Bringing fitness and community together

Becky Urban, co-owner of Warehouse Spin & Barre, is a driven individual deeply committed to creating a welcoming fitness community. 

After her former place of work as a personal trainer, PUSH cycling studio, closed during the height of the COVID pandemic, Urban embarked on the journey of opening Warehouse Spin & Barre. Urban’s perseverance helped her build a “stripped-down” fitness space, which opened in March 2023 in Blue Collar Garage & Storage north of Canadian Tire. 

“We bring a place where people can come and they can just unplug,” said Urban. “I feel like we’re bringing a little bit of a mental health break.” 

Before she ventured into the fitness world, Urban wore multiple hats, including being a mom seeking fitness to keep up with her three kids, working as a personal trainer and as a warehouse manager at Rocket Fizz. 

Urban was encouraged to join SMARTstart in 2022 after watching family and peers influenced by participation.

“That program was phenomenal,” said Urban.

Urban was already acquainted with her mentor, Heather Harke, former owner of Shoplift Deals before they met again in the speed-dating session that kicks off SMARTstart to help mentors connect with new entrepreneurs.

Harke remembers Urban “Had already a really clear path…She had all of that knowledge and the client base and what worked well.”

This mentorship provided Urban with the insight to effectively promote her fitness studio and establish a strong online presence.

“She was super helpful,” said Urban.

She’s created a space where people can find physical and mental well-being through spin and barre classes, as well as yoga and high-intensity interval training (HIIT). 

“Our goal is to build that community and make sure that the minute you walk in the store, you feel welcome,” said Urban. “We’re fitness for everybody and every body.”

Story and photography by Britton Ledingham.