Check Out Gianna Wilkie’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gianna Wilkie

Hi Gianna, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Fitness is a huge passion of mine, and I love to try all types of workouts to switch things up and keep exercise fun. For years, I have spent so much time (and money!) seeking out new studios, buying memberships, etc. I had always wished that something existed where all of my favorite exercise types could be “under one roof”, instead of needing multiple memberships to have variety in my workout routine.

When I moved to Cleveland and started this process over again, it became clear to me how many roadblocks are in the way for people to try out fitness classes. From class fees, to being limited to one class-type at a particular studio, to the pressure of purchasing a membership after trying one class, it can become overwhelming (and expensive!).

I started Cleveland Health & Social Club to bridge all of those gaps to the best of my ability. My goal is to make fitness as accessible and fun as possible. We host events all over Cleveland in public parks or partnering with local Cleveland businesses in an effort to eliminate those pressures mentioned above. We want to encourage everyone to try out new workout types and get active, and hopefully they resonate with something they never expected to!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Our biggest challenge has been getting our name out there and forming relationships with local Cleveland businesses. We have relied heavily on public parks to host a majority of our events, as we do not have our own space to host in. So as the weather is slowly getting less ideal for outdoor events, we are turning to local businesses to welcome us into their spaces. Every local business owner I’ve worked with has been so kind and accommodating, so it has certainly made this challenge easier to navigate. But I understand that it will always be a constant flow of searching for new places to go and people to partner with, as we want to keep things unique and interesting!

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Our events range from donation-based classes in public parks to partnerships with Cleveland businesses and other clubs. We offer a variety of workout types in hopes that there is something for everyone. We are so proud of the unique blend of fitness and socialization we are able to provide our members and believe that this is what sets us apart. There are Cleveland-based clubs/groups that specialize in the social aspect, and there are other groups that specialize in specific exercise types (e.g. yoga, etc.). By having a wider variety of event-types, our members can always try something new without having to put in the effort to seek out exciting things to do!

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
In general, there is a large movement to combat isolation and loneliness that many young adults feel. I think the fitness industry is going to be a major contributor in that effort in the coming years, and it has already begun! For example, run clubs are a major hit amongst young adults as a way to socialize and meet new people as they exercise.

Group exercise has always been popular for that community-focused framing, however the pandemic really took a toll on the industry. I believe that the “anti-loneliness” movement I mentioned above is reinvigorating the industry, as people are looking for community again.

Pricing:

• donation-based events
• free events
• ticketed events

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clehealthandsocialclub/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563970642210
• Other: https://linktr.ee/clevelandhealthandsocialclub