A Letter from Coach Heather
Dear Members of the Community,
As a coach at Monarch Fitness Coaching, I am privileged to witness the incredible impact the ability to move well has on communities and individuals like you.
From a young age, being active has always been my source of joy and solace. Even during difficult times, my favorite memories revolve around being in motion. As a child, I remember skiing down snowy slopes on Christmas day, swimming in the pouring rain before I had to sit in a car to go on our summer vacation, and playing for hours on the playground.
As an adult, some of my favorite activities have been taking early-morning walks to the local coffee shop with my young children, dog, (and, occasionally, the cat), going to the beach with the family, and training at Monarch Fitness Coaching.
I have always cherished starting the day being active and outside.These experiences have taught me that movement is not just a physical act, but also a pathway to emotional regulation, as well as a source of boundless energy.
I recognize that being able to move freely is a privilege—one that is often hindered by financial barriers and limited access to comprehensive healthcare. Our current system fails to acknowledge that movement is essential for well-being and does not provide the support needed to stay active and lead a fulfilling life. Providing that support is where Monarch Fitness Coaching steps in.
At Monarch Fitness Coaching, we believe that every individual deserves to move well, do more, and be happier regardless of their financial circumstances. That’s why we have a Pay-What-You-Can Program. This initiative is designed to make our essential services accessible to every member of our community. It allows you to contribute what you can comfortably afford, ensuring that financial constraints are not a barrier to your health and wellness.
For me, this program holds a deeply personal significance: It represents the unwavering support and compassion that I experienced from our community. When I went through a divorce during the 2008 recession, our family faced significant financial hardships. It was during this time that the incredible members of my community rallied around me and my children, offering their unwavering support.
I vividly remember a kind-hearted community member who gave us a van. When the van needed a battery, another member of the community stepped forward and provided us with a portable battery to jump-start the car. Their generosity allowed us to do something as simple as grocery shopping, and it meant the world to our family.
These are just two examples of the countless acts of kindness and support that we received from our community during those challenging times. From shared multi-family dinners to free childcare, our community surrounded us with love and assistance, helping us get back on our feet. The gratitude I feel towards these individuals and our community is immeasurable, and has left an indelible mark on my heart.
Monarch Fitness Coaching and our Pay-What-You-Can Program is a way to pay forward the kindness I received and provide support to the community that I am honored and privileged to be a part of.
It is with immense gratitude and humility that I invite you to join our program. By participating, you are not only investing in your own well-being, but also investing in a healthy community.
Thank you for allowing me to give back in a meaningful way. Together, we can uplift and inspire, just as we have been uplifted and inspired.
Keep Moving,
Coach Heather Collins
We know that health and fitness services may cost more than some members of our community can afford. We believe that all members of our community deserve to move well, do more, and be happier. Consequently, Monarch Fitness Coaching strives to make our services accessible to all of our community, irrespective of ability to pay.
What does Pay-What-You-Can mean?
In our Pay-What-You-Can Program, clients are able to contribute what they can afford. This may range from paying the entire value to reduced pricing (all the way down to zero). Over half our clients have taken advantage of this service at some point in their training. Over a quarter of our clients participate in the program on a continuing basis. In 2022, we provided over $40,000 in financial support.
How can I participate?
If you are new to Monarch Fitness Coaching, take our online assessment (here) and schedule an In-Depth Consultation and Training. During your In-Depth Consultation and Training, you will be asked if you are interested in our Pay-What-You-Can-Program. Simply let your coach know that yes, you are.
If you are an existing client of Monarch Fitness Coaching, let your coach know you are interested in participating in our program
What are the benefits of Pay-What-You-Can?
- Accessibility and Inclusivity: The Pay-What-You-Can model breaks down financial barriers, ensuring that individuals of all income levels can access high-quality fitness services. This inclusivity fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment, allowing more people to benefit from personalized training programs and improve their overall well-being, as well as the well-being of the community.
- Tailored Financial Flexibility: Pay-What-You-Can allows clients to determine the amount they can comfortably contribute, based on their individual financial circumstances. This flexibility ensures that no one is excluded from participating because of financial constraints. This makes fitness coaching accessible to a wider range of individuals.
- Empowerment and Ownership: By giving clients the agency to decide the payment for the services they receive, Pay-What-You-Can empowers individuals to take ownership of their fitness progress. The approach promotes a sense of responsibility, self-awareness, and motivation as clients actively invest in their health and wellness.
- Community Engagement and Support: The Pay-What-You-Can Program fosters a sense of community and support among participants. By offering flexible payment options, Monarch Fitness Coaching cultivates an environment where individuals feel valued and encouraged to support one another on their fitness quests.
- Expansion of Reach and Impact: By implementing a Pay-What-You-Can Program, Monarch Fitness Coaching reaches a broader audience and makes a positive impact on the lives of more individuals. This approach not only benefits those who may not have been able to afford traditional fitness services, but also expands Monarch’s client base and contributes to the health and wellness of our community.
Conclusion
Our Pay-What-You-Can program allows us to meet our commitment to accessibility, empowerment, and community care. By offering tailored financial flexibility, more individuals can access high-quality fitness services, take ownership of their well-being, and become part of a healthy community.
