Photo by Luke McGee, Regional Marketing Assistant at CEDRR
The #gymnasiumfamily
A glimpse of the supportive community that calls The Gymnasium home can be found as soon as you enter the front stairwell. Three initial flights of stairs to reach the fitness center can be intimidating, but at each landing point, a motivational quote can be strategically found encouraging you to continue. At the summit, you will be greeted by state-of-the-art workout equipment occupying a historic space with stained glass windows and views of downtown Rutland.
Tammy Landon, owner of The Gymnasium located at 11 Cottage Street, prides herself on cultivating an environment where all are welcome. “We are here to support people’s health and wellness. It is important to know that it’s not just people moaning and groaning and throwing weights around. This is a personable community,” said Landon who has been involved in an owner capacity of The Gymnasium for almost eight years.
A graduate of Springfield College with a bachelor’s in exercise science and a master’s in athletic administration, Landon knows full well the value of fitness both physically and emotionally. When the COVID-19 pandemic seemed to shut the world down, Landon knew she had to find a way to continue to promote both health and wellness, but most importantly foster connections amongst her gymnasium family. She turned to online classes.
“After everything was shut down, I taught the very first online class, kickbox, from my living room. Six or seven people came on with me and it was a cool experience, especially when I was needing to connect with people the most,” said Landon. “It was just like in person. Individuals would greet each other on Zoom and chat amongst one another just as they would in a normal class.”
The Gymnasium has changed ownership three times since it was founded in 1999 however it has always remained in the same building. Landon left her position at Castleton University, formerly Castleton State College, as the head field hockey coach to take what she refers to as “an opportunity she just couldn’t pass up” as the new owner of The Gymnasium.
“I am a big believer in you have to enjoy what you are doing,” Landon said, “We have such a dynamic community of staff and members who love meeting new friends and attending classes together. Our instructors are incredible people who are here because they want to be here.”
The Gymnasium and its staff offer over 25 different fitness classes with 90 percent of those now being offered in-person and online. Some classes include Body Pump, Barre, Cardio Kickbox, Yoga, Indoor Cycle and PiYo.
“This gym is quiet and comfortable. I feel so safe and welcomed here,” said long-time member Jennifer as she increased her speed on the treadmill. “The equipment here is up-to-date. Our goal here is clean and friendly. We want everybody to feel welcome. Young, old, fit, not-so-fit, wherever you are at in your journey in fitness and wellness, you can start anytime,” added Landon.
The Gymnasium’s members not only vary in age and fitness but also geographical location.
“We now have members who live out of state. We even have a member who lives in Germany who participates in online classes with us,” said Landon. “Offering an online option has expanded our opportunity to have family members working out together who don’t even live in the same state.”
Scattered around The Gymnasium you will find the term“#gymnasiumfamily”. Whether it be on the clothing of those working out or stuck to the wall above the mirrors, the motto seemed to be embedded in every aspect of the gym. When asked what this term meant, Landon stated it reflected community.
“The Gymnasium embodies what people value most in life. Tammy and her team of instructors put relationships first in their quest to support people with a healthy and fun lifestyle. It is the personal interactions and care that make their business successful. They really do know your name,” said Lyle Jepson, executive director of the Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region.
To learn more about The Gymnasium or to join the #gymnasiumfamily visit www.thegymnasium.net or call 802-773-5333.
