From Member to Instructor: The Gymnasium Family
Story by Max Tempel | April 21st, 2020
Small Gym, Big Gains on Cottage Street
Walking up the stairs at 11 Cottage Street is just an introduction to the blood-pumping classes and equipment at The Gymnasium, a locally owned fitness and wellness center in Downtown Rutland.
Originally started in 1999, current owner Tammy Landon’s passion for health and wellness drove her to purchase the business outright last year. Landon graduated from Springfield College with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and a master’s in athletic administration while competing in multiple sports. She went on to become field hockey coach and Assistant Athletic Director at Castleton University while working with Vermont Sport & Fitness Club and later co-owning the gym.
The Gymnasium is a welcoming and supportive fitness environment equipped with a full range of strength and cardio machines, a large selection of free weights, and two fitness rooms. There are more than 25 different fitness classes per week, including spin, basic strength, Body Pump, Barre, Zumba, PiYo, yoga, and cardio fusion.
“Everyone is welcome. At every age and fitness level we have something to offer,” said Landon. The wide range of classes, each included in every level of membership, is unique to The Gymnasium in Rutland.
The classes help create a social environment for people to reach their goals, interact with new people, and build great relationships.
“People will come in for an early class, work hard, and after they all go out and get coffee with each other,” Landon said.
The group classes typically go for about an hour and are led by various instructors, many of whom were originally class participants that Landon brought on to get their certifications and start teaching classes.
One of those students to instructors was Barb Pennington, and she, like many, enjoys her experience among The Gymnasium family.
“The transition from class participant to class instructor was seamless. I felt an incredible amount of support from class participants, fellow instructors, and the owners too,” Pennington said. “The Gymnasium has a friendly atmosphere, where all people are made to feel welcome and supported through their fitness journeys.”
While there are many great things currently happening at The Gymnasium, Landon is excited for what’s to come. Recently, she added a nutrition program called Balanced Habits that runs three times a year. It’s a 28-day kick start program that includes weekly check-ins and recipes with balanced macro nutrients that promote weight loss.
“We just finished our first cycle with 21 individuals,” Landon said. “Almost all were successful and saw weight loss and huge increases in daily energy levels. They just feel better not only physically but mentally as well.”
Landon is happy with where the business is today and what it offers to the community. She especially values the sense of family that the gym offers and is proud of the culture she helped to create.
“We’ve created the best staff and it’s all about the people. The support system is key, whether it be from staff to member, member to member, or staff to staff. It’s the people that make the family,” Landon said. “Please come in and let us support you in your health and wellness endeavors!”
You can reach out to Tammy and the team at either 802-773-5333 or gymnasium802@gmail.com. To learn more about their services check out www.thegymnasium.net.