New Fitness Center Opens in Ferndale, Offers TV-Based Workouts

Have you ever tried to do a workout video at home but didn't have enough space or the right equipment?

A new business that opened Tuesday in Ferndale aims to address those issues by letting customers do workout videos in its new, modern facility in a motivating group setting.

TV Fitness is located at 23440 Woodward on the east side of Woodward just south of Woodward Heights. For $30 a month, customers have unlimited access to do a variety of videos at scheduled times throughout each day.

"You can come in as many times as you like," said co-owner Ryan Carruthers.

Carruthers opened up the workout facility with his brother, Earl Carruthers. The brothers are both former athletes, doing track, football and other sports, and found that fitness videos offer a great workout but people often don't have adequate space or equipment to do them.

"We've always been into fitness," Ryan Carruthers said. "We wanted to give the opportunity to help people to create a more healthy lifestyle."

Large flat-screen TVs line the front wall of the open gym, a soft padded floor will keep customers comfortable and a variety of workout equipment is available in the space. A soup and salad bar, smoothies and other healthy foods are offered for purchase each day in the lobby area.

Jennifer Roosenberg, executive director of the , attended the ribbon-cutting on Tuesday. She said the Woodward space had been vacant for at least five years and was not in the best shape.

"It took some vision I think for them to see it working," Roosenberg said of the owners' approach to the building, which has a fresh, new look inside with brightly colored walls and hardwood floors.

Roosenberg said people have a wide range of preferences when looking for a workout facility and having another option is great.

"It's just wonderful that there's such a variety of choices," she said. "I think having a variety of options increases the quality of life here."

Carruthers said he and his brother chose Ferndale because of its friendly atmosphere, prime location and active community. He said some customers have already signed up for the program.

TV Fitness has eight employees and will be open seven days a week. For more information on TV Fitness, visit www.thetvfitness.com.