Raymond Fitness a full-service fitness facility

Westwind Weekly News Photo Submitted

By Heather Cameron
Westwind Weekly News

Jared Arcus, co-owner of Raymond Fitness, described Raymond Fitness as a full-service fitness facility offering strength training, cardio equipment, functional training, group fitness classes, and personal training.

Raymond Fitness, Arcus explained, is located at 15 Railway Avenue in Raymond and has more than 40 pieces of exercise equipment, a dedicated cardio area, functional training space, and a variety of instructor-led fitness classes for different interests and fitness levels, along with child-care services. 

Being part of a gym, Arcus noted, has always been part of the life that he and his wife, certified personal trainer Stephanie, lead with their six boys, as staying active is important to all of them.

“We are just grateful that we’ve been able to create something here in Raymond for people to enjoy that community feeling of fitness and being healthy,” said Arcus. “Our goal has been to create a gym that combines the quality and equipment of a larger fitness facility with the friendly, welcoming atmosphere of a small town.”

The general membership is $25 every two weeks and includes access to all classes, while membership for classes only is $19 bi-weekly, child minding is $16 bi-weekly, the Teens Package is $19, the Seniors Package is $18, the Couples Package is $45, and the Family Package is $45. Drop-in rates are $9 for General drop-in, $80 for 10 times of dropping in, and one week of full access is $32.50. Membership includes the ability to access the gym with a key fob.

“We want fitness to be affordable and accessible, whether someone is an experienced athlete or walking into a gym for the very first time,” said Arcus. 

One of the rewarding parts of being involved in Raymond Fitness, Arcus noted, is knowing that people are being helped to improve their quality of life.

“Fitness isn’t just about lifting weights or looking a certain way,” proclaimed Arcus. “It’s about feeling better, having more energy, improving mental and physical health, and building confidence. We’re continually working to make Raymond Fitness a place where people feel comfortable, supported, and motivated. We especially love seeing people develop friendships through fitness classes and encouraging each other to keep showing up. That sense of community is something you can’t always find in a larger gym.”

Raymond Fitness has a great group of instructors and personal trainers who genuinely care about helping people succeed, and they feel that it is rewarding for them to watch someone accomplish something they didn’t think they could do.

The community of Raymond has been very supportive and is truly a great community that Raymond Fitness is working to likewise support.

“Being part of the community is one of the things that makes owning Raymond Fitness meaningful,” said Arcus. “Small towns are built on people supporting one another, and we want to contribute to that in a positive way. If we can help people become healthier, stronger, more confident, and more connected with others, then we’re doing something worthwhile. We don’t want Raymond Fitness to just be a business where people pay a membership fee. We want it to be a positive part of people’s lives and an asset to the community for years to come.”

In keeping with the want to make the gym a positive, welcoming community space, Arcus says, Raymond Fitness consistently uses their social media, community promotions, and word of mouth to let people know what exciting things the gym has to offer. Arcus also invites people who have questions about the facility to access Raymondfit.ca for information.

“We’re proud to operate right in the heart of a small community and provide a modern, convenient fitness facility for Raymond and the surrounding area,” said Arcus. “We’re grateful for everyone who has supported Raymond Fitness, and we’re excited to continue improving what we offer. You don’t need to be the strongest, fastest, or most experienced person in the room. You just need to be willing to start. Whether someone is 16 or 75, completely new to exercise or has been training for years, there’s a place for them at Raymond Fitness.”