Anyone think we need a gym in Brewerytown?

**McAdams** · 07-07-2012, 05:55 PM

I've never belonged to a gym, but I know I NEED to work out and exercise. I'm not motivated enough to go into Center City to join a gym, nor buy weights for home use. However, if there was a gym, even a small gym, here in Brewerytown, I would definitely join, especially if they had knowledgeable/friendly trainers who are willing to work with novices like me.

Does anyone else agree we need a gym up here? Anyone have any connections in the "workout" community? Any spaces available, up here, that might be suitable?

**funk** · 07-08-2012, 09:26 AM

there are miles upon miles of road to jog or ride a bike on. your floor creates a perfect surface for sit-ups, push-ups, squats, etc. the counter corner makes perfect area for doing dips and best of all, if you have comcast, you can do aerobics, yoga, pilates, etc on demand. save your money - all you're missing are the people who go to be apart of a scene and a couple of machines.

**Smooth Sailor** · 07-08-2012, 11:20 AM

Originally Posted by funk

there are miles upon miles of road to jog or ride a bike on. your floor creates a perfect surface for sit-ups, push-ups, squats, etc. the counter corner makes perfect area for doing dips and best of all, if you have comcast, you can do aerobics, yoga, pilates, etc on demand. save your money - all you're missing are the people who go to be apart of a scene and a couple of machines.

I can't tell if this is a joke or a serious response.

To the OP- not in Brewerytown, but I have heard good things about Life Sport on the 2100 block of Fairmount, which may not be that far depending on where you live. A little further away is Philadelphia Sports Club, next to the Whole Foods on Callowhill, but be prepared to pay somewhere around $60 per month at the very least. There's a Planet Fitness on 52nd Street not far from the Mann if you have access to a car.

All of that said, yes I think Brewerytown could use a gym.

**McAdams** · 07-08-2012, 11:52 AM

Originally Posted by funk

there are miles upon miles of road to jog or ride a bike on. your floor creates a perfect surface for sit-ups, push-ups, squats, etc. the counter corner makes perfect area for doing dips and best of all, if you have comcast, you can do aerobics, yoga, pilates, etc on demand. save your money - all you're missing are the people who go to be apart of a scene and a couple of machines.

Ha Ha...I hear you, but I know myself...I need the structure of an environment with equipment, exercising people, etc. to really stick with a regimen. When I had dogs, I was out everyday running all over the city, but now I just have fat, sedentary cats, so no absolute need to get up and go for a jog - rain or shine.

I think the space above the dollar store at 27th and Girard Avenue is available, but it may be too small to attract an operator. Maybe one of the Gravely buildings on Taney or 26th and Poplar???

**McAdams** · 07-08-2012, 05:15 PM

Originally Posted by Smooth Sailor

I can't tell if this is a joke or a serious response.

To the OP- not in Brewerytown, but I have heard good things about Life Sport on the 2100 block of Fairmount, which may not be that far depending on where you live. A little further away is Philadelphia Sports Club, next to the Whole Foods on Callowhill, but be prepared to pay somewhere around $60 per month at the very least. There's a Planet Fitness on 52nd Street not far from the Mann if you have access to a car.

All of that said, yes I think Brewerytown could use a gym.

I am familiar with the gyms you mentioned, but thanks anyways. I think the desire to have a gym in Brewerytown goes beyond mere convenience, but is also about validating Brewerytown as a true, self-sufficient neighborhood. While a gym is not essential, it definitely is a "quality of life" resource that any legit neighborhood should have. We have a nice coffee shop, a garden supply store, a couple pharmacies, bike shop, etc. A gym, plus a few sit down restaurants with outdoor seating, would really move this neighborhood forward - in my opinion.l

**dcss1205** · 07-09-2012, 08:26 AM

You stated you needed exercise, so my first thought was; you can jog down to Life Sport.

However, Brewerytown is not middleclass enough to support a gym, it would fold. The CDC's have a list of needed businesses, and it's hard enough to encourage any on the list to be created. The demographic, marginal-disposable income data is very low in the 10 block area.

Do not let the establishment of Bottom Dollar fool you into erroneous conclusions on the population. The factors which led to that business decision were net start-up costs, and market potential from Route 15 & 39 and other SEPTA traffic and vehicular traffic along Girard, 29th, Kelly and I-76.

