Consumer Report
Carbon Valley | Mead | Erie
Volume 27 • Issue 8 • August 2026 • Since 1999 • carbonvalley@gmail.com
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The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. Psalm 28:7a (NLT)
Fortress Strength Gym Builds Strength and Community in Frederick A new locally owned gym in Frederick is offering Carbon Valley residents a place to strengthen more than their muscles. Fortress Strength Gym, located at 7800 Miller Drive, was founded by Valeria RiveraCataño and Felipe Rivera Mendoza. The husbandand-wife team describe themselves as “the family behind Fortress Strength Gym,” and their family-centered approach influences the welcoming environment they are working to create. The gym officially celebrated its arrival with a Carbon Valley Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 23, 2026. Although Fortress is new to the Frederick business community, its owners have a clear vision for what they want the facility to become. Fortress is designed as an independent strength-training gym where members can exercise on their own schedules. Members receive 24-hour, seven-day-a-week access, making the facility convenient for early risers, night-shift workers, parents, commuters, and anyone whose schedule does not fit traditional gym hours. Memberships are offered without long-term contracts.
Strength training is at the center of the facility, but the owners do not want Fortress to be a place where newcomers feel pressured or intimidated. In its public messages, the gym emphasizes a friendly community where people can train without feeling as though they must prove themselves or perform for others. That philosophy is especially important for people who may be stepping into a gym for the first time or returning after a long absence. Fortress has promoted itself as a space where women can feel comfortable, capable, and confident. The gym also works with independent fitness and wellness professionals, allowing members to connect with additional guidance and services. This gives people options beyond exercising alone and creates opportunities to pursue fitness goals at their own pace. Faith is an important part of the owners’ vision. The Fortress website explains that the gym was founded to
provide something different from a fitness culture driven by trends, pressure, or appearances. Its mission is “to forge strength in body, mind, and spirit through purposeful training, faithcentered values, and community.” The business name was inspired in part by Psalm 18:2, which describes the Lord as “my strength and my fortress.” For Valeria and Felipe, the word fortress represents strength that is patiently built and carefully protected. Their philosophy is that lasting strength develops through commitment, preparation, resilience, discipline, and consistency. The gym’s message is not that someone must already be strong before walking through the door. Instead, Fortress invites people to begin where they are, train with purpose, and become stronger over time. That approach extends beyond physical fitness. The owners see exercise as an
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opportunity to practice personal responsibility, care for the body, develop discipline, and live according to one’s values. Their goal is to create an atmosphere where people can “train freely, grow confidently, and pursue strength that lasts.” Fortress Strength Gym is a member of the Carbon Valley Chamber of Commerce. The facility’s staffed office hours are generally 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., while members have round-the-clock gym access. Local businesses may ask about employeegroup membership rates. For Valeria and Felipe, opening Fortress is about more than filling a building with exercise equipment. It is about building a strong, encouraging community where people feel welcome, supported, and capable of making meaningful progress. Fortress Strength Gym is located at 7800 Miller Drive in Frederick. For membership information, visit www. fortressgym.club, call 720-775-8891, or email Office@fortressgym.club. Check out their instagram video of the gym at www.instagram.com/p/DWE0Q11kSZ-/
Older woman celebrating 100th birthday with cake Are you or someone you know celebrating a 100th birthday this year? We want to celebrate, too! The Centennial Club honors residents turning 100 or older with a proclamation by the Weld County Board of Commissioners at a livestreamed board meeting, as well as recognition on our social media channels. Get started by completing a short questionnaire. We can’t wait to celebrate this milestone birthday with you or a loved one!