O2 Fitness Makes a New Start

May 4, 2010 | Story by: Hal Goodtree | Categories: News

Cary, NC – The big gym on Towerview Court, once occupied by Impact Athletics, is open again. O2 Fitness has moved in, bringing with them a fresh start and a new energy to the once darkened building.

O2 Chief Operating Officer Kevin Hedley sat down with CaryCitizen to talk about the new facility.

Impact No More

As Impact spiraled into chaos during the Autumn of 2009, O2 began talks about a role for their organization in the facility. “It wasn’t the easiest deal to make,” said Hedley. In the end, no deal was to be had and O2, like everyone else, had to wait for the dust to settle.

But their interest continued – O2 offered membership support for Impact members in the immediate aftermath of the closure.

Moving O2 to a Better Space

O2 saw the opportunity to better serve its growing membership by moving into the Towerview space. The company had grown from one gym in Raleigh in 2002 to seven gyms across the Triangle.

Their old roost in Cary was a 13,500 square foot gym in the Arboretum. The new space (half of the building that once housed Impact) is 30,000 square feet.

O2 has repainted and re-carpeted, re-purposed certain rooms and added a host of new equipment. They are also doing some construction on the main gym floor that is scheduled for completion in just a few weeks.

“We’re really happy to be able to provide more for our members,” said Hedley.

The Psychology of Exercise

Kevin explained O2′s unique philosophy about fitness. “People get bored with their workouts. That’s why we provide a variety of different experiences.”

One such experience is called an Express Workout. Members move quickly between cardio and strength machines, packing a full-body workout into 30 minutes.

Another innovation is the Cardio Theater, also known as The Getaway. Kevin joked that’s it’s “exercise in the dark.” The lights are low and the noise and hubbub are subdued. “It’s very popular,” Kevin remarked.

There’s also Private Pilates for individuals and small groups. Add in a big room full of fitness gear, a cycling salon for 35, a spacious yoga studio and a pool and you have a complete fitness facility.

The Doors are Open and The Joint is Jumping

With 2000 memberships already in place, O2 has a leg up on success. Add to it their experience, depth and belief in Cary and there is good cause for joy.

Kevin made a point to reach out to the former members of Impact, inviting them in for a look at the new gym. Anyone interested in trying out the new club can get a 7 day pass on the O2 website.

It’s refreshing to see a difficult situation turned around and set right in such a short span of time.