What does four generations of hard work get you? How about a reputation for being the best gym in your city, where everybody from the mayor to construction workers go. To top it off, throw in a statue of the gym’s founder downtown. That’s exactly what the Wareing family has.
Tony Wareing, the co-owner of Wareing Gym, said as early as 1923 his grandfather began giving group training sessions in New York City. Known in the community for training with people like Charles Atlas and holding the world record for the single-arm dumbbell press, it was easy for Tony’s grandfather to attract a crowd.
In the 60s, Wareing’s father, John, took over the family business of fitness and moved to Virginia Beach. John was known for his “crazy” personality and his vision for a culture of fit people in his gym. In fact, he was so beloved in the community he even has his very own statue in Virginia Beach.
In the 80s, Wareing and his siblings took over ownership of Wareing Gym. They have strived to maintain the culture of fitness started by their father and grandfather by focusing on getting people results and fostering friendships amongst members.
This authenticity bleeds over into everything from their training to their marketing, said Wareing. The gym’s trainers pay special attention to every member during group training to ensure they’re using proper body movement to maximize their results. They’re not afraid to brag about someone who has shown outstanding commitment on their Facebook page.
Even after 28 years, Wareing said you can still find him, or one of the many Wareing family members, in the gym talking with members or even working on a broken treadmill.
“I have four nephews, one niece, a sister, a brother and two sister-in-laws that all work within the gym,” said Wareing. “And in a very strong capacity, not just a little part-time job or just helping out here and there. They are all big contributors.”
After all this time in fitness, Wareing said a lot has changed — from different revenue streams to different marketing strategies and a ton of new variations on how to be fit. But through it all one thing has never changed: the Wareing’s commitment to fitness started by their grandfather in 1923.
“We all love it, were all very passionate about it,” said Wareing. “We’re not faking it. We’re the real deal.”
By Ethan Smith
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Rachel Zabonick-Chonko is the editor-in-chief of Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@peakemedia.com.
