June 1, 2008 — Looking for a workout and a cup of coffee before work? Just a couple of weeks after a soft opening, Powerhouse Gym in Christiansted's Golden Rock shopping center is already booming even as the finishing touches are applied.
Looking in the well-lit wall of windows at the front of the gym on any weeknight, you see dozens of people working out on new, state of the art fitness equipment. While the gym equipment is up and running, General Manager Thomas Kimbrough says in the next few weeks the gym will begin offering many more amenities to their arsenal.
”We haven't had the grand opening yet," Kimbrough said Friday at the gym. "But even so, in the short time and without any promotion we've been busy. Powerhouse has invested $1.5 million in equipment. We've got the most respected names in the business: Hammer Strength, Life Fitness, Sorinex. A lot of members of the NFL use Hammer Strength even at home."
Freshly tiled showers and new lockers are in place in the changing rooms, while the floor waits to be redone. Weight and aerobic machines are in place, but several rooms for classes and activities are still being worked on furiously.
"Downstairs should be complete in another two weeks," Kimbrough said. "In there will be Pilates, aerobics, yoga, tae kwon do, jung su and other martial arts, and we are working on locating a kickboxing instructor."
An upstairs room is being set up for spinning classes, where an instructor drives a class onward on exercise cycles. It will be off the main floor, with a little privacy, more mellow lighting and mirrored walls. Members will have access to personal trainers too.
"All the trainers, all independent contractors, are 100 percent certified," Kimbrough said. Working out is not the only thing you'll be able to do at the gym. As you walk in the front door, you pass by a series of tables and chairs; a lounge in the making.
The Powerhouse Café is slated to open June 8. "We will be serving cereal, sandwiches, salads, fruit salads, protein shakes, healthy panini breads, and a special blend of coffee designed specifically for us," Kimbrough said. "You can have a latte or cappuccino as well."
But the chairs and tables are not just for dining. There are game tables set up for chess, dominos or backgammon. And more is on the way.
"We are going to have wireless Internet access," he said. "We want to make coming here something that works with your lifestyle. We're open from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the week. If you work nine to five, you can come in early, work out, hop in the shower, grab a sandwich, a latte or protein shake and be off to work. That is our goal here."
On Saturdays the gym is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. Customers appear happy with the new place to come work out.
"It is an excellent gym to go to," said one patron who goes by the nickname "Rambo." "They have good staff who can help you work out safely. I can recommend to anyone they come to this gym. If you come you can expect to meet good people with a good attitude."
Powerhouse Gym is an international chain and the local gym is a franchise. According to Kimbrough, there are 312 Powerhouse Gyms worldwide. "We're the newest addition to the family," he said.
To find out about membership and daily rates, call (340) 773-8888.
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