A gym next to Moe’s BBQ in
downtown Rome is opening up a new
way for women to work out and create a
healthier mind and body image.
Crystal Stewart opened up Downtown
FIT in October, 2020, after realizing that
she wanted to create a safe space for
women to work out and build self-esteem.
As a trainer for nine and a half years,
women gravitated towards Stewart for
training.
“I don’t really have many men that
I’ve trained over the years,” she said. “I
learned in general, women kind of all have
the same goal, they all just take different
routes.”
Walking into the facility, it doesn’t feel
like an average gym. The walls are all
exposed brick, except for the back wall,
which is covered in mirrors.
The rest of the space, while filled with
different types of workout equipment, has
more of a personal touch and comfortable
feel all around, like you’re at home.
Stewart wanted to make sure the gym
helped women not only build their bodies,
but also their mindsets.
“You need the mind on your side for sure
to reach your goals and be successful,”
she said.
Business has been steady since they
opened and the trainer feels like they’ve
already built such a strong community.
The gym offers a variety of training,
such as one-on-one training, small group
training and different classes, such as
Yoga, HIIT Boxing and Barre Class. She is
currently working on getting some form
of self defense class for her clients as
well.
“We try to build a foundation based on
correct form and posture, because that
is the most important in preventing injury
in our clients, then build strength from
there,” Stewart said.
An important aspect of the gym is
accountability. When you sign up, you’re
being held accountable by your trainer or
your small group.
“The fact that it’s all-women takes a
lot of factors away from just a traditional
gym,” Stewart said. “Some women feel
more comfortable without men being
around and it’s all completely different.”
Erica Wilson, another trainer and
longtime friend of Stewart’s, said the
community aspect is what also helps
their clients come back and commit to
classes.