Variety is key to connecting a diverse fitness community, Shannon McGinley said.
Her company, CityShape Fitness, aims to bridge the gaps by offering web-based monthly memberships that give users access to a range of gyms and studios across the metro.
“It’s about building community in Kansas City, and connecting people to all the tools they need to live a healthy lifestyle in Kansas City,” McGinley said. “I want to build a community of like-minded individuals who love to work out and keep themselves healthy.”
Participating businesses include Freight House Fitness, City Gym, MOJO Cycling, CORE Strong Fitness, Power Life Yoga, Phys Ed KC, Raw Power Yoga, Maya Yoga, and ROKC, she said.
A public launch party for CityShape is planned 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Lululemon on The Country Club Plaza.
CityShape targets two markets: those health enthusiasts shopping around for a new “fitness home” and others who want access to a circuit of different fitness experiences, spaces and activities.
“There is that person who likes to mix it up,” McGinley said. “Personally, I probably couldn’t sign up for a yoga membership for a month because I like to do a bunch of different things to keep myself active.”
CityShape gives people like her the freedom to experience more of what the Kansas City fitness scene has to offer, she said. And partnering with such local brands as Unbakery & Juicery, Apex Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, Freelance Clothing, Eat Fit Go, SKiN KC and Bare Med Spa on membership perks, McGinley said, allows CityShape to offer a holistic approach to health and wellness.
“Lifestyle, not just working out, is essential,” she said. “So what you eat and how you take of your body are essential. Finding the local businesses that will help give our members all the tools they need to lead that healthy lifestyle is essential.”
A former outfielder for the University of Kansas softball team, McGinley said that after graduating KU in 2016, it took her a while to identify the many worthwhile vendors Kansas City has to offer. She hopes to eliminate that hassle for others by making CityShape’s website a “fitness hub” resource, she said.
“I want to make these small businesses accessible to people,” she said.
The inspiration for her fitness community building focus, McGinley said, came largely from the breakout Kansas City t-shirt entrepreneurs at Charlie Hustle.
“I always looked at Charlie Hustle as a brand that brings together a community based on their love of sports and Kansas City,” she said. “CityShape does the same by bringing together that love of the city with a passion for health and fitness.”
