How a Community of Power Lifters Saved Unleash’d Strength Gym

Joseph and Margo Strada at their Manassas Park gym, Unleash’d Strength, before Virginia’s stay-at-home order (Bernadette Rohan)

The Remarkable Story of 176 Lifters Keeping the Unleash’d Strength Gym Afloat During the Pandemic

Power Lifters Saved Unleash’d Strength Gym

In a year marked by the struggles of fitness centers nationwide, one small family-owned strength training gym in Northern Virginia is defying the odds. Unleash’d Strength, owned by power lifter Joseph Strada, 28, and his wife Margo, 26, has managed not only to weather the storm but also to stand stronger, thanks to the unwavering support of its dedicated members.

As the coronavirus pandemic forced gyms to close and membership cancellations became widespread, Unleash’d Strength faced a precarious situation in 2020. However, a remarkable 176 out of its 198 members chose to voluntarily continue paying their monthly fees, providing a beacon of hope for the independent business community.

The gym, founded in 2016 with a focus on “discipline and virtue,” found its unique identity with the entry of Margo Strada, a woman, mother, and novice lifter. Their journey to open a physical space was challenging, involving meticulous budgeting by finding discounted equipment on platforms like Craigslist. After opening in the summer of the previous year, their goal of reaching 200 members within six months seemed within reach.

However, the pandemic hit, and the careful cleaning regimen at Unleash’d Strength had to be intensified. With members required to reserve workout slots to maintain social distancing, the gym found itself in a privileged position when Virginia ordered similar measures for all gyms. While larger gyms with over a thousand members faced closure, Unleash’d Strength became a haven for lifters determined to continue their workouts.

As the number of members peaked at 210 in March, the Stradas made the tough decision to suspend new sign-ups. Days later, with Governor Ralph Northam’s order to shut down nonessential businesses, they faced another dilemma. Unable to ask members to continue paying, they presented three options: freeze contracts for free, freeze them for a reduced rate of $10 per month, or continue paying the full rate of $39.

Unleash’d Strength Gym Promo

In an inspiring show of solidarity, 176 members chose to pay the full price, ensuring the gym’s survival during the closure. Members like Angela Roark and powerlifter Jimmy Kolb emphasized the supportive community feeling at Unleash’d Strength, expressing gratitude to the Stradas for their continuous support.

While the future remains uncertain, the Stradas are optimistic. They have collected enough revenue to navigate through the immediate challenges, and improvements to the gym are underway. Joseph Strada affirmed their commitment, stating, “We aren’t taking any kind of salary from this yet. Any extra revenue is going right back into the gym.”

Unleash’d Strength could potentially reopen in the coming weeks, showcasing resilience, determination, and the unbreakable bond forged between a small gym and its dedicated members during the trials of the year 2020.

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