Roger Annis rolled the dice and moved his gym, Breakaway Health and Fitness, to the former Lake City Casino location at Village Green Hotel.
“It was a bit of a risk, but we needed to make that change to grow,” said Annis.
He purchased the gym two years-ago, at its former location near Beairsto Elementary School.
The bright and airy new location is double the size at 10,000-square-feet, fully wheelchair accessible and has use of the hotel’s indoor pool, hot tub and sauna.
“It is fantastic. The hotel stepped up to get us in here and basically gutted the space and built it to suit us,” said Annis.
The gym has been able to add more equipment to the space including more free weights, power racks and a CrossFit section.
“We concentrate on making it comfortable to everyone,” said Rogers.
The fitness centre has children as members and a member who is 94 years-old and works out three to four days a week.
“We’re not a gym that you have to worry about what you are wearing,” he said.
Wheelchair accessibility is a point of pride for Breakaway, with the entire gym on one level and a wheelchair accessible bathroom and shower that is usable for people with disabilities.
Another service it’s now able to provide due to their increased space is a full-time physiotherapist, with a kinesiologist from Priest Valley Therapy Centre on site.
“This is a win, win for everyone. Our guests will have the convenience of a full-service gym and BreakAway Fitness members will be able to take full advantage of our hotel services and amenities,” said Rob Glattfelder, hotel president.
The Village Green Hotel has been in business for more than 40 years.
In 2016, the hotel will initiate a renovation of 50 guest rooms located in the tower, as well as a refurbishment of the pool area and lobby.