The Old City Athletic Club, located at 124 W. Jackson Ave., turned one year old in November. It’s one of the few businesses that have opened downtown that I have not photographed since the initial article saying they were soon to open. The first birthday seemed like a good time to check in on the Old City business and see how things are going. I met with Project Manager Tony Gray and General Manager Nicole Hatmaker. Harrison Boyd owns the business.
After the photo shoot, we settled in with coffee at Awaken Coffee, and a debate immediately began about whether one of their excellent confections would undermine the fitness challenge for Nicole, which is underway in partnership with Eddie’s Health Shoppe. (She was strong.) Participants are measured and weighed before the twelve-week challenge begins. Potential participants may join until this coming Sunday.
The two said the first year has been a whirlwind. “We’re proud to offer something that the Old City community hasn’t had before. We had a great response to our first year.” They also hinted they are “strongly considering expansion” in the not-too-distant future.
The gym not only offers all the equipment for an individual workout, but a range of fitness classes, as well. Yoga, XGT (an intense workout combining weight training and natural body movements, alongside a healthy nutritional plan), Indoor Cycling, and a Run Club. The Run Club is free and open to the public and leaves from Merchants of Beer and follows a different three-mile course each outing. All fitness levels are welcome, and the leader stays with the trailing runner. Bonus: A free beer awaits at the finish line.
The gym offers several memberships to fit the interests and fitness plans of patrons. The Premier Membership ($79 per month) offers 24-7 gym access and unlimited classes, the Elite Membership ($49 per month) offers unlimited classes, and the Classic Gym Membership ($49 per month) offers 24-7 workout access. If you need guidance and peer pressure, want to do your own thing, or a combination, they have you covered. They also offer personal training (10% off for Premier members).
They currently offer over twenty classes to choose from each week and have plans to increase the number of classes, particularly the yoga and cycling classes. All members have access to showers with towel service (including shampoo, body wash, and deodorant). It’s convenient for the early morning pre-work workout or a quick workout during a lunch break.
All instructors are certified in their field and they can help you focus on your goals, whether it is to build muscle or lose body fat. The two also pointed out that they feel the gym is becoming a community hub, where neighbors meet neighbors and friendships are formed. It’s a place where people network and form relationships.
With a focus on health, a relationship has been forged with Eddie’s Health Shoppe, where members get a discount on all the nutrition and other aids there. They also plan to soon offer healthy, fully prepared meals to-go that are calibrated to provide proper nutrition and support for a workout plan.
Expect the gym to be open for touring soon with artists work coming before long and the doors open to the public on First Fridays. The two promise a friendly, helpful staff and a supportive place to get healthy. What better time than the beginning of the new year in the wake of those resolutions?
Follow them on Facebook (and give them a “like”) or Instagram. You can reach them at 865-312-5710.