Letter from the Owner: Fulcrum Closure and Virtual Training
Dear FitFam,
As you already know, Oregon is entering into a new freeze period tomorrow (Wednesday the 18th) which includes a complete shutdown of all gyms and fitness organizations. Unfortunately, we received clarification today from the government that this lockdown includes all of our outdoor activities.
This situation is a heartbreaking setback for so many businesses who have no way to generate revenue during this time and, given the current political situation, no hope of more relief funding. To say that this is frustrating would be an understatement. We feel that our service benefits and strengthens the community in a safe way and it’s disappointing for us folks who recognize the importance and value of exercise during this stressful time. We are hopeful that if enough public pressure exists, this decision may be reversed in the next few days, and we can go back to operating outdoors. We will keep you updated with any concerted efforts we come up with (like a letter and/or phone call campaign to the appropriate offices).
That said, it’s coming on the heels of what promised to be the best month we’ve had since March which gives us a lot of hope. You stuck with us during the last lockdown and for that we are eternally grateful. This time, the stakes are a little different since there is no enhanced unemployment or PPP. But I firmly believe that if we can continue to operate as a community and support one another, Fulcrum will survive this as well. With this approach in mind, we have come up with a plan to provide maximum value and flexibility for you while safeguarding against this threat for the survival of this community.
Where we are financially
Under the previous plan, we were projected to return to profitability next spring just as our federal funding would be running out. Losing a full month of revenue could necessitate a full closure in January. Moreover, the lack of enhanced unemployment means that the Fulcrum team's income is potentially in jeopardy. If we can keep revenues steady, we have the ability to keep the fitpros paid as close to 100% as possible going into the holidays. To do this, we will be utilizing Oregon’s workshare program. If you aren’t familiar with it, this program reduces everyone on the team to 80% of their regular pay. Fulcrum will be paying them the difference according to the percentage of all sales to achieve this. Bottom Line: Your payments will go directly to fitpro paychecks.
If you are experiencing financial hardship of your own, we totally understand and will accept whatever anyone can pay. We will also not withhold services from anyone who is currently a member.
What your membership delivers
The last lockdown and the Routine Reset taught us a lot of great lessons about how to handle the round of setbacks. It also taught us how isolation affects people and how important it is to stay connected and engaged with the community and the benefits of regular exercise during such an exceptional and stressful time. So, we are planning on offering more opportunities to connect in the ways that you want, and that fit your schedule.
Live stream sessions: These will be more interactive and will keep virtually the same schedule timewise. The preliminary schedule is below: Zen Planner will be updated with new sessions and small groups as demand dictates.
Small Group Sessions: Fitpros will be opening up small group sessions to whomever wants to meet them in a more intimate setting.
Meeting you where you are: Fitpros will be reaching out to each of you individually tomorrow to see what else we can provide that would be helpful and valuable for you during this time.
Equipment Checkout: Fulcrum will be open tomorrow (Wednesday) for equipment checkout. All members will be allowed to checkout ONE piece of equipment (one KB, one DB, OR one resistance band) We unfortunately don't have enough equipment for everyone to take multiple pieces. please be mindful that masks must be worn at all times inside the buildings and physical distancing must be maintained.
Wednesday Equipment Checkout Times:
MLK
7am-10am
1pm-4pm
4.30pm-7pm
Hawthorne
7am-10am
1pm-7pm
In closing, this situation is difficult for us all and while a vaccine seems to be on the way, it seems that we have a ways to go before it’s over. Whether you are in a position to support us or not, it’s more important than ever for us all to be safe, by limiting gatherings, wearing a mask, and staying healthy by finding some way to keep your body moving to avoid depression and immune suppression. We care about you each and the relationships that we’ve built together very much and hope that we get to serve you again in person very soon.
Truly yours, David and the Fulcrum Team
*please note that more small group times can and will be added as demand dictates.