According to Haaken Larsen, General Manager of the Silverdale Crunch Fitness, “Community wellness is really all about creating community in a space where people feel comfortable in that space.” Larsen and his team embrace the “No Judgement” philosophy through positivity, inclusivity, and most importantly, fun.
“We are fitness people making fitness fun. We don’t want it to be a punishment, but something people enjoy,” said Personal Training Manager, Dominique Harris. Examples are Superhero dress up day or making an American Ninja Warrior course for members to tackle. At Crunch, they work to fuse fitness and entertainment so they can make serious exercise fun by creating work out plans tailored to what their guests would enjoy.
Larsen, an Ellensburg native, moved to Bremerton following his time in the Navy where he was stationed in Japan for four years. “Everyone is here to help, from the front desk to the group fitness team and personal trainers,” Larsen said. New members receive a personal user’s guide which includes a one-hour session with a personal trainer to help sort through what they want to accomplish and reach their goals faster.
People who want to try out Crunch Fitness are given a free trial so they see for themselves if they feel welcome and supported. “We want to create an open, comfortable space that is very welcoming,” said Harris, a military spouse who recently moved to the area from North Carolina.
Built on a desire to change the narrative about the gym industry as too intimidating, Larsen and Harris are working to make sure no one feels judged at their location. “Comparisons are really the thief of joy, and we want to help everyone around us flourish.”
While Crunch Fitness is a national brand, it feels like a small-town business because of the relationships being built there every day. “People come as new members, but through our wonderful and very communicative staff, they become our friends,” Larsen said.
No judgments means room for everyone, regardless of shape, size, age, race, gender or fitness level.
Crunch Fitness
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