BERLIN — Furious Fitness in Berlin has new owners, a new look and a new philosophy moving forward. The goal is to add classes and services at the gym while working to keep the atmosphere inviting and open to anyone of any fitness level.
The most obvious change is apparent when first walking through the door. New owners Craig and Sharon Collins have drastically changed the gym’s color scheme. Formerly, the walls were painted in reds and yellows. Now everything is much lighter in tones of blue and white and includes large murals of islands and bamboo accents.
The idea was to make the space feel larger and more welcoming, according to Craig Collins. The new colors and design are meant to be natural and neutral.
“We’re really trying to show everyone that we want people from all walks of life to come in here,” said Craig Collins.
Furious is getting more than a facelift. Since taking over the gym this spring, the owners have added 10 new pieces of cardio equipment. The machines could become crowded during peak hours in the past but the addition of the new pieces has alleviated that. There will also be ongoing improvements to the building. The HVAC has already been overhauled and the plan is to install bamboo flooring in the large classroom space.
“We’re putting in a new floor in the classroom so that we can add new classes,” said Sharon Collins. “We have a Zumba instructor that is ready to go as soon as we add the flooring in. We are looking for more instructors to add more classes.”
She added that there are a lot of plans for the gym but that “it’s a work in progress.” Getting new classes is near the top of the list and Craig and Sharon Collins are willing to sit down and talk to anyone who has an idea or proposal for what kind of class they would like to see added.
The couple encourages members or potential members to talk fitness with them. It all fits with their
Craig and Sharon Collins
Photo by Travis Brown
philosophy of making their gym even more accessible to everyone from bodybuilders to the elderly.
“A lot of people around here go to rehab but when their rehab ends they slip,” said Craig Collins. “We want to tell them to have continuing rehab with us. We’re not exactly like rehab but they can come in here, they can work out, I can show them what to do, I can train them if they want because I’m a certified personal trainer.”
In addition to dedicated personal training, both Craig and Sharon Collins are willing and able to help people get started with a routine no matter their previous fitness background. Any new member who asks will be shown how to use equipment and can discuss what kinds of results they are looking for and how they plan to get there.
Since taking over the gym, the pair said they have had no issue retaining current members and have seen some real growth with new members. As it’s located in Berlin just off Route 50, the couple pointed out that the location is ideal for serving the town as well as attracting members from West Ocean City, Ocean Pines and even Snow Hill and Pocomoke.
The owners are confident that coming in for that first workout in the new gym will be enough to create a fitness enthusiast out of anyone. They also wanted to acknowledge and thank all of their family, friends and gym members who have helped them during the ownership transition this spring. A lot of the members have gone above and beyond what anyone expected to help realize the vision for a new Furious Fitness, according to Sharon Collins.
For more information, like Furious Fitness on Facebook or call 410-629-0066.