Cari Frink has always had a love for fitness and she feels passionate about helping others feel their best – mentally and physically.
She and her husband, Jason, are high school sweethearts. They grew up in South-Central Colorado and then graduated from CSU. After college, the pair purchased an Anytime Fitness branch in Greeley – a business they owned for many years as they grew their family to include four kids.
Ready for more, the Frinks signed to open a SPENGA Gym in Loveland in February 2019. “The timing couldn’t have been worse. We had just committed to this and then the pandemic hit,” Cari describes. Despite the odds being stacked against them, the Frinks dug deep and have continued on.
SPENGA is a franchised gym that combines cardio, strength, and flexibility. Each pillar is designed specifically to develop both physical and mental strength. Both Cari and Jason work full-time at the gym.
“The pandemic has actually facilitated so much growth,” she says. “If anything, this virus has shown that physical and mental health is incredibly important. I think everyone recognizes that now.”
SPENGA has become a beacon of health during the pandemic. People rely on the gym for the physical workout, but also for the community and connection they’ve developed in this isolating time.
“I’m proud of us. It’s been hard. Slower than we would have ever imagined, but we’re still here,” she details. “We have a great team and we’ve developed a great community. Everyone pushes each other and we have so much fun together.”
“One thing you can’t get from working out at home is a community,” Cari emphasizes. “I thrive working out with others, and I know that’s the same for most people. SPENGA has become a family for so many people.”
Cari admits that running a busy gym, being a mom of four, and being married to her business partner can be a lot. “It’s really stretched me,” she says. “But it’s so good. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial side and I want to show my kids that you can be a good mom and a good business owner. I love working for ourselves and I’m grateful to be setting this example for our kids. And working with Jason is actually really fun.”
Cari credits the fact that they’ve weathered the pandemic with a brand new business to their own mental strength. Both avidly work out and they knows that they’re better able to manage all of their responsibilities when they make the time to exercise. “It’s been proven that working out has such a big impact on mental health. I can feel it when I don’t work out, which is why I make it a priority.”
“What I love about my jobs is that I’m my own boss. I set my own ceiling, no one can tell me when to stop. It also means that I have to juggle it all. I have a lot of balls in the air but I wouldn’t want it any other way,” she says.
With the Frinks’ steadfast dedication, SPENGA is now coming into its own.
“I’m just really looking forward to the future. My goal is to help as many people as I can. I want people to be the best versions of themselves and to feel good – all around,” Cari says. “I want you to be a part of our community.”
SPENGA’s Weekly Class Schedule
Monday
Morning: 5 a.m. 6:30 a.m. 9 a.m.
Afternoon: 4:30 p.m.
Evening: 6 p.m.
Tuesday
Morning: 6:30 a.m. 9 a.m. 10:30 a.m.
Afternoon: 4:30 p.m.
Evening: 6 p.m.
Wednesday
Morning: 5 a.m. 6:30 a.m. 9 a.m.
Afternoon: 4:30 p.m.
Evening: 6 p.m.
Thursday
Morning: 6:30 a.m. 9 a.m. 10:30 a.m.
Afternoon: 4:30 p.m.
Evening: 6 p.m.
Friday
Morning: 6 a.m. 7:30 a.m. 9 a.m.
Afternoon: 12 p.m.
Saturday
Morning: 8:30 a.m.10 a.m.
Sunday
Morning: 9 a.m.