ELBURN – The bright green paint the owners of Pound 4 Pound Fitness chose for their gym isn’t just a color.
Danny DeKing said it represents what he and his business partner, Ryan Darby, aim to offer the community: a unique fitness center.
“We want to be different, create new ways for people to train,” he said.
Pound 4 Pound Fitness opened in downtown Elburn in March but celebrated its grand opening in late April.
A self-described gym rat, DeKing said he worked at various fitness centers and was a community fitness leader in the Navy. He opened Pound 4 Pound Fitness because he wanted to work for himself, he said.
He and Darby became friends when Darby joined his boxing class.
Together, they own and manage the 24-hour, 5,000-square-foot facility that they stocked with exercise equipment that “hits all genres and generations,” DeKing said.
Equipment is available for circuit training, which increases balance, adds endurance, builds strength and sheds pounds. Specific circuits can include kettle bell work, flipping tires and training with heavy ropes.
Along with other equipment, the tires and ropes are on a section of the floor covered by turf, which DeKing said helps absorb some of the blow, resulting in a lower impact on the body.
Punching bags also are available for boxing – Pound 4 Pound Fitness offers classes in that sport – and TRX suspension training equipment is set up for low-impact workouts.
Gym members also can use cardio equipment, such as a rowing machine, elliptical and treadmill; receive personal training sessions; and participate in Pilates classes.
So far, DeKing said, business is going well – many people are learning about Pound 4 Pound Fitness by word of mouth. Chances are visitors to the gym likely will meet either him or Darby.
“I pretty much live here,” DeKing said.
Visit facebook.com/pound4poundfitness13 or twitter.com/P4Pfitness13 for information.
Pound 4 Pound Fitness
Where: 21 S. Main St., Suite B, Elburn
Hours: 24/7
Phone: 630-809-2394
Email: pound4poundfitness13@gmail.com