News

If you know me - then you know I am a big policy guy.

So this message should come as no surprise…

The Background:
The class registration system we put in place in June was designed as a “stop gap” system to we reopened the gym in the safest manner possible. Frank (our fearless IT department head) built it out with the idea that it would be used for a month or two while our community worked through phase 2. Obviously, we were short on our timeframe estimation and the system will need to be utilized for the foreseeable future.

The registration system at its core is counter to the ethos of Dūrātus and the organic structure we have worked to build. In fact, the gym move in 2017 was largely a function of keeping this ethos in tact and creating space and freedom for more individuals, rather than implementing a registration system when we operated in the smaller space on Sharpe. We have tried in all we do to make decisions driven by our values, rather than convenience or production.

The Tension:
I have spoken with many of you and have heard the present frustrations with full classes, late cancellations, and the lack of flexibility. These are the exact reason we have never wanted to operate with a registration system in the past, however if we are to stay open in our current COVID reality, we will have to embrace the registration system for the foreseeable future. We have discussed and brainstormed different ideas to alleviate the felt tensions (ie. limiting classes, waitlist options, adding classes, etc), but ultimately have come to realize that these felt tensions are likely coming more from our shared mourning of the loss of our once had reality than class registrations. It’s important to remember, we are still in an unprecedented time. A vulnerable time. In a lot of ways, a time of angst. We must continue to individually do our parts for the betterment and care of our community, this includes extending grace to ourselves and each other.

The Reality:
This is not to say we all just sit and wait for things to turn back to normal. No, in fact, it’s just the opposite. We adapt. We lean into our resolve and become creatures of resiliency. Our staff is committed to leading by example and posture in this way and are working to address the issues that we have some control over.

Of the brainstorming ideas we have come up with, all have pretty significant downsides:

Limiting Classes - seems lame and is exactly the opposite of everything we are about.
Waitlist - Would require a completely reprogrammed system and cost a lot of money.
Adding Classes - Not currently staffed to accommodate the increase (although we are actively discussing what it would take to make this happen).

This past week, we kept better records on our daily registrations so that we had metrics to help inform our decisions.

Here is what we found:
We offer 490 class spots weekly.
Last week we filled 407 spots.
We had 23 late cancelations (under 2 hours) and/or “no shows”.
We charged 0 people the $10 fee (because I have been all bark and no bite!).

We believe this is one area that we have a little control over.

So - here is where we have landed…

The Plan:
-We recently added 2 spots to the floor that are not able to be signed up for. These are considered “admin” spots and are used on a “case by case” basis at the discretion of the admin staff.
-Class registration will open at 12:00pm for that specific day 3 weeks in advance.
-Once signed up, registrants will be able to cancel their spot with no penalty within the time line below:

5:30/6:30/7:30am classes - cancel by 8pm the night before
9:30am - cancel by 6:30am
12:00/1:00pm - cancel by 9:00am
4:30/5:30/6:30pm - cancel by 2:00pm

The Duratus admin staff will choose a few days a week to monitor late cancelations and “no shows”. Late cancelations will be charged $10 and “no shows” will be charged $20. As has been previously stated - all money charged in this way will be given back into the community as its not our intention to increase revenue streams as much as provide some needed accountability.

The Ask:
1. Be an adult.
2. Be considerate and thoughtful to the rest of your gym community when you register.
3. Sign up for the classes you want, but if you sign up…show up.
4. If you think there is a chance you won’t be able to make it, maybe don’t take the spot.
5. If you cancel, cancel by the stated timeline and help create space for others.
6. If you are looking for a spot in a certain class, be persistent in checking the registration page as things do change quite a bit from day to day.
7. Remember, there is a different between convenience, preference, and need. Many have stated they “need” certain/specific class times, but in reality they just prefer the convenience of those times. None of this is convenient. Frankly 2020, has not been convenient. Adapt where you can adapt. Sacrifice where is needed to pursue things of health and wellness.
8. Lastly, reach out if you have concerns, questions, or are still having trouble getting classes. We will work tirelessly to try to accommodate our members as each of your deserves nothing less.

Thanks,

Dūrātus MGMT