Recovery-Mode Post-COVID

In 2017, Auxiliary underwent an ownership change and a renaissance of sort followed shortly after. We had a new mission: It was to provide a strong sense of community, develop our coaches, and ensure that the equipment was in top notch condition.

Over the next three years, Auxiliary implemented long-term programs to ensure that we could fulfill our mission goals. This included creating a robust fitness-centred community-based schedule. We implemented a Continuing Education Benefits Program for coaches. We implemented a living-wage compensation structure for our team. We renovated the facility and invested in renewing our equipment.

The emergence of COVID-19 had placed constraints on our ability to operate. In addition to locking down, Aux made the stressful decision to pause some of the programs. However, we are certain that the programs we had implemented prior to COVID helped cushion the blow. It prepared us in many respects for the unknown. We are emerging from COVID with a stronger, closer, and more motivated.

We are finally seeing a return to normal with the increased vaccination rates and due to the almost 2 years of sacrifice and dedication of all the nurses, doctors, medical staff, first responders, and frontline worker. We are witnessing a recovery that makes us incredibly hopeful for the future.

With our guarded confidence level high, we have renewed some initiatives and created new ones with the sole purpose of improving our gym:

Here’s what’s up/coming soon/already happening:

  • Increase class offerings - additional class times and class types (in development & TBA)

  • Provide Additional Skill Development seminars (in development)

  • Equipment Renewal Program 

    • Phase 1 - Replace and/or repair rowers- in the works for November-December 2021; 

    • Phase 2 - Replace Assault Bikes with Concept 2 Bike Ergs - in Review

    • Phase 3 - Repair/replace accessory equipment, barbells, plates Spring 2022

  • Re-Start our Continuing Education Benefits Program for our Coaches (Resumed this October)

  • Investing in new coaches

  • Reviewing living-wage rates to reflect growing cost of living in Toronto for our team (non-owners).

To learn more about our initiatives/programs, please feel free to reach out to us.

Robert Kim