Deb Malewski
Contributing Writer
In December, Josh Gibbs, the owner of Club Fitness gym, took on a very heavy task: that of moving the workout equipment from his building on Main Street to his new location, at 111 West Hamlin Street, right behind City Hall. It was not an easy job, he admitted. But now that it’s done, he has more space, improved facilities, more room for training, more privacy for his clients, plus additional social distancing area for coronavirus concerns.
Club Fitness is always open; 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so it always fits your schedule, even if you don’t have time to work out until the middle of the night. A key fob system is set up so that you let yourself in when it’s most convenient for you. There’s no excuse now to not keep those New Year’s resolutions to get in shape.
However, if help is needed, such as training in the proper use of the gym’s equipment, Gibbs is there to help you. Gibbs is a certified personal trainer and has a background in kinesiology. He has a degree in exercise science from Saginaw Valley State University. He is available for personal training by appointment but is regularly available in the gym, also, if assistance is needed.
Gibbs grew up in Leslie but currently lives in Eaton Rapids. He opened his original gym in 2012.
He is the father of four girls, and they think it’s cool to be a part of the business, he said. His wife, Danielle, a teacher in Leslie, also helps with the administrative and organizational part of the business.
“It’s the best of both worlds,” he explained. “I can be home for my family but also be with my clients when needed.”
But Club Fitness is not just for the casual fitness enthusiast. Gibbs is a personal trainer to professional athletes, high school athletes, and various sports teams. He’s installed a netted “training cage” in the gym, which enables a variety of uses, including practice at kicking football and soccer field goals.
Gibbs also does fitness training outside the facility, traveling to businesses, schools, and homes. He will soon be traveling to Daytona Beach for a sportscar race.
In a unique pandemic fashion, he also held some of his fitness classes outdoors on the sidewalk when he wasn’t allowed to have anyone inside.
“The new location and layout are very inviting and spacious,” Dan Wiles, a member of the gym, said. “With the available personalized guidance and various training equipment, not to mention 24-hour safe access, it’s the ideal place for me.”
Wiles was asked about wearing a mask at the gym. “At first it was hard, but I don’t mind protecting others, respecting the gym owners, and it’s now part of my daily life, so I am used to it.”
“They have great masks now, just for fitness,” he added.
COVID restrictions hurt the business financially, Gibbs said. There weren’t many grants available to help.
“I want to thank the community and our members who helped me get through COVID,” Gibbs said. “I’ve got a lot of great people who continue to help me.”
“I really love the new location and layout,” new member Nicole Soderberg said. “As a first time ever fitness enthusiast, I appreciate the variety of equipment and the friendly, safe environment.”
Club Fitness doesn’t lock you into long-term commitments, Gibbs explained. “We offer month-to-month contracts with fair prices.”
Gibbs offers a complete tour for new clients, going over their goals and explaining the use of the equipment so that everyone can come in when there is no trainer there and be able to make full use of the gym. He is waiving the start-up fee during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering a discount on memberships, giving 12 months for the price of 10.
You can contact Club Fitness by emailing josh@clubfitnessofmichigan.com, visiting the website at clubfitnessofmichigan.com or calling 517-914-5533.
