Family-Run Fitness Club Looks to Double Membership, Expand

Copyright 2013 Albuquerque Journal

October 10, 2013 Thursday

OBITUARIES; Pg. 11

445 words

Elise Kaplan Mountain View Telegraph

After 30 years at the same company, Becky and Oscar McClure decided they needed a change of direction. So they returned to the passion that brought them together in the first place - working out.

The McClures opened the doors to Family Fitness gym in Edgewood in early September and, after a month of operation, Becky said they have about 90 members.

"Right now the weather is nice so people want to be out in it," she said. "But as winter comes I expect more people will join so they can continue to work out inside."

Family Fitness has treadmills, free weights, stationary bikes and many more machines for advanced users or beginners. When Becky observes a machine isn't getting much use she switches it out for a more popular one, she said. Although she is not a personal trainer, Becky has been exercising for many years, and can answer questions and give advice.

"It's not so much about losing weight," she said. "I can help you reshape your body. We have machines to work on a little bit of everything."

The McClures named the venture after the role their family plays in running the business. While Becky runs the day-to-day operation, she said her husband and three children help out whenever they can.

"And when you come around, we treat everyone like family," she added.

As Family Fitness settles into the neighborhood, Becky said she hopes to double their membership and expand into a neighboring vacant store front.

"If we could get at least 100 more members, we could buy the space next door," she said. "Then we could start holding yoga and Zumba classes."

The McClures moved to Torrance County 12 years ago when Oscar got transferred to Mcintosh for his job at a sod company. Over the past decade, Becky coached volleyball, track and softball at Moriarty Middle School.

"We've definitely been part of the community the entire time," she said.

So far, the community has supported her as well, Becky said, and one of her favorite things about the new job is meeting great people every day. That, and being able to work out whenever she wants.

"People keep asking me, do you think you can make the business work as so many others close down?" Becky said. "But I tell them, it takes you to keep it open. I can't do it by myself."

A standard membership costs $30 per month, with no contract. However, military personnel, teachers, city employees and seniors receive $5 off a month. Becky said the gym is in the process of joining Silver Sneakers - a fitness program designed to encourage seniors to stay active by providing a gym membership through insurance.

Family Fitness is located at 4 George Court in Edgewood next to the China Chef. Call 220-6894 for more information.

ELISE KAPLAN/TELEGRAPH Becky McClure, owner of Family Fitness, demonstrates how to use her favorite workout machine, the treadmill.
ELISE KAPLAN/ TELEGRAPH Becky McClure and her husband Oscar (not pictured) opened the gym Family Fitness in Edgewood in early September.

October 10, 2013