When Anytime Fitness opened in St. Joseph eleven years ago it was only the second Anytime Fitness facility anywhere in the state of Michigan, and over the ensuing several years it was expanded on three separate occasions to accommodate the huge influx of eager fitness fans who loved the concept of having a key to the front door that they could use anytime they wanted 24/7/365.
Now, Nick & Jessica LaFond are the owners of that popular gym in the Southtown neighborhood of St. Joseph and tomorrow evening, Wednesday, January 25th, they will cut the ribbon on the grand opening of their facility with a huge celebration being facilitated by the crew at the Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce.
The highly successful gym — just one of more than 3,000 franchised locations around the globe in 22 individual countries — focuses on the belief that everyone has the right to good health and fitness literally whenever they want to partake.
On October 14, 2016 Nick & Jessica took over ownership of the facility on Hilltop Road in St. Joseph’s Southtown neighborhood in the same plaza as the popular Papa Vino’s Italian Restaurant. Since accepting the keys to the building, Nick has expanded the gym yet again by adding a functional fitness section with various training gear, a new TV, and equipment for outdoor activities when the weather permits. He promises that those changes are just the beginning of what you can expect to become an ever-changing facility.
Nick & Jessica are natives to Berrien County who sought fame and fortune elsewhere before returning to the home front two years ago. Nick’s own fitness journey began five years ago when he decided to take over his health and wellness. He joined Anytime Fitness in Kalamazoo and from that point forward, fitness evolved into far more than just a routine at the gym. It became his passion.
Nick began to consistently train and it transformed his life. He became more focused, determined, and in control of his own life. In the spring of 2015, Nick competed in — and won — the Kalamazoo Bodybuilding Championship. After that, he was convinced that he wanted to focus his life’s work on helping other people to capture what he had achieved through health and fitness.
A few short months later, Nick learned that his predecessor at Anytime Fitness had placed the gym on the open market. He recognized it for the opportunity he was in search of. He had attended that very gym over the past several years and loved the facility. He realized it was his true window of opportunity to turn the facility into more of a community for the membership. He invited the challenge of reviving the gym and converting it into a place the members would have a great affinity for.
Today, Anytime Fitness represents a myriad of things to Mr. LaFond. It represent the act of bettering yourself. Of achieving something. Of continuously moving forward. Venturing to the gym is about way more than just fitness — it’s therapy. It’s a place where you can go and focus and work on you.
Nick works daily to emphasize the idea that every single person should feel welcome in his gym. Everyone who walks through the front door earns respect for taking the steps necessary to make themselves better, and he guarantees that you will leave with a sense of accomplishment — and that means something to both him and you.
Join Nick & Jessica at their Ribbon Cutting Ceremony tomorrow, Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at 1332 Hilltop Road in St. Joseph beginning at 4pm to join the fun. The Grand ReOpening of Anytime Fitness will feature a raffle involving a one-year membership at the gym…as well as a brand new grill.
During the ceremonies, which will run until 6pm, Silver Beach Pizza will be served in addition to other refreshments, so make plans to swing by and get in on the action and maybe come away a winner. Follow the gym anytime at www.AnytimeFitness.com or call them at 269-982-4022.