**rjj** · 07-09-2012, 10:39 AM

i think it will take a little more time and $ in the hood to justify a gym.

it sounds like you need a little help with motivation and accountability. if thats the case, i would suggest joining one of the runners clubs (most are free). you might also want to look into trainers, there are so many out there that can help you. most of them will meet you anywhere and they will develop a program based on your desired fitness level.

good luck

**TeddyP27** · 07-09-2012, 12:17 PM

Last I heard there was a secondary retail spot in the Bottom Dollar Plaza... Maybe someone can put some cardio and a few weight machines in there! ;-)

**Moonraker** · 07-09-2012, 10:34 PM

The developer would really, really like a tenant with a long term lease. Start-ups do not fit that bill.

**funk** · 07-10-2012, 08:11 AM

Originally Posted by Smooth Sailor

I can't tell if this is a joke or a serious response.

To the OP- not in Brewerytown, but I have heard good things about Life Sport on the 2100 block of Fairmount, which may not be that far depending on where you live. A little further away is Philadelphia Sports Club, next to the Whole Foods on Callowhill, but be prepared to pay somewhere around $60 per month at the very least. There's a Planet Fitness on 52nd Street not far from the Mann if you have access to a car.

All of that said, yes I think Brewerytown could use a gym.

it's not. i forgot to add in "motivation". you need that to tie your shoes or to hold the last twenty seconds of a plank or do those last 5 mountain climbers.

**Smooth Sailor** · 07-10-2012, 10:23 AM

Originally Posted by funk

it's not. i forgot to add in "motivation". you need that to tie your shoes or to hold the last twenty seconds of a plank or do those last 5 mountain climbers.

It's very naive to assume that those who go to a gym are there "for the scene" or "a couple of machines." God forbid anyone would like to have the option of running on a treadmill in sub-freezing/excessively hot temperatures, wants to work with a personal trainer, doesn't have the space/resources to workout in their home, enjoys the structure of classes offered at gyms, etc, etc.

**JH1234** · 07-10-2012, 02:36 PM

I'm with you. The Gravely ruin would be a nice spot for it, but that's probably pretty far fetched. Walking down Girard, it seems like there are open second floor spaces in abundance (over the Wine and Spirits, for instance). Though I'd bet that most gyms would only consider spaces with parking lots.

**McAdams** · 07-10-2012, 06:49 PM

Originally Posted by Smooth Sailor

It's very naive to assume that those who go to a gym are there "for the scene" or "a couple of machines." God forbid anyone would like to have the option of running on a treadmill in sub-freezing/excessively hot temperatures, wants to work with a personal trainer, doesn't have the space/resources to workout in their home, enjoys the structure of classes offered at gyms, etc, etc.

Thank you! I definitely am not interested in joining a gym for "the scene". I want to work out in a disciplined environment with all the right equipment and experienced trainers to support me (since I am workout-naive).

**McAdams** · 07-10-2012, 07:01 PM

Originally Posted by JH1234

I'm with you. The Gravely ruin would be a nice spot for it, but that's probably pretty far fetched. Walking down Girard, it seems like there are open second floor spaces in abundance (over the Wine and Spirits, for instance). Though I'd bet that most gyms would only consider spaces with parking lots.

Well, I'm thinking anyone who would open up a gym here would be the pioneering sort. Yes, there may not be the critical mass, yet, to support a large, high end private gym or interest a chain gym, but I'm sure there are some "juice heads" out there somewhere who would appreciate striking out on their own and setting up shop in an untested area like this that has lots of potential. I think a gym in this area would attract people from outside of Brewerytown-proper. I'm sure people from Parrish, Poplar, even Brown, would travel up here if the gym had what they wanted and/or if the space was unique and challenging. I thinking working out in the Gravely building, or even the church at 27th and Girard could be interesting....I'd do it.

Back in 1990 I moved to Old City. At that time, Old City was just becoming yuppie-fied. Most of the beautiful manufacturing buildings were being turned into high end loft apartments. I was in on that initial wave (Northern Liberties was a still a WASTE LAND!). Iron Works opened up in a fairly small space, with no parking, on North 3rd Street. It was there for many years and seemed popular (I think it has moved or closed down now, not sure). The point? Back then, Iron Works was taking a chance, too, and they had a nice run. I truly believe someone with passion, an open mind, an adventurous spirit, and an innovative approach, could do very well up here.