Encompass Fitness Studio hasn’t been open for a long time, but it has already made a difference in the lives of many of its clients.
The company started four years ago as a hobby for owner Brady Johnson, and has been her full-time passion for the last three years. It began in a 700-square foot location on Edward Street, and moved to its present home on Fourth Street, with about 5,000 square feet of space, in October 2016.
Encompass has been rewarded for its efforts, as it was named the top weight loss company in the city through the Estevan Mercury Publications Readers’ Choice Best of Estevan Awards.
It’s a special feeling to win the award, Johnson said.
“I’m really, really excited,” said Johnson. “The whole team is. To us, It’s a compliment that we’re doing things right.”
She believes that the company’s record with helping people lose weight is a big factor for being selected for the award.
Encompass provides personal training, with semi-private training and group fitness, and lots of nutrition programming. A gym area is used for classroom sessions. Clients use a variety of traditional and non-conventional fitness equipment to reach their fitness goals.
“I’ve always loved helping people with their health and their fitness, and once I became a personal trainer and was taking them to the gym, I just realized how intimidating it was for a lot of people,” said Johnson. “So I wanted to create a really supportive and inclusive environment for anyone, and help provide the accountability that the gym atmosphere doesn’t always provide.”
Three staff members work full-time and serve as coaches. A part-time employee rounds out the staff.
The clients at Encompass love the atmosphere and the community elements, she said. Johnson enjoys seeing the friendships that are formed among the clients, who often wind up running in races together or socializing outside of the gym.
Ron Wyonch has been a client at Encompass for about a year. He started with small group training, and eventually moved into the nutrition program.
As of his weigh-in on March 16, he had lost 102 pounds, making him the first to lose 100 pounds at Encompass.
“I’ve been coming to class here four to five times per week, and using the nutritional program they have here,” said Wyonch.
The staff and the clients at Encompass have been very supportive as well, he said.
“I’ve been getting lots of help from people who did this stuff, the nutritional, before I started,” said Wyonch. “We share lots of recipes and share lots of ideas, and if you have any problems, you can ask, and somebody usually has had similar programs that they have gone through.”
Others at Encompass have lost more than 50 pounds.
Encompass members have lost more than 2,000 pounds since the business opened. For each pound lost, Encompass donates $1 to the Hillcrest School Breakfast Club.
“It’s really rewarding to be able to give back for the members’ success,” said Johnson.
Support for the breakfast club encourages young people to grow up with healthy eating habits, she said.
Encompass can also be found at various races in the community, such as the Coal Country Run/Walk. Encompass is also looking forward to working with Fresh Air Fitness this year.
The company’s involvement in the community extends to corporate wellness programs with local businesses, helping employees manage their weight and live healthier lives.
