FITNESS EXPERT WON'T LET COVID-19 STOP HIS MOMENTUM

PHNX FITHOUSE HAMILTON OPENED JAN. 3

Fitness entrepreneur Rolli Adenmosun was thrilled to be opening his second location of PHNX Fithouse on Jan. 3.

After completing his first class at 7:30 a.m. that day, Adenmosun was looking forward to helping more clients improve their physical and mental health through a range of group training programs.

But just before noon that same morning, the province announced gyms would be closing under a modified Stage 2 reopening plan from Jan. 5 until at least Jan. 26.

"It was definitely tough, because I had anticipated that the restrictions were going to come out in December, before Christmas," Adenmosun recalled. "When it didn't happen, (I thought) 'let's go full-steam ahead towards the reopening.'"

While the fitness studio is quiet right now, Adenmosun remains undeterred by the temporary restrictions.

With only a few in-person classes so far at the Hamilton location, Adenmosun said he and business partner Marianne Duffy received praise from satisfied clients, who promised to return once full operations resume.

PHNX Fithouse (pronounced Phoenix) offers a wide range of workouts, including full-body, high intensity interval training (PHNX Fit), a split-body workout using barbell lifts and complex movements (PHNX Flex), a kettlebell workout to improve core strength (PHNX Flow Kettlebell), a sprint training program (PHNX Footfire) and a high-intensity boxing-based class (PHNX Fight).

At his original location in Toronto on Bathurst Street, Adenmosun managed health restrictions with an "open gym" concept, where members could enjoy private workout timeslots.

Weather permitting, Adenmosun took his training sessions outdoors. He plans to offer similar workouts in Hamilton, from about March to November.

"For me, it's about being outside," said Adenmosun. "I come from a heavy athletic background, playing semi-professional football overseas and coaching at various levels from university to pro."

Along the way, Adenmosun played football at the University of Toronto, coached at York University and worked with the Toronto Argonauts. While at U of T, he co-founded a women's flag football team.

To cope with COVID-19 shutdowns, Adenmosun and his coaches have offered virtual workouts and Instagram sessions that members and non-members can join.

Overall, Adenmosun is looking forward to what he hopes will be a full and uninterrupted grand opening for PHNX Fithouse in 2022.

"The Hamilton location hasn't had the opportunity to flourish," Adenmosun said. "We opened it and we had an amazing two days. We're looking at ways to serve the community, because if their first interaction is virtual, it's a different experience."

The 2,000-square-foot Hamilton facility sits on the ground floor of an apartment complex, with an additional boxing gym in the basement. It's located at 405 Whitney Ave., near McMaster University.

The gym will offer group training, including sport-specific training, for people ranging in age from about 14 to 70.

"It's for anyone looking to make a positive change or looking to challenge themselves," said Adenmosun.

After opening his first location in 2018, Adenmosun didn't go out of his way to market PHNX Fithouse as a Black-owned business or even promote himself as the owner.

But when the pandemic first hit in 2020 and the death of George Floyd made headlines across the world, Adenmosun knew he had a voice to add to the conversation.

"As hard as it is mentally to sustain the rollercoaster ride of whether I can operate my business, provide for my family, do all of that, I realize that I am doing something that is a visual, positive thing for many kids," said Adenmosun. "Because they've never had someone come to their school and say he owns his business, he's not a rapper (although I also make music), he's not a ball player."

PHNX Fithouse Hamilton has an introductory offer to help new members meet their fitness goals. The introductory package includes unlimited group training sessions. This introductory membership will be billed once per month (upon the signup date) for $120 plus tax, with a three-month minimum commitment.

Visit https:// www.phnxfithouse.com/ for details.