Iron Fitness – A Family Affair

Three generations walk into a gym…. No, it’s not the start of a joke but the beginning of three lives transforming, thanks to the family fitness ethos and expert trainers of Iron, a full-service, family work out Mecca.
Iron, Los Angeles’ Premiere Boutique Gym & Personal Training Facility is located at 1919 Broadway in Santa Monica and offers complimentary parking in the rear which makes merely getting to the gym that much less excuse-proof. With a panoply of programs aimed at servicing clients of all ages and abilities, Iron hosts some of Los Angeles’ best trainers, who offer both private training and group classes allowing members to develop individual programs so that all ages and abilities can truly be the best that they can be.
Owner Kenneth Sheer along with his right hand, manager Philip Raya want fitness to be a familial activity, “I have three small children and wanted to find a gym where all of us could have fun and get fit – together,†said owner Sheer. “Iron’s ‘Specialized Children’s Fitness’ is taught by the same gifted instructor who worked with my kids. I wanted other tykes to have the opportunity to have fun moving while developing gross and fine motor skills so we created a space for a kid program,†Sheer continued; the program now operates out of a colorful, 1000 sq. ft. private room that overlooks the state-of-the art facility, it is equipped with specialized equipment aimed at developing the junior set’s flexibility, coordination, core stability and muscular endurance. Parents can enjoy watching their children’s growing self-esteem as they gain mastery over their bodies.
Further evidence of the family ethos is the atmosphere that Sheer and Raya have created at the business, meaning that there is no staff turnover and complaints are addressed before members have a chance to notice a problem, “We have a cleaning staff on site daily, so the place is spotless and if Philip, a trainer or I don’t notice a problem, they will, and we’ll address it before it inconveniences a member,†said Sheer.
The gym offers top of the line equipment and is constantly updating its equipment and classes. Iron will soon begin work on transforming a basement yoga room into a boxing studio offering classes taught by Olympic and professional boxers, “The classes always fill up so we’re expanding the size of the studio where they’ll be taught to accommodate the demand … and they’ll be in a basement so those who so desire can imagine a Fight Club motif,†said Raya smiling.
The gym also has a treatment room where massage therapists and a rolfer offer their services and there are plans to add another elliptical machine, Tour de France spinning bikes and yoga classes for all levels and ages; pre and post natal, mommy and me and classes geared toward the older set trying to regain or maintain their flexibility and strength. There is also a stretch of high-grade astro turf in the back of the parking lot for those who want to lunge and stretch in the great outdoors and there will soon be a Spinning class offered outside, under the canopy that extends over the parking lot opening. “We want to offer the best of the outside-inside California lifestyle in a gym,†says Raya.
As further evidence of their customer service, Iron offers gym memberships and class packages to accommodate how various families choose to pump themselves up.
Now, back to our personal fitness parable, where our three generations from the opening paragraph, who hale from different demographics – adult, middle-aged and senior — go to the Iron Gym and find workouts suitable for each to enjoy and get on a great fitness road. “We take a no pressure approach to attracting members which is why we offer those interested in membership a two day pass to come check out the facilities and our classes,†said Raya.
Whatever your fitness passion, Iron has it. From indoor cycling, Zumba, TRX, boxing and yoga classes to personal training, the experts at Iron can help you discover or rediscover and become the best you can be.