ANNA MARIA – The Center of Anna Maria Island is opening its door to welcome an established Holmes Beach business – Island Fitness is moving in with the nonprofit.
“I am looking forward to bringing my years of fitness experience to the community center to both increase the service offerings for Island Fitness members and to the community center’s current members,” said Island Fitness owner Brenda Canning in a press release. “I am confident that through this relationship we will be able to create a mutually beneficial opportunity for growth and community involvement.”
Though some of the details are still being worked out, the staff at Island Fitness will be taking over the Center’s second-floor fitness center. The change comes as Island Fitness’s Holmes Beach location’s lease ends, meaning members will now have to travel down the road to Anna Maria to use their memberships.
Center Executive Director Kristen Lessig said the arrangement is a win-win for both organizations.
“I am extremely excited about the opportunity to work with Brenda and the Island Fitness team,” she said in the Oct. 29 press release. “The Center team is looking forward to expanding our reach within the community through true collaboration. Brenda has an amazing reputation and following in the community, as well as expertise in the fitness industry that will add great value to the services we provide, while our expansive programs and committed staff will allow for Island Fitness members to truly be part of our efforts to preserve the sense of community on the Island.”
Lessig said the Center will remain home to Anna Maria CrossFit which is launching a kid’s program in November.
As the location change begins, Island Fitness members are invited to tour the Center and try one of the fitness classes currently offered. Lessig said one of the details still being ironed out is how current Island Fitness memberships will be honored at the business’s new location and what membership structure will be offered in the future. A finalized timeline for the transition and further details are scheduled to be released to both Island Fitness and Center members by e-mail in the coming weeks.
