‘We’re trying to be the one-stop-shop for fitness in the metro area. We’re calling that the Studios at Fondren Fitness.’
Fondren Fitness in Jackson expanding, adding classes, spin studio
Fondren Fitness is expanding to include three areas for group classes, one for cardio, another for yoga and a third for a spin studio.
Barbara Gauntt, Mississippi Clarion Ledger
A fledgling Jackson business was hit hard by COVID-19 restrictions in 2020 that temporarily locked its doors and caused a significant reduction in clients, but now it’s once again thriving and in the process of expanding to include a dedicated spin exercise studio.
“I think that’s what’s going to set us apart,” Fondren Fitness general manager Terry Sullivan said. “There’s never really been a place to do it in Jackson.
“There’s just been a strong push for spin over the last decade, but Jackson never has been able to establish a good spin studio.”
It’s something Vidhi Bamzai of Jackson said the area has been lacking.
“To say that I’m excited is an understatement,” Bamzai said. “I’ve lived in various parts of the country where spin is a thing.
Terry Sullivan, general manager of Fondren Fitness in Jackson, Miss., explains on Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021, that communication with members, who he describes as supportive, helped the gym get through COVID-19 last year.
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“There was a huge void with no spin in the metro Jackson area. I think some places have spin classes, but they’re not dedicated spin studios.”
Fondren Fitness is located in what once was the Rainbow Whole Foods Co-op in the Fondren district and its offerings are what would be expected at a fitness center.
“It’s a prototypical gym,” Sullivan said. “You have cardio equipment, a functional-fitness area, resistance machinery and a variety of free weights and benches.”
However, an expansion into an adjacent vacant building that was once home to Montgomery Hardware will allow much more and increase the square footage from 11,500 square feet to just shy of 18,000.
A suite of fitness opportunities
“We’re trying to be the one-stop-shop for fitness in the metro area,” Sullivan said. “We’re going to take that Ace Hardware and divide it into three different rooms.
“We’re calling that the Studios at Fondren Fitness. I use the term, ‘Sweat, Stretch, Spin,’ because we have three separate fitness studios.”
The sweat portion of the suite includes cardio-based, high-intensity, interval training such as kick-boxing and functional fitness. The stretch section includes yoga, pilates and barre, which utilizes bars like those found in a ballet studio for stretching.
Of course, there’s spin. too. Sullivan said spin exercise utilizes stationary cycles.
“They’re top-of-the-line bikes, if you will,” Sullivan said. “They’re really good, comfortable bikes.”
Having a dedicated spin studio with its music and minimal lighting will allow members like Bamzai to enjoy the full experience of spinning.
“It’s nice to be in a room with other people because you’re hyping each other up,” Bamzai said. “The rooms are always set up for spin class. Also, the instructors are specifically trained in spin.”
While the expansion is welcomed, getting there wasn’t easy. The fitness center opened in August 2019, only months before the COVID-19 pandemic hit along with ensuing shutdowns.
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The challenges of COVID-19
“We had a very good pre-sell,” Sullivan said. “Membership was where it needed to be. It was a very positive experience.”
Then came the outbreak of the coronavirus in Mississippi.
“We were shut down for two months exactly,” Sullivan said. “We lost about a third of our memberships.”
The business slowly began the rebuilding process and adjusted for safety. Social distancing practices and routine cleanings became the new norm and clients slowly returned.
“We’ve just about gotten back to where we were in terms of memberships,” Sullivan said.
Although the business rebounded, Mississippi faces the greater threat of the delta variant and new cases have reached record numbers. To some, investing in an expansion might seem risky at such a time. Co-owner Michael Boerner said the investment is significant, but it should pay off in terms of growth and keeping patrons safe.
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The delta variant and keeping safe and fit
“We’re trying to take a careful approach to this fitness facility,” Boerner said. “The additional space will help us spread out compared to its original size.”
Boerner said because of the center’s location, the resulting members also help reduce the risk of contracting the coronavirus.
“We have a lot of UMMC (University of Mississippi Medical Center) students and faculty, so we have a lot of responsible clientele — people that are aware of their surroundings and concerned with their footprint,” Boerner said. “I’d say the majority wear their masks when they work out.”
Sullivan noted that with COVID-19 on the landscape, health and fitness are at the forefront of many peoples’ minds.
“Building up mental and physical health is important as we go through the ebb and flow of COVID,” Sullivan said. “It’s a tough time right now, that’s for sure.”
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Locally-owned fitness center helps build community
Chris Myers lives and works in Fondren and has been a member of Fondren Fitness since it opened. He said not only is the fitness center convenient for him and others in the area, the expansion should attract more people from outside.
“I’m excited to get some more exercise options during the day,” Myers said. “It gets people here.
“It draws people into the neighborhood and keeps them here. I’m also glad to see an empty store front filled with something useful.”
Sarah Tramel is a UMMC student who works out at Fondren Fitness almost daily. She also said the expansion will attract more people to the neighborhood and the fact it’s locally owned is a big plus for her.
“I think it will attract more people to the gym and more space to exercise,” Tramel said. “I think it’s going to help them grow.
“My husband and I live in Belhaven and we love local businesses who are passionate about Jackson and the area. They’re a new business and attract young people to Jackson and offer community. That’s encouraging to see as a young person who loves Mississippi.”
And the expansion should be attracting people to the area soon.
“We’re looking at (opening) some time in October,” Sullivan said. “We haven’t announced an official date, yet. Hopefully, we’ll have a firm date soon.”
Contact Brian Broom at 601-961-7225 or bbroom@gannett.com.
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