A successful business will go through many milestones as it develops and grows. For Rebecca Cronk, owner of the local Fitness Studio “Get Cronk’d”, celebrating six years in business feels just right after surviving and thriving in the wake of pandemic challenges and everything else that has been thrown her way. Along with the help of her mother, Diane, Rebecca has grown a very successful business in challenging times.
Rebecca’s journey started in early childhood. A lifelong athlete since the age of four, Rebecca has always had a passion for training and fitness of all kinds. Long before she even dreamt about opening her own studio, she was university educated, having earned an Honours Bachelor of Science with a Specialization in Human Kinetics from the University of Ottawa. Rebecca worked as a fitness instructor and then personal trainer in addition to being a competitive body builder.
“Despite all of that, I still didn’t feel comfortable walking into a bigger corporate box gym,” Rebecca explained. “I found it intimidating and judgy. It occurred to me that if I, someone with all that sports, gym, and fitness related experience, had all these fears and insecurities about entering a gym, how does someone who is extremely out of shape or overweight feel about walking into a gym?”
Around the same time, while working as a personal trainer in Ottawa, Rebecca had several clients encouraging her to consider opening a studio of her own. “In fact, one went so far as to take it upon himself to secure a web domain for me,” said Rebecca. “That is how the name Get Cronk’d Fitness Studio came to be. After getting the gentle yet firm nudges I needed, in 2016 I began working with the Leeds and Grenville Small Business Enterprise Group in Brockville and created a business plan.”
The philosophy of Get Cronk’d is simple – LIFE IS GOOD! “We believe that physical activity should be accessible to everyone because the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of exercise are immeasurable,” said Rebecca. “Our ultimate goal was to create a space where everyone can feel unintimidated, safe, and have a sense of belonging.”
An old saying in business is that the first year is always the hardest, but for Get Cronk’d, the COVID-19 pandemic hit much harder. Needless to say, the business pushed through, with help from amazing clients, of course.
“We would not be where we are today without our amazing clients,” Rebecca added. “Their unwavering encouragement and support have meant the world to us. They may have come in as strangers, but many have become dear friends. I absolutely love our fitness family and am grateful for it every single day.”
Get Cronk’d felt a significant impact from the pandemic. Now steadily recovering, an eventual goal for the business is to grow into a larger location. This is something that has been considered in the past, though the team feels lucky to be in their current location with a “great” landlord. “As our industry continues its return to normal, we will continue to chase our dreams of a larger space in order to create even more opportunities for our clients and community to shine!” said Rebecca.
Want to help the Get Cronk’d team celebrate? You’ll get a chance next month. “We cordially invite everyone to join us for yummy snacks, cake, and coffee at Get Cronk’d Fitness Studio, 9 Clothier Street East, on Saturday March 4 from 2-5 pm,” said Rebecca. “Come see our space, meet our team, and learn about what we have to offer. There will be specials and door prizes throughout the day. There will also be a very special commemorative lifetime member presentation at 3 pm. Hope to see everybody there!”
