Business & Tech

Nine Months Later, New Gym Still Growing

Dynamic Fitness going strong in Strongsville

People told Bryan McIntosh he was crazy to open a 15,000-square-foot gym in Strongsville.

The city already has a great rec center, plus other private fitness centers.

McIntosh just shrugged.

"People say 'you can't,' I say 'watch me,'" he said.

Nine months after opening Dynamic Fitness in the former Ethan Allen store outside SouthPark Mall, McIntosh has proved the naysayers wrong, with a membership list that exceeds all expectations and an ever-growing sea of fitness machines.

"We have more equipment than any gym in town," McIntosh said. "Our customers appreciate never having to wait for a machine."

There's a 14-machine circuit training look that works every muscle in the body in 20 minutes, rows of treadmills, bikes, all types of ellipticals, steps and rowers — plus unique machines like the new summit trainer, a cross between stair-climbing and mountain climbing.

"We packed this place with cardio equipment," McIntosh said. "We really listened to what people wanted."

Then there are weight machines, free weights, a stretching area, tanning (three beds and four booths), massage chairs, a child care center with full-time babysitter, private changing rooms, private training rooms and a hot yoga studio. 

Oh, and every stepper machine has its own satellite TV attached.

Everything — including the tanning, child care, towels and an array of classes — is free to members.

"We want to make fitness accessible and affordable," McIntosh said.

The Ethan Allen store sat vacant for six years before McIntosh made what he calls "a massive investment" into the community, revitalizing an empty building and creating 20 jobs.

Currently, Strongsville residents make up 60 percent of membership, with the rest mainly from adjacent communities like North Royalton, Berea and Brunswick.

"Every week, I think there's more machines," said Denise Mambuca, a member since Dynamic Fitness opened in January. "And there are always more classes being added."

McIntosh said he tried to create a clean, comfortable facility that inspires camaraderie, with no "meatheads" — guys who drop weights, grunt and flex.

He also brought in four personal trainers who work one-on-one with clients on their physical fitness, nutrition and other health-related issues.

"Dynamic Fitness believes it takes more than machines to change lives," McIntosh said.

McIntosh, who operated Dynamic Fitness out of a small Pearl Road storefront for years before opening the large gym, can't help but think of his high-end facility as "more than a gym — it's a special place."

"It's an extension of my values and of me," he said.

It's been hard work and a huge investment, but McIntosh said he'd do it again in a heartbeat.

"No regrets, just excitement," he said. "Especially about the changes we're making in our customers' lives."

For more information, visit the Dynamic Fitness website or Facebook page.


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