Coldwater Anytime Fitness honored for club improvements

Anytime Fitness in Coldwater recently won the "Most Improved Club of the Year" global award at an Anytime Fitness international convention. 

The gym has been in the city for at least a decade, but in March 2019, Andrew and Ashley Brittingham purchased the franchise just days before the doors were going to close.

What they saw did not meet their standards. 

“We took it down to a white box,” Brittingham said.

Then, they started over with everything including the HVAC system, restrooms and equipment. 

However, around the time of the first anniversary, the co-owners and staff had to close due to the pandemic. When restrictions were lifted, they continued on with their newly revamped facility and service to members. 

The Coldwater staff includes the Brittinghams and coaches Dylan Lambertson, Benji Jermeay, Daylin Fuller and Damion Smith. 

Members may work out on their own, but those who want support can work with personal trainers.

“Anytime Fitness is not just a gym, but a coaching facility,” Brittingham said. “We have over 115 personal training clients.”

People join a gym to get results. When they don’t, members stop going. That’s where an encourager/coach who understands how the body functions can help.

“Fitness is not just a body composition, weight-loss or body building,” Brittingham said. “It’s moving better and feeling better. It’s being the best version of ourselves for ourselves, our family and community.”

Now, especially with the challenges of the pandemic, how can we take care of others if we don’t care of ourselves, he said.

It's a conversation staff has with members frequently.

“The bottom line is, we care,” Brittingham said. “If you’re looking for a community to help you improve your physical and mental health, a positive-fun-loving environment, and results-driven gym stop by and see what all the hype is about."

There are 5,000 Anytime Fitness facilities. Under the Brittinghams' ownership, Coldwater went from being in the bottom 50 of the fitness centers to being at the top.