East Brunswick Fitness Studio Praised For Being 'Resilient'
EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — When Brittany Fedun inaugurated her fitness studio on Jan. 4, she had no idea that in two months' time, the pandemic will force her to shut down.
On March. 16, Elite Fitness Alliance in East Brunswick, closed doors as coronavirus ravaged through the country.
As a small business owner, Fedun did not fret. Instead, she immediately pivoted to online fitness classes to stay in business.
“It was difficult in the beginning, in terms of members not being used to working out in that (virtual) environment. But I rented out equipment, and soon they were able to adapt,” Fedun told Patch.
Although New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy announced that gyms could reopen on Sep. 1, with an indoor capacity of 25 percent, Fedun has not yet reopened her studio.
“At 25 percent capacity, it doesn’t make business sense. I can’t afford it,” she said.
But there’s no stopping this trainer.
Fedun conducts online and limited personal training sessions for member. She opened her home gym for those who prefer to work out with a trainer and conducted outdoor classes.
“Of course, it’s not like people are walking through my house all day. The gym has a separate entrance, and the numbers are really limited because we have to follow official guidelines,” said Fedun.
Because of the limited number, Fedun ends up conducting many classes each day.
“I have five to six sessions a day - around 30 a week. I have one staff member helping me with virtual classes, and two with personal training sessions,” she said. Much time is spent in deep cleaning and sanitizing between personal sessions.
Fedun’s commitment and resilience has not gone unnoticed among studio members.
“Elite and Brittany are tough!” said Paula Fiumaro, a client.
“She reached out to her clients, developed an amazing virtual community and always lets her clients know that she’s there for them. And she really cares about each individual, their health and well-being. I'm happy and proud to be a part of Elite Fitness Alliance,” she said.
Heather Drugos, a client, said Fedun pushes members to go “above and beyond."
“Fedun does everything to make her clients happy and she treats everyone like her family. I like how in the summer there were five to six days a week that you could exercise. Her fitness programs are affordable and effective,” said Drugos.
Fedun is a World Instructor Training School Certified Personal Trainer and AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor, with a degree in business from Fairleigh Dickinson University, Silberman College of Business.
For Fedun, stopping is not an option because she “made a commitment” to help customers reach their fitness goals.
Despite facing challenging times and an uncertain future, Fedun is channeling her spirit of positivity and entrepreneurship to stay afloat.
“Yes, the pandemic has been tough. But it opened so many door and opportunities. It got me thinking out-of-the-box and now I understand the process so much better. If I can get through this, I can get through anything,” she said.
Elite Fitness Alliance is located at 11 Harts Lane, in East Brunswick. But due to the pandemic, Fedun is offering online classes. Those interested can call Fedun and meet with her virtually to learn more.
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This article originally appeared on the East Brunswick Patch
