Crunch Fitness opens in Coeur d’Alene, bringing new fitness options and community partnerships

Visitors filled the new Crunch Fitness facility in Coeur d’Alene Tuesday evening for a VIP Preview Party ahead of the gym’s official opening on Wednesday.

Group fitness instructor Jen Gass said attendees appeared particularly enthusiastic about the facility’s welcoming atmosphere.

“They were so excited for an inclusive space to be themselves with no judgment. We have people from all walks of life at Crunch,” Gass said.

The three-hour event invited community members to tour the facility, explore its amenities, watch group fitness demonstrations and connect with local businesses participating in Crunch’s Perk Partners program.

Expanding local fitness options

From Zumba and dance fitness to strength training, Pilates, yoga, cycling and high-intensity interval training, group fitness director Megan Gasper said Crunch aims to offer something for a wide range of fitness interests.

“It’s almost like having several boutique fitness studios under one roof, without having to pay for several different memberships,” Gasper said.

Gasper, who has worked in the fitness industry for more than 27 years and previously owned a group fitness studio, said joining Crunch was a natural next step in her career.

Beyond group fitness, the facility offers 24/7 access to strength and cardio equipment, personal training and recovery amenities including HydroMassage, sauna, red light therapy and cryotherapy.

For Gasper, however, the benefits of group fitness extend beyond physical exercise.

“I’ve watched people walk into class carrying the weight of their entire day and walk out smiling, laughing, and feeling like a completely different person,” she said.

Gasper said instructors will offer modifications and varying intensity levels to accommodate participants with different fitness backgrounds.

A new beginning for local members

For prospective member Rachel Wheeler, 45, the new facility represents an opportunity to return to a regular fitness routine.

Wheeler, a local teacher and business owner, previously held memberships at SNAP Fitness and Precision Fitness but had struggled to find a gym that suited her interests.

“I had been wanting to join a gym and wasn’t feeling like anything really fit what I was looking for,” Wheeler said. “When I learned about Crunch opening it felt like a good fit.”

Wheeler said she is particularly interested in group fitness classes for the accountability and camaraderie they offer, as well as the facility’s convenient location and membership pricing.

“The best part was the price. I thought it was a great value for all they are offering,” she said.

Connecting with the community

General Manager Beth Jansen said the new location has created 55 local jobs and established partnerships with nearly 30 local businesses through its Perk Partners program.

According to Jansen, participating businesses can advertise on screens throughout the gym and offer exclusive discounts to Crunch members. The program also provides participating businesses access to discounted employee membership packages.

Jansen said the gym has worked closely with the Chamber of Commerce and conducted community outreach to establish the partnerships.

“We build communities, and Coeur d’Alene is an amazing community that we wanted to grow with,” she said.