And we are installing vanities with benches.

• The Classes—Because we have such a diverse clientele, Shirlee’s plans to offer more than 60 classes a week, many more than most gyms. Some classes will be run at a slower pace. Others will be geared toward a more advanced level. And in each class, instructors will provide alternative options when appropriate. In a yoga class, for example, the instructor will suggest different poses for women who have osteoporosis or other special needs. In a step class, options will be given for both high and low impact. Managers, trainers and instructors can help you find the class that’s right for you.

• The Trainers—Personal training is available at Shirlee’s for those who want more personalized instruction. We hire trainers who are certified, have positive, compassionate attitudes, and are dedicated to motivating clients at all levels. Trainers can help you develop a routine that is safe and effective for your particular needs. All our employees and independent contractors abide by a Code of Conduct that emphasizes an environment that makes all women feel welcome and supported.

• The Pool—Many larger women find exercising in water easier. At Shirlee’s, our pool is kept warm, so it’s not a struggle to get in. We offer aqua classes that give you a fun, effective workout without putting too much stress on your joints. You can also relax and soothe your muscles in the jacuzzi.

• Our Attitude—We want women of all shapes, sizes, ages and abilities to feel comfortable at Shirlee’s Fitness Club for Women. When I took back ownership of the gym, I gave considerable thought about what to call it. The name “Shirlee’s” not only looks back to its beginnings, but to its future as well. Each letter stands for pledge we make to help our members reach their fitness goals, no matter what their size, age or ability: Strengthen Hearten Inspire Restore Love Encourage Empower Support.

Bringing back a new and improved gym for women in our community has truly been a labor of love for me. The most gratifying aspect has been the incredible support and helpful feedback from longtime members and employees from the Spa. The key to success in any business is listening to customers. Rest assured that at Shirlee’s Fitness Club for Women we will always want to hear what you have to say: whether it be to sing our praises or to let us know how we can do something better. Unlike gyms that ignore certain segments of their clientele-whether it be larger women, frail women, mothers-to-be, or others-we want to anticipate and accommodate special needs whenever possible. I invite you to let me or a manager know if you ever have an idea on how we can make Shirlee’s even better.

Gary Peterson
owner,
Shirlee’s Fitness Club for Women
Look Better. Feel Better. Be Better.

The Power of Three Helps Three Women Achieve Their Goals

Fear of failure stops many women from even starting a fitness program. They don’t think they can ever achieve their goals, so they don’t even try. If this sounds like you, then consider the successes of Sheila, Konnie and Soha.

The secret for these women? Hiring a personal trainer and using the Power of Three: combining cardio, strength training, and nutrition. All three of these beautiful women work at Shirlee’s and can share their knowledge to inspire and empower you.

Throughout her life Sheila has always played sports—including basketball in college—and as a result she’s never been out of shape. But even athletes want to firm up to look and feel their best. After college Sheila decided to take fitness seriously. She hired a personal trainer and within a year her figure went from “pretty good” to “seriously hot.”

Running up and down the basketball court, Sheila was always burning calories. But when she added strength training and concentrated on specific areas, Sheila began to see definition in her muscles. Learning about proper nutrition helped her to lose the last few pounds she needed to look her best.

Sheila was born with a positive attitude, but now that she is in the best shape of her life, she feels feels stronger and more confident than ever. As Assistant Director of Shirlee’s Fitness Club for Women, Sheila is committed to providing you with everything you need to achieve your fitness goals.

Konnie always dreamed of getting in shape enough to compete in a bodybuilding show. She thought it would help her gain confidence and self-control. Once she hired a personal trainer and used the Power of Three her dream came true.

It took Konnie eight months to drop 35 pounds. Her personal trainer designed a custom  diet plan, and they met three times a week to work out. She was amazed at how quickly she met her goals . . . and how her new body gave her a new outlook.

“This journey actually inspired to me to write my doctorate dissertation about personal training with acupuncture,” she notes. “I’ve used my personal experience to train and inspire others to lose weight because I know what it takes to get there.”

As Specialized Fitness Trainer at Shirlee’s, Konnie helps clients lose weight and get in shape to the fitness competition level.

Like Sheila and Konnie, Soha is another Shirlee’s fitness professional who has her own story to tell.  Soha struggled on her own to slim down and shape up. It all came together when she hired a personal trainer who helped her combine cardio, diet and strength training. With the Power of Three, Soha got in shape, and just as important, kept in shape. Thrilled with her own results, she now now helps other women meet their goals by teaching them about the Power of Three.

Shirlee’s Fitness Club for Women in Upland announces tentative hours of operation and tentative class schedules.

Tentative Hours of Operation
M-F 5 am – 10 pm
Sat & Sun  6 am – 6 pm

Tentative Class Schedule
M-F  6 am, 7 am, 8 am, 9 am, 10 am, 12 noon, 4 pm, 5 pm, 6 pm, 7 pm, 8 pm
Sat & Sun  7 am, 8 am, 9 am , 10 am, 11 am, 4 pm

Specific class times and types to be announced soon.

*hours of operation and class times are subject to change based on demand.

Aerobics Classes

• Spinning
• Zumba
• Body Pump
• Step and Ball
• Legendary Abs
• Body Tone
  
• Boot Camp
• Aqua
• Salsa
• Belly Dancing
• Tae Bo or Kick Boxing

Mind Body Spirit Classes

• Yoga
• Tai Chi
• Mat Pilates
  

Healthy Living/Lifestyle Classes

• Nutrition Seminars
• Healthy Gourmet Cooking Classes
• Season Color Analysis

Shirlee’s just raised the bar on Group Exercise!

Shirlee’s to Cap Membership

Have you ever been to a gym where you spent more time waiting for equipment than you did working out? Or took a yoga class where you had to position your mat like a puzzle piece? Maybe you even got bumped by an elbow in Zumba?

Overcrowding at a gym can be frustrating, if not downright dangerous. Many women with 8-5 jobs find that early morning and after-work hours can be like rush hour on the freeway: no fun. That’s why Shirlee’s Fitness Club for Women has made a decision to limit new memberships. Our membership limit will be only 2,500 new members; about 10% of what the overcrowded chain clubs enroll.

Capping membership means higher quality service for our members and ensures that time at the gym is productive and enjoyable. Once our cap is reached, prospective members will be placed on a waiting list.

I, for one, am thrilled to hear about this policy. Many years ago I got hired at a job that included free membership at LA Fitness. I was excited when I got my membership card through my HR dept and headed over after work. To my dismay the place was a zoo. I could hardly find a place to park in the lot, and when I got inside I had to wait to try any equipment. The gym was crawling with sweaty men and women vying for a spot. I was totally intimidated. I tried it one more time with the same result and never went back.

Another thing that makes me happy about the new Shirlee’s is that it will be committed to offering a higher number of classes than most gyms. Shirlee’s will be offering more than 60 classes a week—that’s double the number of most gyms. Classes make exercise more fun and keep me coming back on a regular basis. I look forward to taking Zumba and Step again and trying out Spinning and Bokwa. And balancing it all with yoga. Like many former Spa members, I am really missing my gym. The wait is hard. But I am happy to hear about many of the new policies will ensure Shirlee’s is even better.

Kim Peasley
Spa Member since 1998