Expanded women’s gym in Medina is ‘a dream come true’

Photos by Tom Rivers – Kim Lockwood, owner of Fast Fitness in Medina, cuts the ribbon for the new location of her business, a site which more than doubles the space and allows her to add more equipment and amenities. State Assemblyman Steve Hawley, left, was among Lockwood’s supporters to join in today’s grand opening.

MEDINA – Kim Lockwood led tours of a sauna, an aqua massage machine, an indoor walking and jogging trail, and she showed off numerous pieces of exercise equipment.

“It’s a dream come true,” said the owner of Fast Fitness in Medina.

Today she cut the ribbon for her new location, and welcomed a stream of guests inside the gym, which on most days is off-limits to any men.

Lockwood opened the business in Albion in 2004. She sold that location and opened a gym in Medina in 2010. Fast Fitness is a women-only gym. It has grown to about 300 members. Lockwood said the close-knit group is like a second family.

Kim Lockwood is pictured inside her Fast Fitness gym at the former Hahn Hardware in Medina.

Kim Lockwood was surrounded by many friends and family, including her daughter Alicia Thiel at right, during a ribbon-cutting celebration earlier today at the new location for Fast Fitness.

On Sept. 1 she moved from a cramped site on Main Street to the former Hahn Hardware location at 627 West Ave. The gym has more than doubled in size, allowing for more equipment and amenities.

“This gives the ladies a great place to go where they are comfortable,” Lockwood said.

Roger Andrews, owner of the building, redid the bathrooms and added showers and a locker room, while also creating space for a massage table. The building has new heating and air-conditioning, windows and siding. He plans to replace the roof next spring.

He praised Lockwood for her passion for the business, and for pushing for excellence.

Amanda Groves is one of three personal trainers working at Fast Fitness. She’s also the assistant manager.

“Our gym used to be very small with less equipment,” she said. “The women really love it here. We’re 300-plus members and we’re growing.”

Lockwood’s decision to have the gym for women only is a big attraction for the members, Groves said.

“If women are working out and trying to lose weight, they can be self-conscious,” Groves said. “We’ve created a loving, kind and nonjudgmental atmosphere.”