When you want to start a fitness regime, gain more flexibility, or sign up for a marathon, many Mankato residents say you can’t go wrong with switching to JP Fitness.
Tom Hagen has been a member of JP Fitness almost since the gym and training facility opened in January of 2017. He succeeded in his initial conversation with owner John Jamison, as did the variety of equipment on display and the general cleanliness of the gym.
“I was literally eating off the floor and not having any problems with it,” Hagen said. “It’s original.”
Hagen, who is a frequent attendee at the gym, also praised the one-to-one attention Jamison and his team of 14 coaches and fitness professionals provide. Unlike a typical fitness chain, JP Fitness focuses on working with clients individually in order to create a customized program that helps each person work towards their health goals.
In 2021, Hagen decided to sign up for Half Iron Man to check out an ambition off his group roster. He said Jamieson personally put together a practical fitness program to get him ready for a grueling triathlon.
“We wanted to provide a more personal experience,” Jamison said of GB Fitness’s business model. “I love this setting because often people are still able to push their limits and can also change their habits to help influence a healthier lifestyle for themselves.”
second site
Since 2017, the number of JP Fitness members has increased to the point that her team decided to open a second satellite site in Mankato. Jamieson purchased the former Anytime Fitness building at 1751 North Victory Drive and has been working hard to prepare it for its mid-May opening.
The new JP Fitness: 24/7 program is designed to align with the services offered in its original location. As its name suggests, the new studio will have a full access schedule. Members can log in at any time to exercise at their own pace. Although registering with the original gym is not a prerequisite for using the new site, JP Fitness will be a convenient place for JP Fitness members to put the customized training they have received to good use.
“I live in the area, so I am very excited to go there,” Hagen said, adding that he was looking forward to some quick workouts during lunch breaks and other spare time. “It’s easy to get to Madison East, but that’s literally across the street (from the house).”
The wife of Jamison Kelly, manager of JP Fitness 24/7, said the location was a key factor in choosing the new location.
“There is a great community[near the new location]with lots of young professionals, families and even seniors, and it’s very important for them to have a rest in the exercise,” Kelly said. “I have kids and I know what it’s like when you’re busy, so if you don’t (a gym) are nearby, it becomes something that isn’t a priority in your life.”
The new center will be equipped with a wide range of equipment to meet the needs of its members. In addition to insulated strength equipment, visitors will find treadmills, climbing mills, staircases, exercise bikes, ellipticals and more.
“We will have two unique pieces for our Mankato and also for our location in Madison East,” Jamison said. “They will complement each other well.”
In addition to machines, JP Fitness 24/7 will provide other amenities. Towel service will be included in the membership fee, and fitness enthusiasts can relax in the on-site tanning room after their workouts.
Unlike the parent gym’s focus on guided training, the self-propelled satellite studio’s workouts will be exclusive. Currently, Kelly is scheduled to be the sole employee on site and will be available to meet new members, answer questions, and provide resources.
For Jamieson, seeing community members commit to living healthy lifestyles by attending an exercise facility is a reward in itself. The new site will be another tool to help fellow Mankato residents lead active lives on their own terms.
“You always hear about people who are regulars to a regular restaurant or bars, and in my opinion being a regular at the gym is important to everyone’s health,” Jamison said.
