By Todd Travis
The New Year is a popular time to reassess goals and goals. In the midst of the pandemic, the fitness scene shifted and adapted to changing priorities and goals. To help you start the year off right, we’ve put together a list of local businesses that can help you achieve your aspired success. You can find everything from more traditional gyms to the less conventional martial arts dojang in this list. These dedicated owners promise fitness results as well as many other unexpected benefits.
There’s a lot more to these companies than just fitness. There is good reason to support, learn skills and discover life-enhancing benefits along the way. With the help of your local community, you can make 2022 a year to remember.
Boxing, kickboxing, self defense
30 minute hit
8810 Southeast Avenue.
Indianapolis, IN 46239
(317) 759-7117
Ladies, welcome to 30 Minute Hit, Indiana’s only women’s boxing, kickboxing and self-defense gym. If you are looking for a unique, safe environment, look no further. 30 Minute Hit is a 30 minute circuit workout that focuses on strength, not weight loss, body shaping, or looking better. Owners Matt McDermitt and Tami Vance place a high value on acceptance and body positivity. During your circuit, you’ll get stronger, learn skills, and get a full-body cardio and core workout.
The women-only catering allows for a unique environment, including a closer camaraderie between members and a comfort that comes with the experience. One of the great things about the group of women is the mutual support they give to one another, McDermitt noted. Women work to become stronger and break down mental barriers to reach new levels together. He added that they feel like they can really let go and have fun in this safe environment. McDermitt has a background in law enforcement that has enabled him to provide quality information to all members.
Ascent 121, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability and the Indiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Board, works to help victims of sex trafficking recover from trauma. The organization is supported by both owners along with the women of 30 Minute Hit; It helps connect them to their goals and values, McDermitt noted.
Your first visit to 30 Minute Hit is free, guided by a personal trainer. You can participate regardless of your fitness level, experience or body type. A children’s area is available during your training. If you are interested in this unique experience, please call, visit the website or stop by to arrange your first complimentary session.
crossfit
sworn in
1052 Greenwood Springs Blvd. Suite C
Greenwood, IN 46143
(317) 300-9073
At Swornfit, trainers and coaches want to help you move out of your complacency and into an active lifestyle. If it’s difficult to keep up with your kids or climb the stairs, Swornfit can help. Group classes are 60-minute workouts that combine a variety of movements that help build strength and cardio into your daily routines. Personal trainers are also available to cater to your individual needs and ensure you work pain free. Proper technique and guidance are essential to this goal.
Group classes consist of 12 people and a trainer to help you start your new fitness journey. Swornfit takes a joint-by-joint approach to ensure a safe and pain-free workout. Your first day begins with a goal assessment, followed by a recommendation, which can include individual training, group training, or a mix of both.
Coach Noreen Dine leads a 1:1 ramp session for a group class with client David Kerr. (Submitted photos)
Noreen Dine, owner of Swornfit, helps people live their best life outside of the walls of the gym. She participates in Type 1 Takedown, which raises money to donate to Diabetes Will’s Way, a nonprofit organization that helps young people in the United States with type 1 diabetes.
First-time visitors receive a free coaching consultation. After the consultation, you will receive a personalized recommendation for a program that suits your needs. When you’re ready to break out of your complacency, turn to Swornfit for the boost you’ve been looking for.
Kickboxing
9round
7045 Emblem Dr. Unit D
Indianapolis, IN 46237
(317) 883-1374
Do you have a busy schedule? No problem. At 9Round you can start a 30-minute full-body workout at your leisure and without an appointment. Each workout is broken down into three-minute sets customized to your fitness level. Personal trainers teach and push you for 30 minutes and get you back in the day with a boost of motivation. Your first visit begins with an interview to review your goals and fitness level, followed by one-on-one training to get a feel for the program. You can continue with another individual session before joining the group.
9Round takes a three-pronged approach that includes fitness, nutrition and accountability with phone calls and texting to provide motivational support even if you miss a few workouts. Consistent goal reviews also help to recognize and celebrate progress made. 9Round owner Craig Valier added that the club’s meticulous attention to cleanliness ensures a safe environment for training.
