SANDPOINT — A clean, friendly, “know-you-by-name” atmosphere is the main focus for the new owners of 7B Fitness.

“The most important thing, especially when you are getting going, is not necessarily to make huge changes right off the bat, but to be really present, show a presence at the gym and get to know your members,” said Ashleigh Mire Fields, who purchased the gym with her husband Brett Fields on Sept. 1.

Fields said with her job in insurance, her husband is the “face” behind the gym, though they purchased it initially from her side of the family when her sister-in-law took her fitness industry into the virtual world.

Brett Fields worked with Mountain West Bank for 15 years, she said, and they had been waiting for an opportunity for several years that would fit his personality in regards to his interests, and something that would allow him to “grow within this community.”

“He is a people person, and I was born and raised in Sandpoint, so I know a lot of people from growing up here, and we thought it seemed like a great opportunity to own our own business in Sandpoint, and with his passion for fitness, it ended up being kind of a no-brainer for us,” Fields said. “Brett is such a genuine guy and he truly enjoys getting to know people, I honestly could not have paired a better career for him than this journey of him owning 7B Fitness. I am incredibly proud of the hard work he has put in and how well he already knows his members

Fields said purchasing 7B Fitness has been one of the best things that has happened to their family. The couple has two kids as well, Harper, 5, and Gracie, 2.

While they are keeping changes to a minimum, Fields said they have added teachers to the discounted “hero rate,” which includes first responders, nurses, doctors, firefighters and veterans.

“We really wanted to reach out to some various groups within our community … and to make sure that the teachers in our community, and people within the school district, would get recognized as being a hero within the community,” she said.

The couple is looking at adding some new equipment, Fields said, recently purchasing a TRX stability system. They are also adding some new fitness classes, which are free to members. Fields said they also have a low guest rate of $5 for non-members.

“The more people we bring into the gym, the more people we have possibilities of making a connection with and possibly growing our membership base,” she said.

Aside from a variety of classes, personal training, 24/7 access, various weight lifting and cardio equipment, they have created a course on self defense that will be offered throughout the year. The first course, instructed by Donn Smith, will be held from 9-11 a.m. Dec. 15. The cost is $40 and will provide simple and basic tactics in self defense.

For class schedules and other information, visit 7bfitness.com or visit their Facebook page.

All in all, Fields said the transition has gone well, and they have been “fortunate” to have maintained the majority of the existing membership.

“We cannot thank our members enough for all of their support,” she said. “We hope to continue to grow our membership, by offering a combination of competitive rates, pride in ownership and the kind of atmosphere that makes you feel valued and welcomed.”

Mary Malone can be reached by email at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter @MaryDailyBee.