Survey Follow Up

About 6 weeks ago, our staff sent out a member survey in the hopes of receiving feedback as to how we can make Dūrātus the best possible gym environment for our members and community. Before I address some of the consistent themes that emerged, let me thank each and everyone one of you that took the time to thoughtfully engage and provide your feedback. It has been both an enlightening and encouraging process for our staff to sift through the answers and dream about the future.

Big Picture...

The overwhelming majority of responses were very positive and it is clear that Dūrātus has helped affect positive change in many peoples' lives. In reviewing, I was heartened by the kind words spoken and reminded how incredibly generous and kind this community of people has always been. Our entire staff feels fortunate to coach alongside such amazing members. We are affirmed and resolved to continue our efforts in creating an open, welcoming, and challenging environment for people to pursue betterment in their lives through fitness.

Quick fixes...

-Moriah (bless her heart) deep cleaned the women's restroom and we have increased the ongoing hours of our janitorial service.
-We are in the works on a more consistent communication process utilizing the website, physical gym location, and socials.
-We added a Friday PM class and lifting specific class on Saturdays to our regular schedule.
-We are more intentionally programming "named" and repeat workouts for easier tracking of progression.
-Making sure coaches provide instruction around gym etiquette during class to ensure safety and equipment care.

The Take Aways...

*Address: we need to continue to strive for coaching excellence and consistency. Our staff has prioritized this via our internal training track and through upcoming professional development opportunities.
*Keep: fair and transparent pricing. We have always believed that pricing should not be a specific limitation for this type of fitness. We are not only transparent in listing our prices publicly, but we try as much as we can not to "nickle and dime" our members for the things we can offer.
*Address: Increased opportunities for specific learning. We have made this a goal for the rest of 2024...including the new lifting class on Saturdays, the spring running club, and upcoming seminars.
*Keep: Thoughtful and challenging programming. Many people identified Dūrātus' programming as a strength. The resounding feedback was that our programming was challenging yet accessible.

Points of Tension...

Like any survey, answers are always a matter of perspective. The below were a few items that came through as both significant positives for some and areas for potential growth for others.

*Freedom given to members to use the gym and utilize their own programming...while some identified that classes can feel "disorganized" when others are in the gym following different programming, a majority of people responded that the freedom extended to our members in this way is really important to them.

• The organic nature of Dūrātus in this way has been baked into our community since we opened in 2013. While we do not plan to change, we will be diligent to limit class distractions, ensure equipment is prioritized for classes and ensure the environment we provide as coaches is safe.

*Feeling of "community" at the gym...there were a few responses identifying difficulty in finding community and desiring more opportunity for connection. While on the other hand, some communicated that they experienced unique "welcome" and have established deep relationships in the gym. But one response in particular stood out - in answering the question, "Have you experienced a positive and encouraging community/environment at Dūrātus?", their response was: "Yes, but I had to work to build community myself." This to me embodied a nuanced and mature outlook about ones willingness to cultivate the community they desire.

• Feeling "connected" is a tough thing to structure and systematize in any environment. As a staff, we believe we hold some responsibility to help create this, and therefore will continue to create a positive relational environment and provide opportunities for connection as much as we are able. But the truth in this person's answer remains, generative relationships take individual effort and work. I hope this can be understood as an encouragement to keep at it and work to foster community with the people around you. I'm thankful for the person who responded with such wisdom and am glad for the reminder that we each get to take initiative in seeking the things we want in our lives.

Concluding thoughts...

Again, I am indebted to the individuals who took the time to fill out the survey. The fact that we have so many vested people in our community is incredible. Please know, that my (Kevin's) door is always open and I am more than happy to receive further feedback. While this place has been a true labor of love, I fully understand that there is always room from improvement. Please know that I, and the entire Dūrātus staff, will continue to strive to make Dūrātus a great place for any and all.