The Gym in Trussville puts family 1st
For general manager Eric Patterson, The Gym in Trussville is a culmination of ideas that have been forming since his first job as a camp counselor at the local YMCA.
Working his way through the ranks as lifeguard, shift manager and fitness coordinator, Patterson continued to accrue skills and passion for the fitness industry. After working as personal trainer for Performance Fitness and as fitness manager at 24e, Patterson began seeking opportunities to turn his ideas for the ideal gym experience into reality, which literally begins at the door of The Gym.
For example, 24-hour access is granted to members though a biometric fingerprint scanner. The system allows members to bring in guests after regular business hours, automatically deducting the $5 day rate from the member’s account for each guest.
The Gym also offers popular equipment such as Arc Trainers and a Rogue Infinity Rig. Steam rooms and showers are available in each locker room.
Group fitness classes such as yoga, bootcamp cardio, tone and strengthening are available for up to 12 people at a time. During busy hours, classes are offered in continual 30-minute intervals. “So if you come in and the class is full, you can jump on the Arc trainer or treadmill and then go into the next class,” Patterson said.
Childcare is available during regular business hours for a maximum of two-hour stints. When designing the childcare space, Patterson was mindful of the various ages that may take advantage.
“Our childcare isn’t just for babies. We have a PS4 and picnic tables where kids can do their homework.”
For kids who prefer to stay active, children of all ages are welcome to work out with direct supervision from the parents. Teens 14 and older can access The Gym independently.
Creating a healthy environment for teens to stay active is a priority, as initial renderings for The Gym’s next phase of business include construction of a larger space with indoor basketball.
“I teach ninth grade Sunday School at church and they all love basketball. There are other places to play in town, but they close early,” Patterson said. “During the summer especially, kids are looking for something to do at 9 or 10 at night. The 24-hour basketball would give them somewhere to go that’s better than hanging out in a parking lot doing something they don’t need to be doing.”
Because The Gym is built upon Christian principles, music playing throughout the building is always clean. “We are Christian-based. You’ll actually hear Christian music playing in the background, along with classic rock and hip hop,” Patterson said.
He also noted that the intention is to build a larger facility very near their current location. Once available, all active memberships will transfer to the expanded space with locked-in rates.
He added, “Just like people come to the gym with plans about getting stronger and bigger, The Gym has its own goals of getting bigger, facility-wise.”
Located on Deerfoot Parkway, The Gym offers easy access away from heavy traffic found in other areas of town. Patterson said they can also offer lower membership rates because rent is lower than in busier commercial areas of Trussville.
With an annual contract, monthly membership costs begin at $20 for individuals to $55 for families of four. For those older than 65, the facility is also a Silver Sneakers approved partner through Tivity Health.
Though The Gym is accessible 24 hours a day for members, regular office hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, 8 a.m. to noon Saturday and 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday.
To tour the facility or learn more, stop by The Gym at 4901-501 Deerfoot Parkway or call 855-9491. Follow The Gym In Trussville on Facebook for class schedules, specials and more.