Time to get a group X studio back in Newberg

The pandemic was hard on all of us in different ways. One of the saddest days was when Newberg Oregon’s Excell Fitness, a beloved gym and community gathering place, closed its doors for good in December of 2020. This wasn’t just any gym. Excell was a place of connection, accountability, growth and joy. Parents could bring their young children to the kids room and enjoy an hour to take care of themselves. Lifelong friendships were formed here. Members and staff would often comment on how everyone there felt like family. There’s a reason for this–people bond in special ways when they do something challenging together. 

We need a cycling and group exercise studio back in our community now more than ever.

Why group exercise is so beneficial:

Accountability

Higher intensity

Endorphins

Feedback from trained professionals

Lifelong bonds, friendships and connections

FUN!

We, Kara Johnson, Diane Kenney and Crystal Merrow, are highly trained and committed fitness instructors who worked closely together throughout the pandemic. We stayed loyal to Excell Fitness (a long-time workplace for us) during the first shutdown, teaching free facebook live classes for months. After the gym closed for good, we wanted a way to keep our community together. Two months later we started Level Up Cycle and Fitness, currently a virtual gym offering a full schedule of Zoom classes. 

Where YOU come in:

This is where you get to jump in with us! Our plan is to open a brick and mortar studio, complete with childcare, in the Newberg area this coming fall. With everything opening back up and all of us longing for that in-person experience, NOW is the time. For those currently working out with us from afar we also plan on continuing to stream live classes. This is a chance to make a difference. To be a part of something really good, healing, and uplifting after a long, tough year and a half. 

We, Diane, Crystal and Kara, are hard-working women. We’re passionate about serving and enhancing the lives of our community members. We also have families–children and hard-working husbands who support us. We are calling on you, our family, friends, community members and overall advocates for GOOD to make this happen without putting our personal finances at risk.

While we looked into taking out a business loan it quickly became clear that this is not an option for a couple reasons: banks will not grant a business loan to any business that has not been up and running for less than two or three years. We have also been advised not to start with debt (makes sense). Therefore our only option is this one–crowd funding.

We actually did try another approach to gaining startup funds for a studio. Thinking outside the box, Diane Kenney put herself out there and entered a Facebook-based contest titled “Yoga Warrior”. Diane was the face of this “campaign”, but we were all working hard to get her the votes required to win the $10,000 cash prize. While the community stepped up and showed overwhelming support, she was not able to make it into the final rounds. Ultimately, though, the experience was encouraging. It showed that there was indeed a desire in our community for group fitness again. . 

Why we need $65,000–Breakdown of Donation Spending 

• Equipment $35,000 (bikes, weights, mats, lockers, racks, sound system)
• Facility Costs $20,000 (deposit, lease, insurance, mirrors, point of sale terminal and utilities)
• Facility Supplies $5,000 (cleaning supplies and equipment, towels, bins, cabinets) 
• Indiegogo Fees = 5% of funds raised + 30 cents per contribution (includes platform and credit card fees) approximately $3,000
• Miscellaneous/Contingency Expenses = $2,000

Perks (what you get!)

$1 – A heartfelt high-five or fist bump! Not bad for less than the cost of a pack of gum. 

$10 – Handwritten and truly meaningful “Thank You” Note. 

$20 – Love a good souvenir? Get a signed picture of Crystal, Diane and Kara in front of the new studio!

$30 – Limited Edition Level Up women’s tank top – (3 smalls and 2 large available) 

$50 – Party Time!! One ticket to our Grand Opening Party!! Hors d’oeuvres included (20 available)

$100 – Patron Ambassador Status. Bragging rights available (not required) on the Level Up Facebook page.

$200 – Advocate Ambassador Status. Bragging rights available (not required) on Level Up, Crystal, Diane and Kara’s Facebook pages.

$400 – The early bird gets the worm. All-inclusive 6-month membership. (10 available)

$1,000 – Dare me to get a tattoo? OK, Crystal will get the Level Up logo tattoo and live stream it. (1 available)

$1,000 – Champion Ambassador Status. Bragging rights available (not required) on Level Up, Crystal, Diane and Kara’s Facebook, Instagram and Website pages. 

$3,000 – Your golden ticket! The fast lane to Champion Ambassador status and One Lifetime All-inclusive Membership. If we’re open, you’re in! (10 available) 

$5,000 – Become a sponsor. Your name and/or business logo will be proudly displayed on all Level Up social media sites, on a Proud Sponsors banner inside the studio and used at any and all community events, markets and activities in 2022. Aren’t you a marketing genius!! 

Together we can fill the void and lift this community up. Can’t wait to partner with you in this, and, of course, to see you in class!