Ever wonder what's inside The Hub?
By Ryan Lawrence
Ever wondered what’s inside The Hub at 207 Laughlin Street in The Dalles?
Well, then I have a treat for you. This week I had the privilege of getting a peek inside this giant work of art called The Hub and one of its businesses.
This week I am taking a look at Grit Row , so come along and learn about a great low-impact workout and how owner Kathy Pothier works to better her community in any way she can.
The Hub is such a neat and diverse space. I first came across the owners in an ad on Gorge.net classifieds for storage space. I actually had my darkroom downstairs in a 12’ x 17’ unit for the first two months I was operational. It was super convenient and professional as well. Security code door-locks inside and out, and the facility even has a bathroom downstairs that I could access water from. It was a blessing for me personally and really helped me grow as an artist this year.
The mural on The Hub was done by Blaine Fontana with Toma Villa, Jeremy Nichols and Jeff Sheridan in 2018. If you haven’t noticed, and you have, the enormous mural wraps three walls of the building, which also fronts First Street.
I have since moved my shop into my home after some space recently opened up. But before doing so I had the pleasure of meeting Kathy Pothier. Kathy is the owner of a local aerobic endurance and strength training studio located on the first floor of the building. Being a photographer herself, she took an interest in what I was doing with film. Kathy is actually the one who referred me to CCC News!
Grit Row is a very unique studio. It is unique in that it is a rowing fitness studio that pairs low-impact, short intervals on the rowing machines, with full-body strength training on the mats.
Kathy herself was a Division 1 NCAA rower for University of Massachusetts. Fun fact, she actually trained and competed for Olympic Coach Jim Deitz at UMASS. This is something I could tell brings back fond memories for her.
Kathy Pothier was a Division 1 NCAA rower for University of Massachusetts. Fun fact, she actually trained and competed for Olympic Coach Jim Deitz at UMASS. This is something I could tell brings back fond memories for her.
The logo, center, uses runic letters of Germanic origin and is powered by Thor’s Hammer.
Kathy and her family have lived in The Dalles since 2016, but life has taken her all over. She even lived abroad and spent some time in Norway after high school, before attending college. And it shows through the ancient runic letters that form the power shield of Grit Row’s logo. Like a Viking Crest proudly on display and exuding a sense of power. This logo was custom made and drawn by Kathy, then sent to a friend at Wild Giant Studio for a couple tweeks. If you look closely enough you even see that the G and the R form a heart.
In the center and pointing down, you will notice Thor’s Hammer, a scandinavian symbol of power, strength, and endurance.
“When all put together, the mark creates a bind-rune. A mystic shape that tied the combined magic of two runes together to serve the holder a purpose. The Grit Row bind-rune represents betterment, fitness, health, and getting after it!,” said Kathy.
The training regimen is pretty straight forward, and the best part is anyone at any fitness level can start fairly easily.
Let me explain.
I was lucky enough to get a quick tutorial today, Nov. 9 in between classes. The machines are very comfortable and user friendly. They even light up in blue and have water swirling around inside for resistance. It has a screen beside your right foot with all of your stats. It was very easy to find a nice rhythm, just like I was out on the water. After getting a couple of pro tips (like letting your hands clear your knees before you bend your legs, ouch!) I could really see how it worked. The harder I pulled, the lower my overall power number would go down.
If I had been a member, I would have my own test card with what are called power-zones on it. These power-zones are target numbers, especially tailored for me, that I keep control of my workout with. In other words, there are numbers for a light and easy workout all the way up to a hard one that pushes my personal limits. This allows the novice and the professional to be a part of the same team or group.
Black lighting accentuates the rowing equipment and goals rowers encounter on mirrors at Grit Row.
Rowing uses 86% of your body’s muscles. The majority of this (60%) is done by your legs; 30% core and 10% arms. This is all done smoothly, in motion and in that order. Then reversed to come back - remember to clear the knees!
The mood of the room was something to write about too. The lights are pulled down low and black lights are glowing bright, illuminating fluorescent markers in green, pink, and orange all over the mirrors, around the room. This along with the music (she plays all kinds of different music; I used to hear it through the floor) it really helps you focus on what you are doing. I could imagine even forgetting that there is anyone else there with you at times. Another super-duper cool feature was the lights on the machine, the ones in the water bowl swirling around in light blue, with the Grit Row logo on the left side.
The schedules roll out in four-week blocks. So a small group of about six will meet, up to three times a week, for four weeks. While it is not enforced by the state, it is a house-mandated rule that anyone participating in group classes at Grit-Row must be Covid-19 vaccinated and willing to show proof. This is not an easy choice for any business owner to make, and I applaud Kathy for being brave and standing by her beliefs. Kathy’s main concern is the health and well-being of her class and community, and that is admirable. The class roster stays the same through the four-week block to minimize exposure.
Grit Row also knocks out some goals for local charities.
Another really cool thing to note here about Kathy and Grit-Row is charity. Several of the mirrors scattered around the studio are for fundraising and the support of local businesses. Kathy will be heading to The Next Door to drop off a check for $260 this week. Funds that were raised through competition in her gym, and donated from a percentage of Grit-Row’s profits.
Kathy also purchases gift cards for local businesses around The Dalles and the gorge, and gives these to the winner of competitions she holds with her classes. She says that giving back and making sure your community is flourishing is what it is all about. I couldn't agree more. Another fun way she raises funds for these endeavors is through the sale of her own merchandise; like custom splatter t-shirts that glow in the black lights of the studio.
Four-week blocks consist of one to three classes a week. This is decided by you. Class rates are super straightforward, $50 a class. So, that’s $50 for one class a week, $100 for two classes a week, and $150 for three classes a week. Classes are held six days a week so you can find what works and fit it into your schedule. Different days have different times to choose from.
One thing that Kathy wanted to emphasize was, “You have to start somewhere in your fitness. This is a great and easy place to do that.”
Kathy hopes to expand soon and add four more rowers to her current six and also incorporate an indoor cycling routine. Doing this will take more space, either expanding there at The Hub or possibly moving into a new location somewhere here in the community.
You can find more information on Grit Row on Instagram@gritrow or at https://grit-row.com/about-1 and you can also check out her amazing photography at https://www.kathypothierphoto.com I personally have found new inspiration for my own photography by observing hers.
Also, if you are interested in seeing The Hub up close here is a link to a video of the artwork, on the outside of the building. The music is a little loud so turn down your volume first. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sl3Cq5ozOig
I hope to get a peek a little further into the building soon and will share that with you all as well. I have heard there is even an Art Studio tucked away inside somewhere. Fingers crossed!
Thanks for reading, folks.
