Sat, Nov 07 2009
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Published June 23, 2009 08:17 pm - When Lisa McDonald first walked into the Main Street Gym almost a year ago, she felt really nervous. Work out stress at the Main Street Gym SUCCESS IN HARD TIMES - An ongoing series By ELLEN KOLMAN - Staff Writer - ekolman@starbeacon.com Star Beacon GENEVA — When Lisa McDonald first walked into the Main Street Gym almost a year ago, she felt really nervous.
“I have always had a weight problem, but I had never actively committed to fitness before. I had heard horror stories about ‘gyms’ that were really ‘meat markets’ for swinging singles,” McDonald said, who is a Geneva Township resident and teacher for Painesville City Schools. “But, the Main Street Gym couldn’t be farther from that surreality.” The Main Street Gym, 669 E. Main St., is owned and operated by Tina and Dave Virant. They began the business about two years ago. “Our vision has been for a community gym where everyone feels comfortable while benefiting their health, and I feel we have achieved that,” Tina said from behind her counter while mixing a protein shake. The secret to the gym’s success is the services and value for the money they offer their members. “Two things hurt us, the road construction out front and the rising gas prices beginning in March of 2008,” Tina said. “When it came down to putting gas in the car or paying another gym membership fee, some people had to choose gas.” But, the good news is the Main Street Gym have people who fitness is part of their daily lifestyle and they continued to work out. Meanwhile, the Virants added more services like unlimited tanning for $34 a month for their members, and more exercise equipment for an even larger variety. “The tanning bed was quite an investment, because it is a high quality bed with 42 bulbs and face tanning, but it has already paid for itself,” Tina said. The variety of equipment includes free weights, circuit training, cardio equipment, plus a large assortment of bikes and treadmills. The gym also offers personal training and martial arts instruction. “When I asked for help, Dave and Tina couldn’t have been warmer or more welcoming. Tina trained me on all the machines, demonstrating correct form,” McDonald said. “Then she set me up with an introductory routine. Dave regularly gives me tips about movements that ‘tweak’ exercises for maximum benefit. He always has ideas about how to keep my workout fresh and interesting.” The Virants believe in marketing during hard times and utilize newspaper ads and radio spots, but word of mouth from a trusted friend still seems to be the best advertisement. “We are still getting new members all the time,” Tina said. The Main Street Gym also offers incentive programs to their members for referrals. Members get “counter cash” when friends sign up that they can use for free energy or protein drinks or to help pay for their membership fee. “This is something we can do for our members to say thank you,” Tina said. The difference at Main Street Gym is the Virants take a personal interest in everyone who comes through the door. 
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