Friday, Nov. 02, 2007
Womack’s Gym celebrates 25 years
By TODD OVERMAN
According to owners Linda and Ken Womack, the gym’s success comes from what makes it different from its competition: Womack’s members are more like friends than customers and there is something for every age and fitness level.
The business has been in five locations, starting in 1,800 square feet of leased space in Bedford. Now, it occupies a 15,000-square-foot building built specifically for the business, on two acres on U.S. 377 south of Wall-Price.
They have been celebrating the 25-year milestone with events this month, including live radio remotes and special promotions. Tomorrow is “Bring Your Pet to the Gym Day.” Starting Monday is “Restaurant Week,” with free food. On Oct. 20, radio station KTFW-92.1 FM Country Gold will broadcast from the gym from 2-4 p.m.
It’s more than just being fat and getting fit, Ken said, with Womack’s attempting to redirect lifestyles and cure the causes. "It’s all about relationships and fixing people,” he said.
Linda agreed. “It’s the type of training and knowledge we have to help people,” she said. “That’s why people like it.”
A person might come in with a lactose allergy, Linda cited as an example. Using a natural cleansing supplement can help the body fix the problem itself, so that a person can digest dairy foods from then on. "It all goes to what they eat and digest and process."
Instead of relying on medicine, natural processes can restore digestive enzymes. Linda stressed that they never recommend that someone stop taking a prescription unless a doctor orders it, but they’ve found that sometimes clients stop taking something on their own when they no longer need it. Other times, doctors reduce dosages because the gym-related treatments are working.
Womack’s is also among few health clubs – and the only one in the area – that insurance companies will reimburse clients for physical rehabilitation services, Ken said. The gym’s trainers are certified to help guide clients through the healing power of weight training.
Clients are guided every step of the way through corrective exercises, and improving range of motion and flexibility. “People think they already know how to work out,” Linda said. “We don’t stick them on a machine for 40 minutes.”
Once a client goes to Womack’s, it’s more likely they will stay there. Ken cited figures from the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association that estimates there are 23 million members of U.S. health clubs, but 27 million ex-members of health clubs. There has been a 33 percent increase in the gross number of health clubs, but most lose 45-50 percent of their members. Womack’s, on the other hand, retains about 82 percent of its clientele.
It’s not only about giving clients what they want, it’s also about keeping in touch with them regularly and making them feel welcome when they visit. Trainers will contact members if they haven’t been to the gym for awhile. “We put a lot into it,” Linda said.
Exercise programs are tailored to individuals rather than available from a set-price menu.
The gym offers a full range of cardio machines, free weights, weight machines, medicine balls and specific classes. There is also a Venice Beach-style outdoor area at the back of the facility. Parents can bring their children to the childcare area, where longtime employees care for them while the parents work out.
Another thing that sets Womack’s apart are its hours of operation, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays. That allows people to go when they feel like it, unlike some gyms that are closed during what they consider slow parts of the day.
The couple sets the tone for the gym, both of them leading programs and being a major component of the customer-service aspect.
“We make a good team,” Linda said.
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