ELKO – From one generation to the next, an Elko family business transfers command. Kierra Watson is now the general manager of Empower Fitness, owned by parents Jeff and Mindy Watson.
“It (physical fitness) has been my whole life,” said Kierra. “My parents started working out, themselves, in 2002. Ever since then I was in that Kids’ Club. In 2007 my parents bought the gym and I lived here.”
As she grew up she never really thought about leading the business endeavor. In fact, she attended college at Utah State University with other plans, graduating in 2021.
“I want to go to college and do my own things,” she said. “I got my associate’s degree in general studies with a certificate in business. Then my dad offered me the position as soon as I got the degree. It kind of just worked out.”
Kierra now manages both the Elko and Spring Creek gyms.
“From the time I wake up until the time I go to bed, I am constantly on the phone, answering customer questions, talking to employees, taking care of the social media. I am planning events now. I handle all the inventory and retail, basically, everything at the moment.”
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“It’s been a challenge, for sure, but I love it a lot.”
Kierra says she really likes the people she works with.
“I worked at a restaurant when I was living in Logan and I would work 10 hour shifts,” she said. “At the end of that shift I would be just drained. I did not want to talk to anyone, I didn’t want to do anything. But, 10 hours here feels like a breeze. I am doing what I love. I get to talk to tons of people all the time. I love health and fitness.”
Besides coming from a family of fitness enthusiasts, Kierra also played soccer while growing up and studied Brazilian jujitsu for six years.
“I dedicated my childhood to soccer.”
Kierra recently started an Empower workshop series.
“My vision is that I will have a different focus for each workshop,” she said. “Our first Empower workshop was an ‘Empower Women’ workshop.”
She also plans a youth workshop like when her father taught teenagers how to properly bench, deadlift and squat.
“It was phenomenal to see these kids — lifting barely anything to due to poor form — to being stronger doing the correct form.”
Kierra is also planning workshops in women’s lifting, meditation and nutrition and supplements.
People can find out about the workshops through Facebook, fliers posted at the gyms, and a newsletter Kierra puts out weekly.
“We eventually will get a link on our website,” she said.
“For spring break we have Little Yogis and Twinkletoes programs. This is our second or third year doing this.”
Kierra said she thinks the friendly, inviting atmosphere at the gym keeps people coming back.
“Our facility has been voted the cleanest gym in Elko for a number of years,” she said. “We want it to feel like family to everyone because we do care. My dad cares more than anyone I have ever met. He loves everyone that walks through that door.”
Besides fitness, the facility also provides tanning booths and a massage therapist.
“We do have a 19K coming up,” Kierra said. “It’s the ‘Empower to Empower Run.’ We start in Spring Creek and end in Elko over E Mountain.”
The event is scheduled for May 21. It is free to members and $25 for non-members.
“Our members care about each other, even if they don’t know each other,” Kierra said. “If someone is struggling there is always another member rushing to help out a member.”
Elko responds to coronavirus:
Elko responds to coronavirus
Empower Fitness
Jeff Watson, owner of Empower Fitness, worked out with friends in the business parking lot during lockdown.
Strength in Troubled Times

Miguel Segovia power lifting outside Empower Fitness.
Prevention

Brinkley Kufeld uses a sanitizer wipe to sterilize barbells between lifters Sunday afternoon.
Corona Beer

In addition to powerlifting, friends were putting down a few “Coronas” while they worked out outside.
Casino Shutdown

All casinos in Elko remain closed due to the threat of the coronavirus. Here a single truck is parked in the parking lot of the Red Lion Inn and Casino.
Walmart

By Sunday traffic at the local Walmart had slowed compared with last week.
Empty Schools

Elko High School remains closed on Monday due to an official order form Governor Steve Sisolak.
Skate Park

A number of children and adults used the skate park over the weekend.
Empty Shelves

Local grocery stores have been hit hard over the last week. The pasta aisle at Smith’s was nearly wiped out as residents stock up on non-perishable staples. Most stores are now limiting the purchase of some products, including milk and bread.
Senior Hours

Many local grocery stores are offering specific times for senior citizens to shop in hopes of keeping the elderly from infection.
Pets Remain “Upbeat”

Petco is staying open to provide food for area pets. “It has really slowed down today,” said an employee Sunday.
Frisbee

A man and child play Frisbee at Johnny Appleseed Park over the weekend.
Churches Close

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church was closed for worship Sunday.
Old Glory

A number of homeowners have displayed the American flag as an example of patriotism and strength during the coronavirus outbreak.
New Sanitizer Stations

A number of grocery stores have provided extra sanitizer stations in their stores.