Micro-Gyms Gaining Popularity in the Truckee Meadows |

A fitness craze is gaining popularity in the Truckee Meadows; micro-gyms. They are smaller independently owned places that usually specialize in only one form of exercise. We took an inside look at a few in Reno to find out why members are willing to pay premium prices to work out.

At i LoveKickboxing, the mat is busy with barefoot men and women punching, kicking and enduring some intense conditioning. The small gym on Double R Boulevard in south Reno signs up new members every day, but it's more than the grueling work out that keeps members coming back.

Kristi Finney has been with iLoveKickboxing Reno for a year and says the instructors are now her friends. "When you don't feel like you can do it,” says Finney, “You've got somebody right next to you saying you can do this, you got this."

Finney says the team at iLoveKickboxing Reno has helped her lose 30 pounds and change her life. The $125 per month fee is more than a budget gym, but the experience is personalized.

Assistant Manager and instructor Jevon Rowden said, "Whether it's your eating habits you can't fix, whether it's your time management you can't fix, finding a supportive group you don't have at home - you get that here."

Across town the song “It’s my party and I'll cry if I want to” is blasting away on the speakers at Full Pedal indoor cycling studio. The class is celebrating Amy Hill’s birthday.

Hill says Full Pedal is family, "You really feel like they have a vested interest in your health and in your fitness and secondly, it's really the sense of community.“

Camaraderie, state of the art bikes, a digital leader board to track your progress and a customized work out, "We tailor the most advanced rider out there or someone who just came off the couch, so it's really for all walks of life," says studio manager and instructor, Jimmy Lockie.

Plus, you get to spin in the dark. The fees at Full Pedal are about $100 per month.

At American Iron on the east side of Reno, it's all about lifting. Here, it’s quiet on the floor, except for the sound of metal against metal as weight plates are secured.

Ed Bonner has been a member for the past two years, "I've got a friend who's 92-years-old and he's been coming to the gym for a couple years and he convinced me to come." At age 74, Bonner credits American Iron owners Bob and Tammy Lopes with helping him lose 40 pounds and get his diabetes under control.

Tammy says she and Bob take time to spend time with members, "We have senior programs, we have youth programs, to try to give people what they need to succeed."

Working with a trainer at America Iron can range from $150 to $250 per month, but you can go it on your own for less than $30/month.

Reno’s micro-gyms have hundreds of devoted members, most of whom say they happily re-prioritized their budgets after discovering the benefits of a small health club.

Also wildly popular:

ESCAPE RENO

Spinning and Kickboxing in one location

The Basement

50 S. Virginia St.

775-848-1664

JUICE BOX YOGA

Yoga and Pilates

Reno South

631 Sierra Rose Drive

Reno, NV 89511

775-827-9642