Valier supports Indiana women in need by providing cancer care for them, including travel to and from doctor’s appointments or other necessary transportation issues. He runs fundraisers to support breast cancer (kick events); All proceeds go directly to cancer survivors. He also hosts community nights for members to help build relationships.
Men and women of all fitness levels are welcome. The first conversation and the individual session are free for first-time visitors. Call or visit us ahead of time to schedule an appointment, or register online and enjoy a virtual workout. If you want a total body workout and accountability, check out 9Round today.
martial arts
Pilsung ATA martial arts
1729 US 31 South A
Greenwood, IN 46143
(317) 881-2762
Pilsung ATA Martial Arts in Greenwood offers dojang (similar to dojo) classes to improve physical fitness while instilling confidence and life skills. Classes are designed to burn fat, build lean muscle, and tone your body while learning six values: Communication, Self-Discipline, Respect, Faith, Honor, and Self-Esteem.
Master Instructor Rose Myers was named our Icon of the Month in December. Rose, co-owned by husband Brian, stressed the importance of celebration and encouragement in combating the world’s existing negativity, including preventing harassment.
Rose Myers with 3rd Degree Black Belt and Level 1 Instructor Trainee Richie Scott.
Community participation is a priority in this dojang. To earn the rank of black belt, you must first complete a community service project that speaks to your heart, which Rose says has sparked countless stories of meaningful change right in the neighborhood. It goes well with the mantra they hold: “Be the change you want to see in the world.” One student even raised money to provide Kevlar safety vests for dogs at a local police station.
Martial arts students range from as young as 3 to more experienced students in their 70’s and beyond. All physical fitness levels are welcome. If you are ready to start the martial arts journey, you can request free classes through their website (PilsungATA.com).
weight training
Victory Strength and Fitness
3115 Meridian Park Dr. Suite O
Greenwood, IN 46142
(317) 721-2821
Bruce Salazar, owner of Victory Strength and Fitness, believes in educating his clients: They don’t get thrown into a unit workout on their first day. The first few sessions begin with conversations about goals and habits, followed by a quick movement screen, allowing experienced trainers to address specific needs and abilities. After graduation, you will begin your education and training. Clients can expect results in day one, noted Bruce.
People come to VSF for a variety of reasons, including weight loss and muscle building solutions. With high-level information, clients understand proper technique and can improve their performance while safely completing the exercises. Each session includes progress tracking to identify improvements.
Victory Strength and Fitness serves everyone from beginners to elite athletes.
Giving back is essential for Salazar and his team. VSF sponsors the North Grove Elementary Fun Run each year. They’re also participating in a fundraiser during the holiday season called Check-In for Charity, a social marketing program that gives businesses more exposure while also donating to local and national charities. A generous donor doubles all contributions made to the fundraiser.
Victory Strength and Fitness works with both beginners and elite athletes. Your first session is free and includes an assessment. There is a mix of small group classes (seven people maximum) and individual sessions. If you want some training and education this is the place for you.
yoga
Studio You Yoga
862 S. State Road 135 Suite I
Greenwood, IN 46143
(317) 882-8733
Studio You Yoga has a friendly environment for everyone. Owner Chia (pronounced Chy-ah) Bush and her staff welcome men and women of all shapes and sizes. Acceptance is part of the culture. The goal of Studio You Yoga is to help you feel better physically, mentally and emotionally. The classes help increase strength and flexibility while providing other benefits including feeling calmer and even better sleep after a few classes.
Bush took up yoga after feeling the stresses of life. She said she was so happy with the benefits she received that she began training to become a teacher to help others as well. Originally from Taiwan, she received her teaching qualification in the USA and eventually became a manager at Studio You. She had no intention of becoming an owner until the opportunity presented itself four years ago. She said she takes pride in helping as many people as possible improve their health through her work.
Chia Bush, owner of Studio You, teaches a class.
Studio You also supports other local businesses by hosting an open house at their studio. This is an opportunity for business owners to come together and help each other through collaboration. They also donate to local charities, although certain classes do twice a year.
Women and men of all ages are welcome. Children’s courses are also available. No previous knowledge is necessary. First-time customers can sign up and get 21 days of unlimited tuition for just $30. Call, visit the website or stop by to get this offer. If you’re ready to get fit and de-stress, this could be for you!
