New Beginnings closed near the beginning of the summer for renovations, which included updating the electrical system, rebuilding most of the facility and giving the place a new look.
“There was some dead space before, and now every area is something,” said Tracy. “It’s bigger and the layout works better. We’re really excited to have people come back in.”
Troy has been involved in bodybuilding for years, competing at the national level, and provides instruction at the gym.
“It’s a neighbourhood gym, not a place for egos,” said Tracy. “We want to help everyone get healthy. There’s no easy way to do it; it involves good old-fashioned exercise and eating healthy.
“Troy lives and breathes this. It’s his baby and the cookies are my baby.”
In 2012 Tracy made some protein cookies and took them to the gym. They were so popular she developed Mama T’s Protein Cookies, which are now made at a bakery in Glace Bay and sold at several locations.
“I’ve always been creative with baking and Troy laughs because I never follow a recipe,” she said. “It’s very rewarding when you come up with something that’s so popular.”
People will have the opportunity to try the cookies, along with fruit, subs and protein shakes, at the reopening celebration beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 9. Visitors can also view the facility and try working out.
Free trial workouts can also be arranged for other times. Those aged 12 to 14 need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian, while anyone 15 and older can come on their own.
