FitStop24 brings inspiration for a healthier life to Rochester and Plymouth

Inspiring others has always been a goal to the new business owners of FitStop24 locations in Rochester and Plymouth. MaKla Clark and Luis Sanchez, who took over this past April, are excited to be able to provide everything from new equipment, a fitness trainer, and a safe space members can feel comfortable working out at.

MaKla Clark and Luis Sanchez brought their vision of being business owners to life when they opened their franchise business FitStop24 earlier this year at 2088 Peace Tree Village in Rochester and 700 W. Jefferson St. in Plymouth. 

Clark and Sanchez originally partnered in business with FitStop24 by selling gym equipment several years before becoming connected with the franchise. Supplying FitStop24 with equipment, Clark says that connection inspired them to want to help others in the community with their fitness goals, and by April of this year the duo felt they were ready to own their own location when the former owners of the gym at both locations decided to sell out to the franchise. 

"We knew that owning a gym would be a dream come true. If you love something and get to do it everyday, it's honestly a blessing," Clark said. What Clark and Sanchez realized, however, is that owning your own gym business would be hard to do on their own. Having the support from FitStop24 was something the duo saw as an opportunity to get over the obstacles. Clark said the owners of FitStop24 have been in business for more than two decades, bringing experience to the table for help to the new business owners. 

"They made it possible with their support because they have seen it. From the tech issues, software issues, membership issues and more. It's getting to use their experience that makes the process even easier and more successful," Clark said. 

After taking over both locations this year, the duo were able to get into the community to see the personal need for each of their customers. Clark said over the months she has realized there had been a huge need to provide a local gym that matched their level of fitness, especially in Rochester. Being able to dive into that need and prove to the community that they could live up to those standards of how a gym should be has been the most rewarding for them. Currently, as Clark is trying to manage operations and the day-to-day work, she is also trying to help grow the gym in both locations to be the best as it can be. Having a team player like Sanchez helps her fill any gaps she may be missing, Clark said. 

So far, Clark said the feedback has been great at both locations. Updating the gyms and keeping them clean has been huge for their businesses, Clark said. One main focus the business owners have is maintaining a clean gym, with fully functioning equipment for their members. "I know I can't work out in a dirty gym. A clean gym gets you in the workout mood, so just us upkeeping the gym and keeping things clean and working has been huge for Rochester," Clark said. 

In their Rochester location, Clark says they have everything from wall-mount rigs, flat benches, competition benches, and other typical work-out machines that allow gym members to be able to carry out their fitness goals. The hip thrust is one machine Clark says they do not currently have at their Rochester gym due to limited space, but says the machine is at their Plymouth location. The hip thrust provides a workout for glutes and hamstrings and is popular in the workout community. Clark says her team is hopeful to provide a version of the hip thrust machine for the Rochester community in the near future. 

Clark said their Rochester facility also offers personal training by Rachel Mahan, who provides more in depth services for things like strength training, weight loss, muscle building, nutrition guidance, and more. Membership prices start at individuals being $29 with a commitment of a one year contract, couple plans price at around $49 a month, and family rates being at around $58 a month. Students also have a discount of $19 a month at the facility. 

"There comes a point in time that if you are not actively taking care of your body, your health will diminish at a rapid rate. By exercising you are extending your life by putting yourself in stress situations where your body comes out stronger and healthier. It's really important to be active, whether young or old. I'm not saying that 60-year-olds should be lifting heavy weights and hurting themselves. I am saying, however, that everyone should be trying to exercise on a regular basis and getting that habit of working out to improve overall health for the future," Clark said. 

Clark hopes to inspire both communities to have the same passion in physical fitness that she and her staff members have, something she feels is important in everyday life. 

"Honestly, if you just come out and check it out, you will be surprised at how many people are willing to help you in our gym," Clark said. "Even if your fitness is not with us, whether you don't like being on a treadmill and just want to go for a walk, we hope to encourage everybody to have some form of fitness in their life."

Staffed hours at the Rochester gym are: Mondays, noon-4 p.m. and 5-8 p.m.; Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and 5-8 p.m.; and Fridays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. A key fob system allows gym members to access the gym 24/7.

Staffed hours at Plymouth are Monday and Wednesday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; and Friday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.