When Katie Maroney first opened her dynamic Equilibrium Fitness in New Buffalo seven years ago on December 14th, 2013, she did it in the middle of a Polar Vortex. Despite the odds, less than five years later she expanded to a second Harbor Country location in Three Oaks in August of 2018. This past summer, after being forced by state mandates to close down indoor operations for months on end, she added a spacious Class Studio next the gym in Three Oaks in preparation for Social Distancing Guidelines for re-opening.
Now, Katie’s Equilibrium Fitness enterprise is marking her 7th anniversary in business despite all of the odds thrown her way through thick and thin, expressing deep gratitude to the gym’s members and her EQ Team, which she lovingly refers to as her Gym Family.
Katie Maroney is originally from New Buffalo, and she tells us, “We have certainly been through a great deal over the years, but this past year has proven to be the most challenging as I’m sure so many other businesses and people can agree.”
Her business was fully closed for 6 months from March 16th to September 9th and are currently open at a 25-percent capacity in accordance with state health department restrictions and requirements. Classes have also been on pause since mid-November per the MDHHS – but they have been offering free Virtual Classes on her Member Portal since the Spring of the year.
To help with safety systems, she also added HEPA Filters and iWaves to her facility’s HVAC Systems, and they employ very rigorous Gym Rules and COVID-19 Precautions. Katie admits, “We could not have made it this far without our entire Gym Family.”
Equilibrium Fitness prides themselves on being the first facility of its kind in this region of Southwest Michigan – as well as being independently and female owned. Maroney will be the first to tell you that she is not one to shy away from any hurdles or challenges. As a former Division I Athlete (Ice Hockey – Ohio State University) and armed with her Masters in Exercise Science and several Fitness, Coaching, and Nutrition Certifications and years of experience in the Health and Wellness Industry she is hopeful for the future.
Katie says, “We may have been one of the hardest hit industries with the length of the closures and current restrictions, but we, along with our members, are extremely resilient and always rise to the challenge. Give us a benchmark and we will exceed it. Virtual options are great, and businesses need to pivot, but I do see people getting burnt out with so many things being online now.” She goes on to say, “Prioritizing overall health will be crucial in the years to come. People need social, in-person contact, it is imperative for their well-being and mental health. We are excited to still be working with the YMCA of Greater Michiana for the Community Center project here in New Buffalo, which obviously had to be put on hold due to COVID-19. With news of the vaccine and case numbers decreasing we will continue to strive forward and blaze trails for others to continue to follow.”
Equilibrium Fitness offers affordable and flexible Membership options from one month to one year, convenient, clean, and safe locations, Personal Training – both in-person, partner, and virtual options, a Rewards Program, and Classes in their new spacious Studio in Three Oaks (Spin Cycle, Group Training, TRX, Boxing, Barre, Mat Pilates, and more).
Maroney wanted to find a way to continue to safely support other local businesses in the region so she is offering a promotion the remainder of this month to both New and Current Members.
Maroney says, “Small businesses are the heart of communities and we want to show our support and solidarity for these businesses, their employees, and their customers. We are offering a Shop Small – Save Big Promotion where we will give gym discounts for anyone that shops or works locally. Spend $50 or more at a small business in Berrien County between 12/15/20 – 12/31/20 or work locally at any small business in Berrien County and we will waive your Activation Fee (Save $50) for New Members…or Current Members get their choice of either 3 Fitness Classes or a Gym Merch Swag Bag (Valued at $50).”
All you have to do is e-mail her a copy of your receipt or where you are employed in Berrien County by December 31st of 2020 to: getfit@eqfitnessnb.com to get started.
Equilibrium Fitness is Southwest Michigan’s premier 24-hour fitness facilities with locations in New Buffalo and Three Oaks. For more information about Memberships, Personal Training, Classes, or how to join please you can visit: http://www.eqfitnessnb.com or call (269) 586-4280.
