After a couple years of closure, the Ninja Gym recently returned to Squamish helmed by an enthusiastic and invigorated team.
Armed with a team of six people, the Ninja Gym opened with a soft launch near the end of January at its new location on 118-39455 Discovery Way near the Sandman Hotel and Suites. The gym is already being rediscovered as dozens of kids enjoyed themselves as they climbed over and around an array of obstacles when The Chief stopped by to interview the new team Thursday night.
"Everyone's smiling; there's so much positive response," said Richard McRae, one of the new partners at the gym. "We're excited."
The gym closed in 2021 when the building where it was housed was sold. Then-owner, Gary McFarland, sold the business to employees Luis Alarcón and Shaun Stephens-Whale.
A little while later, Oscar Alarcón, Sujey Villalobos, Emma McRae and Richard McRae joined the team to bring the gym back to life.
Though a lot of time passed between the closure and its recent opening, Luis said one of things that pushed him to reopen the gym was the positive energy the gym exudes.
"It's a good energy—it's a very good energy—and we want to keep that going," he said.
Meanwhile, Emma said she saw an opportunity to provide more local indoor kid and teenager activities, especially during the winter months when the weather isn't great. Beyond the typical drop-in sessions, the gym hosts classes, lessons, birthday parties and camps on days off of school.
But the gym has activities geared towards adults too, as there are parents alongside tots sessions, plus adult workout groups and classes.
"The mentality is that the Ninja Gym is just for kids, but it's actually [for] adults too," said Oscar.
Already, it seems some adults have taken a liking to the gym's return.
"The adults are very excited as well," said Villalobos.
Moreover, Stephens-Whale added that they are open to bringing people what they want beyond what's already in play, whether it be private events, dance, movie nights, laser tag or other ideas.
"We want input," he said.
He added that more and more classes are coming online in the coming weeks.
Ultimately, the team really emphasized the joy and the impact the gym and its atmosphere can have on the community.
"It's a workout place, but you're having fun," said Luis. "You don't realize you're working out."
"Coming here makes you feel happy," added Oscar.
Notably, it's even having an impact on them.
"I'm pretty straight-faced a lot of the time," said Richard. "And coming here and enjoying it has been honestly thrilling."
For more information, including class scheduling and pricing, visit the Ninja Gym's website at theninjagym.ca. Keep your eyes peeled for a grand opening event to happen in March 2024.
Check out The Squamish Chief's TikTok from the gym.
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