Recently, my stepdaughter Amber brought to my attention a new Central Okanagan start-up venture for women that she felt I would enjoy sharing with you.
30 Minute Hit at 269 Lawrence Ave. in Kelowna is housed on the main floor with street access to a fairly new office building.
It is a truly empowering and inspiring kick boxing-boxing circuit program for women, which strives to get women of all ages into amazing shape in a non-intimidating and safe place to train.
A huge attraction for any interested woman is she may burn up to 500 calories during the 30-minute circuit while learning proper MMA-style boxing and kick boxing techniques.
Deanna and Jackson Loychuk, the original and primary franchisors of the 30 Minute Hit, began their journey as B.C. entrepreneurs more than 10 years ago in North Vancouver.
Nicole McGillis has been doing the workout program for more than 10 years now and said she fell in love with its power and effectiveness almost immediately.
From Kelowna originally, McGillis was completing her education and early stage work experience in dental hygiene in the Victoria area when the 30 Minute Hit bug bit and she moved quickly into the mindset of a budding Okanagan entrepreneur and couldn’t wait to launch it here.
And so this entrepreneurial venture story begins as McGillis committed to bringing this venture to the Central Okanagan. She made it happen last September.
With her background in boxing and as a personal trainer, McGillis said it made her transition to entrepreneurship and the business model much easier.
In June 2013, she took on a venture partner, Jenna Skoglund, who has a strong background in accounting and managerial skills.
McGillis is a joy to watch as she recites her entrepreneurial journey results watching women transform their bodies and minds through 30 minutes of punching and kicking the dummy models on the circuit within the facility. She admits a big factor in her success has and will be marketing.
Turnover appears to be high in the fitness world, so retention is always a huge factor. So McGillis and Skoglund work hard to keep things interesting and inspiring on different levels.
When I arrived at the 30 Minute Hit location in Kelowna, I was greeted by McGillis just as a female member was removing her boxing gloves having completed an energizing workout with a delightful smile on her face, complete with a sense of accomplishment.
Some of the immediate gains of membership include it being ladies only, participants gain self-defense skills, learn boxing and kick boxing, there’s an on-site trainer always on duty, there’s a kids play area, it’s central downtown Kelowna location and importantly, memberships cost as little as $ 39 per month and give unlimited access to the circuit equipment.
McGillis reminded me that for her, giving women an alternative to fitness programs that is unlike anything else in the region is powerfully gratifying.
Hence, in just 30 minutes, three times a week, a woman can see tangible results, feel calmer, energized and confident, “and with the strength, courage and body you will love,” said McGillis.
As a man who has spent a huge portion of his life in a gym, I wholeheartedly endorse this 30 Minute Hit concept and encourage women to take the time to visit and enjoy an introductory experience to a workout program that has the potential to change your life.
Check out the 30 Minute Hit web site at www.30 minutehit.com/kelowna or phone McGillis at 778-484-3064 for an appointment.
