As the countdown to the New Year begins, many of us find ourselves making resolutions - promises to ourselves to make a fresh start. And guess what? You're not alone! Every January, countless people resolve to exercise more, to get in better shape, and to prioritize their health.
But the sad truth is that many of us struggle to stick with these resolutions. However, Eagan's Union Fitness is here to make your fitness journey achievable and enjoyable.
Union Fitness: The 40+ Gym
Union Fitness, located on Lexington Avenue in Eagan, is all about helping you become stronger for the long haul. If you're tired of slogging away without results, the gym’s owner, Jen Williams, encourages you to "workout smarter, not harder." And the good news is, she’s been helping others do this successfully for five years now, with a 5th-anniversary celebration planned for January 13, 2024.
Diverse Classes for Every Taste
This gym isn't just about lifting weights and working out on your own. At Union Fitness, you'll find a welcoming community and a variety of classes to suit all tastes. They’ll help you take the guesswork out of working out. So, whether you're into yoga, boxing, cycling, circuit training, or something unique like yoga-sculpt or sculpt-and-stretch, this gym has got you covered.
But why the emphasis on strength training? Well, because it's not just about looking good; it's about feeling good and living well. Strength training can enhance your quality of life, making everyday activities more accessible and more enjoyable. It can also protect your joints from injury and improve balance. In short, it helps you stay independent as you age.
Meet Jen Williams: Owner and Inspiration
Jen Williams, the owner of Union Fitness, understands that starting a fitness journey can be intimidating, especially if you've taken a break or have never stepped foot in a gym.
She said, "People often come in and are nervous," acknowledging that the commitment to fitness has changed for many due to the challenges of the past few years. But Jen is there to help you recommit, stay committed, and invest in yourself. “It’s not a gym where you get lost in the crowd. The people here work hard together and truly enjoy the camaraderie. They just care for one another.”
Jen's journey to Union Fitness is inspiring, too. Before embarking on this fitness venture, she was a dedicated stay-at-home mom for 13 years, actively involved in her kids' schools and even running a daycare.
But as she hit her 40s, she realized the importance of self-care. Her love for exercise led her to work out at the Eagan Community Center, and she enjoyed it so much that she decided to become a certified group fitness trainer.
A Fitness Community That Cares
In January 2019, she purchased the existing space that is now Union Fitness, and today, she's the sole owner. It's not just a business to her; it's about building relationships and creating a supportive community.
Jen remarked, "It's not one of those gyms where people come in to take selfies and look cute. The people here work hard and truly enjoy the camaraderie, showing such genuine care for one another."
Union Fitness caters to a specific demographic - those over 40 who either need to rekindle their fitness journey or are stepping into a gym for the first time, preferring a group setting. At Union Fitness, you’re not packed into a class like in a can of sardines. Group sessions are kept small, with only six people per group.
Jen's goal is to help each person move with care and individualized attention, helping them achieve their fitness and health goals one step at a time. Currently, there are around 130 members.
Making New Year's Resolutions Stick
As we approach the dawn of a new year, it's time to consider how you'll approach your health and fitness goals in 2024. Are you among the many who aim to exercise more in the coming year? If so, you're not alone.
Research shows that this is one of the most common New Year's resolutions, with nearly half of people wanting to regain some sort of physical fitness. But here's the catch: many resolutions fizzle out quickly, with only a small fraction successfully keeping their goals.
Jen recognizes the pitfalls of grandiose resolutions. She advises her clients to start simple. “Begin by moving your body two to three times a week for 30 minutes or more. Success in fitness is about consistency over time - it's a long game,” she said.
“So, instead of overwhelming yourself with ten different lofty goals, take small, manageable steps toward your fitness objectives.”
Beat the Winter Blues
The challenges of Minnesota's winter also come into play. The state's cold and dark winters can affect our mood, leading to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Shorter days and less sunlight can leave us feeling down.
But Jen's solution is not just about physical fitness; it's about pumping up your mental health, too. Union Fitness offers a group-minded approach where everyone works together towards their own independent goals, fostering camaraderie that's good for both body and mind.
So, if you want to kick-start your fitness journey in 2024 and want to do it smartly, consider joining Union Fitness. You'll find a supportive community where all ages and abilities are welcome. To get started, visit their website at https://www.unionfitmn.com/ or call Jen at (651) 401-7778.
This January, let's resolve to make our fitness goals achievable, enjoyable, and lasting. Start the year right with Union Fitness and make your health a priority.
At Union Fitness, every workout is personalized to help you reach your fitness goals quickly and safely with expert guidance. We strive to empower you to reach your goals both in and out of the gym.
I cannot tell you how Union Fitness has impacted my life. Jen and her team have been amazing. I can climb stairs and move more easily with less pain—huge victories for this former couch potato.
-Carol
I LOVE Union Fitness! I can't say enough good things about my positive experience. I started seeing results quickly (welcome back, muscle), and I'm so happy to return to a routine again.
-Beth