allThis post is sponsored by 125 LIVE.
I have a theory about bathrooms and businesses.
You might think I’m bonkers (and you may be right). You might think it’s genius. Either way, after hearing it I bet you start to notice the truth behind it yourself. You’ll never unsee this theory.
Imagine for a moment you’re at a lovely restaurant. You excuse yourself to go use the restroom. What you find is in stark contrast to the meal you just experienced! It’s filthy! Disgusting! A petri dish of nightmares! Oh the HORROR! THE HORROR!! You go back to your meal. Suddenly, it doesn’t seem as nice anymore. You start to wonder how clean the kitchen is too.
Or the try the reverse. Let’s say the bathroom is immaculate. Clean, shiny, update features. You go back to your meal, and suddenly, your meal and dining experience feels a bit nicer. Maybe even fancy.
The eyes are a window to the soul, and a bathroom is a window to a business’ work ethic. My theory is this–bathrooms are gross and they’re a lot of work to keep clean. Especially in businesses where they’re used often. Any businesses can do well in the easy tasks, but a businesses that does well in the harder tasks–that’s a solid business. It means they’re being managed well, accomplishing their work, and truly striving to give the best experience because they care about the customers.
So after I had dragged several live pine trees through 125 LIVE and my hands were covered in sticky, icky sap, I walked into the bathroom to wash my hands and said, “Wow! This bathroom is nice!” It was updated, clean, shiny, and a reflection on how much 125 LIVE cares about its members.
125 LIVE is a fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment and amenities located in a (very clean) 60,000 square foot modern, updated building. With over 70 fitness classes to choose from, a warm 90 degree pool, and the option to work with a trainer, they’re focused on keeping the body engaged. But they’re more than that. So much more!
125 LIVE also has a billiards room, outdoor garden, library, commercial grade “teaching kitchen,” painting / drawing studio, ceramics studio, computer lab, computer classroom, and a social calendar bursting at the seams with things to do like cards, woodcarving, ping pong and a book club.
On top of all that, they’re looking to add personal wellness services in the future. Things like massages, haircuts, and a pedicure. If membership included lodging, I’d have no reason to leave!
Now, I know what you’re thinking. It’s a senior center, a “center for active adults.” And you’re right. While 125 LIVE makes me excited to be 50 years old, it also has a lot to offer younger adults and families right now. My favorite is probably the open pool time, especially during the winter. Swimming is such a great way for my kiddos to burn off some of that Minnesotan cabin fever! Plus at 90 degrees, the water is a much needed break from the cold outside. It’s great to know that anyone 18+ can become members!
125 LIVE also offers tons of great classes that would make great date night or moms night out options, like pottery, ceramics and life drawing in their art studio, and cardio boxing, hip hop dance, and ballet classes in the fitness studio.
They’re also a great option for facility rental for birthdays, anniversaries, faith celebrations, etc. In fact, Rochester MN Moms Blog had the opportunity to host our Donuts with Santa event there in December. The room was large, open, with several big windows allowing lots of natural light to pour in. We had an assortment of different stations with a variety of activities for families, and never once did it feel crowded or cramped. And the staff were so helpful answering our questions, supplying us with what we needed, and they were a pleasure to work with! 
125 LIVE is truly a Rochester gem, certainly for those 50+, but also for families. This is a great and affordable option with many different things to do. If you haven’t yet discovered all they have to offer, check them out! I promise you’ll be blown away at what a quality business they are. And how nice and clean their bathrooms are.
