November 2020 wrapped up in a major way. 

This year started off with tremendous promise. The path we were on included studio managers, four locations, 8 full time positions, and 24 coaching positions. Then suddenly, along with the rest of the world, we had to stop and change everything. The top priority for Angela and me was to do whatever we could to help our coaches and clients stay engaged. No doubt we were going to need each other to get through this. Our virtual wellness program came together so fast we hardly knew what hit us. 

With our Spring Special approaching, we were committed to providing a comprehensive fitness and nutrition program to carry participants through 12 full weeks of self care. We immediately began recording full length workouts, yoga & pilates, and meditations in real time to incorporate into this challenge. Once we got the ball rolling, we began to understand the power behind Video on Demand.

In addition to VOD, we learned how powerful the virtual platform as a whole could be. There was a bit of a learning curve, but once we figured out the best way to offer virtual workouts, we were able to post a full schedule with the help of our amazing team. Not only did we get to engage with clients, we also got to ‘see’ a little more into their lives… Their children, their pets, their spouses… It was such a sweet and unexpected gift.

When we were allowed to open the studios again, it wasn’t without many new challenges. By this point our staff looked different, the schedules looked very different, and the studios looked different. Since then, there have been more ups and downs throughout the world than we care to count, and for us, some really tough decisions had to be made. 

There was a lot going on. 

Taunton was only 5 months old when COVID hit. Even with the strong leadership and relationships, there are just some things that are seemingly impossible to overcome – a pandemic being one of those things. We came to the realization that, now 8 months later and with no end in sight, we just couldn’t hang on any longer. We made the heartbreaking decision to close both Taunton & Westport studios as of November 30.

Within the current of this wave, we also came to the end of our lease in Mattapoisett. This was bitter sweet. We had a good home at the Ropewalk, but we had outgrown the space in a major way – especially now with distancing protocols. Before we knew it, an opportunity presented itself to relocate around the corner in a stand-alone building with plenty of space for distanced group training, a suite for private training, and even a home for our online shop inventory. It’s a big and necessary move and we look forward to the future of our Mattapoisett studio.

I could never put into words the tornado of feelings that we are experiencing. Saying goodbye to two studios and then upgrading another creates a very bizarre tug at the heartstrings. We will be OK.

To our clients: We have been so lucky to have the opportunity to serve you. Thank you for becoming a part of the BFF. We truly hope our paths will cross again and we wish you the very best in health and happiness.

To our coaches: Sharon, Jess, Ali, Lacey, Kristen, Kirstie, and Heather… Where do I begin? Many things were uncertain over the last several months, but your commitment to BF, to each other, and to your clients never was. It has been such an honor to have you as part of our team and you will always be a part of this family. 

Here’s to a renewed resilience in 2021.

Much love,

Lara & Angela