New Gym With Retro Approach to Open in Westchase

Seated in the entrance of Art of Strength Tampa Bay, owner Jimmy Myers points to the left and explains where the check-in touch screen and front desk will be located. To the right, there will be a smoothie station using all fresh ingredients.

"We're really big into clean eating," he said. "All our protein shakes are vegetarian."

It's just one of the unique aspects of the new gym Myers, a former college wrestler and professional athletic trainer, wants to provide at his new gym opening in Westchase.

Myers is still putting the finishing touches on the gym, which will officially open on Monday, Sept. 3. But the gym's philosophy on fitness is fully developed.

Art of Strength Tampa Bay's goal is to incorporate exercise techniques used in the late 1800s and early 1900s to help people achieve their fitness goals.

Think "Popeye" and those huge weights.

Lots of weighted ropes, kettle bells, suspension training and thick-grip dumbbells. It's a minimal approach that focuses on strength.

"We took the idea of what they did back then, if you focus on getting the body back to the way its meant to move, that's when you'll see strength and stamina," Myers said.

There are 33 Art of Strength gyms in the country. Developed by top trainer Anthony DiLuglio, it's an approach that makes your body more durable, more resilient, and less prone to injury.

In 2010, Myers began using the Art of Strength approach while training athletes at a gym in Clearwater. There he worked with professional baseball and football players.

One day, a 12-year-old came into the gym and Myers realized he enjoyed working with people who weren't necessarily in tip-top physical condition. Soon his "non-athlete" clients grew to 20.

"I thought 'I really like this,'" he recalled. "I need to branch out."

Myers chose Westchase for his new gym location because of the health consciousness of the community.

"You're more likely to see people in workout clothes in Publix then work clothes," he said about Westchase.

Westchase certainly doesn't have a shortage of gyms. So what makes Art of Strength different?

"I think it's customer service, the focus is not on ourselves, but listening to what our customers' needs are and helping them achieve their goals," said Randy Fierbaugh, an Art of Strength investor and former MLB player.

The gym will offer general workout, personal training and several instructor led classes each day, including a Young Warriors class for 13-18 year olds. New members must take a 3-class introduction to the gym. Membership is $125 per month.

Myers maintains Art of Strength Tampa Bay is for people on all levels of the fitness spectrum.

"It doesn't matter your age group or level of fitness," he said. "You can start at whatever point and we'll take you where you want to go."

Art of Strength Tampa Bay is located at 13740 McCormick Drive. For more information visit Art of Strength Tampa Bay online or call 727-421-4283.