FARGO-Area residents looking to get "pumped up" have a new gym to frequent.
Friends and former West Fargo classmates Ty Zaczkowski and Jake Kinsella have opened Midwest Muscle in the former home of Valley Fitness near 12th Avenue North and Interstate 29.
Both weightlifters themselves, they were inspired to open their own gym after The Sports Center closed in 2013.
The gym features a large selection of plate-loaded machines and presses, as well as what Zaczkowski describes as "more leg equipment than just about any gym in town."
He is quick to point out, however, that while weight lifting may be a focus, Midwest Muscle has something for everyone.
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"That's our biggest concern. We don't want people to be scared to come in here and check it out," Zaczkowski said. "We also have all this nice cardio and circuit equipment."
Kinsella added that Midwest Muscle is a place where weightlifters at any skill level can be comfortable working out.
"When I first started (weight lifting), I was really, really skinny. I had a lot of tattoos. I came from a skateboard background. I looked like a skater kid, so I just felt like I didn't fit in with all these fitness people," Kinsella said. "I wanted a place where I felt like I fit in. My goal was to have a place where people felt like it was a community. They went there and knew everyone who worked out there. Everyone talked to everyone."
A strong start
The 22-year-olds had been accumulating equipment over the last 18 months, paying with cash and putting it in storage until they found a building. They opened in March with no business loans, a proud achievement for both men.
They also continue to work full-time jobs at Petro-Zaczkowski as a diesel mechanic and Kinsella as a lube technician. They alternate their schedules so one of them is always at the gym.
Midwest Muscle already has 70 members, but Zaczkowski hopes to attract a minimum of 100. Once they do, he wants to offer extended hours and more classes.
The friends have a lot of big plans for the business. They want to hold powerlifting and bench press competitions. Nutrition, weight loss and mass-gaining classes are also planned.
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Zaczkowski said construction of a new Mixed Martial Arts room is also underway that members can use for spars. The room will also be available for personal training sessions with trainers from Trainers Inc.
BUSINESS PROFILE:
What: Midwest Muscle
Where: 3820 12th Ave. N., Fargo
Hours: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Contact: (701) 552-1254
Online: Search Facebook for Midwest Muscle
