Things are Shaping Up for East Side Fitness Center, Maplewood’s Newest Gym

"We want to make Maplewood a healthier place," says Bryan Crowell, co-owner of Maplewood's East Side Fitness. When we first reported about the fitness center in early October, it was in preparation to open its doors. Now, the state-of-the-art gym is up and running.

Owned by Bryan, his dad (former Maplewood fire chief) Wayne, and Ron Glass, East Side sits comfortably amidst Springfield Avenue's other growing businesses. To help meet their goal, the all-purpose gym houses everything from treadmills, stationary bikes, stair climbers and elliptical trainers to weight machines and free weights. For those who enjoy stretching or group classes, there's a room especially for those activities.

East Side is open, bright and airy; a far cry from the 99cent Globe store that formerly occupied the space. A large storefront window makes it easy to look into and out of the space. Floor to ceiling mirrors on opposite sides of the gym contribute to its openness.

"One of the ideas behind starting this business," says Ron, "was to open a high-end gym at an affordable price." Membership options include a one-year contract for the price of $32.05 per month. Option two allows members to pay $42.75 on a monthly basis.

Bryan and Ron, the faces you're most likely to see when visiting the gym, are hoping to attract a variety of customers. "One of the first members to join is in their 70s. Our youngest member is 16 and the oldest is 78," says Bryan. While Ron says the current average East Side member is between 40-55 years of age, Bryan hopes their clientele will eventually include people who are both younger and older.

To get some insight into how current members like East Side, we spoke to a few. Mindy, a stage manager for the show Chicago, joined a week before the gym opened. She works out there five days a week. Before joining, she worked out at other local gyms like NY Sports Club, but wasn't crazy about them.

"This is a convenient location and the vibe here is working for me," she says. "The owners here are extremely nice. Their whole thing was that they try to cater to the people of South Orange and Maplewood."

John, a resident of Springfield and fitness buff, has been a member for two weeks. He works out at East Side 4-5 times per week. "It was really the location and the equipment that attracted me," he says. "They have good equipment." He says the atmosphere attracted him too. "I come at all different times and it's usually pretty much the same. . .peaceful and friendly."

East Side is attracting the interest of local fitness buffs too. During the interview with Bryan and Ron, several trainers from other local workout centers such as nearby Diamond Gym, came in to check out the facility.

For the future, East Side hopes to build an ongoing relationship with the sports department at Columbia High School. Since the school doesn't have a gym, Bryan hopes they can work together in training the school's athletes.

Starting in January, Maplewood police sergeant Mike Morrison will teach a Cardio kickbox karate class. The class will take place once per week for 10 weeks. Other classes include Hip-Hop Aerobics, Step Aerobics and Zumba (aerobics influenced by Latin dance).

Beginning the second week in January, East Side will begin a Weight Loss Challenge. The challenge will run for six weeks at a time and will include weekly weigh-ins. "People can compete in teams if they like," says Ron. "For every pound you lose per week, you'll get a raffle ticket." At the May 2 drawing, the person or team with the most tickets will win a prize valued at $500.