After working for Union for over 7 years, General Manager Chretienne Yalung continues to focus on group fitness and expanding its field of diversity, equity and inclusiveness.
“It was a journey in a good way and an evolution,” said Yalung, 33. “After COVID, it was definitely a challenge, but the Union definitely created a really good community staple.”
In addition to her management role, Yalung teaches spin, TRX and Pilates classes.
“As education has evolved over the last few years, it has grown with it … just looking at what the group’s fitness looks like … it was fun,” she said.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from EWU, Yalung focused on continuing his studies in the physiotherapy course. But as soon as she started the necessary volunteer work in the field, she soon realized that it wasn’t the job she wanted to do.
“I honestly didn’t love it,” she said. “It wasn’t the type of work I could see doing for a long time.”
While looking for a new truck, Yalung had to take on several jobs at once.
“At that point, I was doing four different jobs,” she said, listing different service industries and fitness coaching positions.
While working in a small studio in Moramp Prairie, a friend contacted her about a managerial position at Union. They said it would be part-time 15 hours a week. But it soon evolved into a full-time job.
“I think I didn’t understand what it would evolve into at the time. That was another way I could try,” she said. But now, in addition to her love of teaching, her work is also a path to other pursuits.
Since the coronavirus pandemic and the conversation surrounding George Floyd and Black Lives Matter, Jarun has been able to devote more energy to the diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in the world of boutique fitness. .. As a first-generation Filipino-American, this issue has always been close to her heart.
“One of my favorites is trying to create a more comprehensive wellness community in Spokane,” she said, emphasizing the importance of thinking beyond action. We will make a real effort to embody the meaning of sex.
Yalung and co-founder Taylor Jaderquist have recently launched an outreach program in partnership with Lululemon to provide wellness professionals with an education of diversity and inclusiveness.
“We are basically hosting a workshop to provide an accessible education for fitness instructors … Therapists, doctors, teachers and people who learn how to develop a holistic and diverse perspective. Free event.
“Our goal is to do everything for free and allow education,” she said.
During COVID-19, it was difficult to find affordable education in this area because finding the right professionals is expensive, she explained.
“And obviously, it’s important that all of those leaders, speakers, and writers are paid for the work they’re doing,” she said. Fortunately, Lululemon was happy to contribute. Yalung is currently in his third term as a Lululemon brand ambassador.
Jarun has since recruited her team at the Union to go through the workshop.
“I don’t know if our end will be non-profit, but we have all the tools,” she said. At this point, their goal is to facilitate quarterly workshops.
Yalung is passionate about wellness and fitness in all areas and looks forward to sharing the world with as many people as possible.
“It’s really great to be able to work with athletes, long-term or short-term … they feel empowered in their bodies,” oh, I feel strongly. ” You can say, “she said. ..
“Most of the inclusiveness is to challenge what society has conditioned us to be healthy and beautiful in the fitness industry (and) listen to what your body is and respect your body. I really dive into what I do. “
