It is no secret that January brings everyone back to the gymnasium, but for Marcus Mucheck, proud owner of the Dirty Gym, it’s teaching people the ‘whys’ of working out that has made his facility the place to pump! His story, his passion is all about helping people understand how they can be their best, whether they are working out with him, or at a hotel 300 miles away.
In 2003, Mucheck began working out in his parents’ garage in Warwood, West Virginia. Within days his buddies would join him in the annexation of his family’s basement as well. It was the humble beginning of a storied weight-lifting career, which included Mucheck’s unmatched record of the ‘Youngest National Champion’ at 16 years of age.
It wasn’t without it’s share of doubters. “My school adviser recommended the armed forces, mainly the Marine Corps, but I answered with ‘I want to lift weights.’ That didn’t seem to be the answer!” Mucheck added his response was the same when talk of college and other ideas surfaced. “I wanted to lift weights! That was it!”
So he did. In the meantime, he would find the Air Force Base in Dayton his home…but not his love. “I would talk to people about working out with me at the base housing. They trusted my experience and would show up in the parking lot, sometimes 60 at a time, looking to do Crossfit, weight training and other activities.” Mucheck added, “I knew we were on to something.”
Mucheck and his devoted staff, found a home on Front Street. “Things really took off for us when we found our place. People kept telling me ‘No, this won’t work Marcus.’ Even the rental agent told me we would fail. But nothing inspires me more than the word ‘NO.’ Tell me ‘NO’ and I’m completely determined.”
His determination was contagious. “I kept telling my staff to do it well, be top shelf, help people become in tune to their bodies.” The staff, as well as his member numbers, grew. “I had to hire administration, custodial, more trainers and special events employees. We stuck to a philosophy of ‘how you do’ and ‘why you do,’ not ‘what you do,’ and people appreciated the difference.”
Mucheck stands apart from run-of-the-mill trainers in the area. “People don’t realize if you have $1000 and a weekend, you can be a trainer. That’s crazy. I want people to understand when you walk in to the Dirty Gym you will be greeted, welcomed and know this is about to be the best hour of their day! We are committed to making people comfortable. This is their space!”
Granted, it is a Rocky Balboa type 1980’s gym, but they teach the basics. “With the basics, you can clear any hurdle.” Mucheck went on to say, “People are worth the effort in our gym. When they leave, they know what to do, we taught them!”
For Mucheck, looking back, he remembers they days of 7 clients, now he services 200. He recollects doing most of it himself, now their are department heads and talk of a second location. And he embraces Dayton as his home. “People here are amazing. There is no other city like it. Such a great spirit in this town.”
The Dirty Gym, named for the one of the work-out spaces back in Warwood, where coal-mining was king, is considered by many to be Dayton’s authentic work-out experience. “This gym is so accepting of all kinds of people. It’s open-minded and friendly. It has everything you can think of from free weights, power-lifting, body-building, yoga, krav maga, and a lot more.” One client shared with us.
Mucheck stated, “75% of our clientele is women. Obviously sports know no gender. I always say women outperform men because they are better listeners!” When asked what three things Mucheck would recommend all people do in or out of the gym he was quick to reply, “Squats! Bend! And stop eating like a child. Your body deserves better. You deserve better!”
The Dirty Gym is located at 1111 East 2nd Street in the Front Street Building. You can call the gym at 937.985.4150. Their website is www.dirtygym.com
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