"10 Years Later..."

While it may read like a sentence starting one of Lauryn’s favourite post-apocalyptic-fiction novels, in this case — instead of catastrophe — it’s the cause for celebration. So, rather than setting the scene for the decadence of humanity where android bodies start taking over the world, as 2024 nears, we will celebrate the longevity of our entrepreneurial spirit, and the evolution of our exercise and wellness practice. This coming year, our studio turns ten. 

On December 22, 2013, we met the landlord to sign on the line, accept the keys, and start our tenancy at 20 Douglas Street in Downtown Guelph. To that point, we hadn’t given much thought to how long we would last, all we could do was start. But, as it is now, and as it was from the start — our studio has truly become a permanent home-away-from-home.

After a quick walkthrough as official tenants of the space, we made the phone call to my brother Jeff. The very next day, he drove into town with tools, and his invaluable knowledge of construction. Then, under the cover of darkness, we experienced the cathartic rush of renovation and found our specialty — de-construction — as we began to excavate our very own exercise studio space. 

The most memorable moment of the evening was when Jeff first went into the attic to ensure the electrical circuits were safely disconnected. After disappearing into the hatch, all of a sudden, Lauryn and I heard him exclaim, “caw-caw”. Next, the skeleton of a bird crashed onto the floor. That was the first smash, and more banging, crashing, and farmers-walk-carrying tasks were soon to follow. At the request of the neighbour, we stopped around eleven p.m. Letting the dust settle, but our bodies still buzzing with sledge hammering vibrations — we returned the next morning to continue cleaning up the mess, and haul the debris away to our second favourite place to release our cathartic energy — the dump.

The events of that night have led to eight renovations at 20 Douglas Street. Every time we embark on a new project, we learn something new, and the success we enjoy keeps us excited to preserve the building, while preparing it for the future. Even without wings, our wellness practice and studio space continues to uplift the minds, bodies and spirits of those who are able to share in it.

When we share and lift with our bodyweight, barres and bells, our hearts are worn on our sleeves. We sincerely love what we have been able to accomplish with each other, and with you everyday. So, now with less skeletons in our closet, or in the attic — our fascination with the boney and muscle structures of the body intensifies every day, and we continue to grow as business owners and physical-educators. We believe in the capacity to feel better with movement, and with patience, practice and adaptability — anything is possible.

Thank you for your readership, patronage and patience. We are stronger together because of you. Please stay tuned to the B+B Link Letter series in the new year for invitations to open houses, special events, and unique experiences to celebrate the ability of movement to challenge the conventions of fitness, change our bodies and minds, and we look forward to connecting with you in 2024 in-studio and online.

Take care, stay strong and let’s train soon.

Ian + Lauryn