By Nancy Edwards
A new workout facility on East 96th Street celebrated its grand opening recently by inviting a well-known local athlete.
Adam Vinatieri, Indianapolis Colts football placekicker, signed autographs for dozens of local residents who waited in line to meet him at Anytime Fitness.
“We wanted to do something nice for the community and offer charter memberships to the club,” Ben Sheppard, owner of Anytime Fitness said. “Adam was willing to participate and it worked out.”
Anytime Fitness is the world’s largest, fastest-growing, 24-hour co-ed fitness facility. Founded in 2002, the club now operates in 49 states and 10 countries. Members are given a key and fingerprint access, which allows them to visit the gym at their convenience, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Also, members can enjoy Fitness on Request, LLC, a vendor that Anytime Fitness uses. Fitness on Request is handy for members who suddenly have some free time and want to attend any one of 35 group fitness classes offered—hip hop, yoga, Pilates and more—projected on a 150’ screen at the gym.
“There was a huge need in the industry for this,” Sheppard said. “You can walk in and work out for 30 minutes and walk out. It’s really nice for those with busy schedules.”
Indianapolis resident Vivan Whitfield checked out the club while patiently waiting in line for several autographs from Vinatieri. Whitfield often attends events with local athletes present so that he can give a few signed photos to kids in his neighborhood.
“They’ll say, ‘Wow, where did you get this from?’” he said. “I’ve met a lot of great people; it’s fun to meet the athletes.”
Vinatieri is the first kicker ever to win four Super Bowl rings: one for the Colts and three for the New England Patriots.
Anytime Fitness has received several awards, including No. 1 in fitness franchises in Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2013 Franchise 500 List. For more information, please visit their website: http://www.anytimefitness.com/ or call Sheppard at 577-4348.