CHARLOTTE, N.C. — While several small businesses have closed down during COVID-19, new ones have sprouted. Cross Conditioning Training was designed with the pandemic in mind.

Cross Conditioning Training officially opened at the beginning of February. The gym allows a maximum of 10 people per class, but more people can tune in virtually. Owner, Jen Dufresne, says there is no shared equipment to ensure patrons are not cross-contaminating. During workouts, each person stays at his or her station.

“You will have your own mat and your own equipment,” Dufresne says. “You won’t move out of that space.”

They also take sanitizing very seriously. After each workout, the students wipe down their stations and leave everything in that space. Then, a worker comes around and wipes down a second time.

“We spray with Lysol or a hand sanitizing spray,” Dufresne says. “So we are actually doing a two-process cleaning.”

Dufresne decided to open her own business after the cycling studio she worked at closed down permanently.

“I felt like the train was ready to leave the station, and I either had to jump on it or wait,” Dufresne said. “Now felt like the best time for me.”

Many of her current clients are from her last studio. Beth Reisinger said she has been training with Dufresne since March and really enjoys the workouts.

“It’s a safe environment," Reisinger said. “Everyone is very friendly and you feel safe.” 

The workouts are focused on total functional strength. Dufresne says her goal is to find ways to reduce pain, avoid injury, and properly plan workouts to live a healthy life.

“I've watched too many people over the years have specific parts of their life inhibited by their inability to move freely without pain,” Dufresne said.

Even if it’s not with her, Dufresne encourages people to just keep moving.

Cross Conditioning Training also has a physical therapist and dietician on staff to help people build their health. Memberships range from $100 a month to $250.