Dave’s Fitness and Physique Club to open Wednesday

• Dave Ogan, 63, is opening a brand new gym in Chillicothe, Wednesday afternoon.
• Dave’s Fitness and Physique Club will be open 24/7 with a cost of $30 per month.
• The gym will hold its grand opening, Wednesday afternoon, from 1-5 pm.

CHILLICOTHE – For Dave Ogan, being in a gym has become a way of life.

Ogan, 63, has spent his past 35 years as a competitive bodybuilder — earning numerous accolades throughout his ventures. However, the gym that he will now be spending most of his time in is completely brand-new.

Dave’s Fitness and Physique Club, under Ogan’s ownership, is set to open at 1 p.m. Wednesday. The building sits at 375 Marietta Road in Chillicothe and will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“I want this gym to be personal,” Ogan said. “The whole thing about my gym is it’s not about the buck. It’s about helping people get better, improve their strength and hit their goals. I started in this business when I was 28. I’ve learned a lot since then. That’s how I’ve pulled in the knowledge about strength training that I have. Right now, I love everything that I’m doing and I love seeing the progress in a client. Nothing beats that.”

Ogan’s gym has a unique, personal feel — something that he has striven to create. Contributing to that will be three personal trainers on site.

“We’re going to have three personal trainers in the building,” Ogan said. “But if something wants to come in and work out on their own, that’s fine also. But if they want help, we’re here for them to share our knowledge.”

Personal trainers, including Dusty Burton, 22 and Nick Caudill, 20, are something that Rick Hatton said is beneficial to all members. Hatton, who’s been friends with Ogan since the 1970s and a client of his for the past three years spoke to the positives of Dave’s Fitness and Physique Club.

“Since I’ve known Dave, he’s always been helpful,” Hatton said. “Anytime I had a question, I could go to Dave. And that’s what the personal trainers are there for as well. When I first came to Dave, his docket was full. But he took me in anyways, and I feel a great sense of loyalty to him for that. Besides that, he’s made a big difference. My strength is so much more than it was.”

Hatton, a former military member, explained what it’s like to be a client of Ogan. At first, it might be tough to push yourself, but in the end, it’s more than worth it.

“Working with Dave is like having your own drill instructor,” Hatton said, smiling. “But he’s been very instrumental in maintaining my health. The biggest advantage about joining this gym is that you will receive hands-on training that’s specific for you. If you come in here and you want to reach a goal, whatever it is, Dave can help you accomplish that.”

Potential members will have the chance to start reaching their goals when Ogan holds his grand opening event on Wednesday.

“We have 29 members of the gym already,” Ogan said. “That’s people whom I’ve trained in the past or whom I’m training right now. I’m hoping we can bring in people during our grand opening who are just people who have never been in one of my gyms. We’re going to have hot dogs, hamburgers, turkey burgers and Monster energy drinks and water for everybody. That’s from 1 to 5 on Wednesday. I’m hoping a lot of people show up and have a good time.”

After the grand opening takes place, Ogan will still be looking for ways to improve his business at all times.

“We’re ready for the grand opening, but we’re not done,” Ogan said. “We’ve got a few other things to take care of. We’ve got to improve our cardio portion of the gym, which will probably happen in the next 30 days. And I’ve got a few more machines that we’ve been waiting to order, and I’m supposed to pick them up the week after the Fourth of July. There’s a power rack, a 45-degree hyper-extension, dumbbells ranging from 110 to 150 pounds, and a host of other things.”

Membership to the gym costs $30 per month.

“We’re looking for anybody that wants to set a goal that we can help them reach,” Ogan said. “I want to thank anybody that I’ve helped and has shown me that they appreciate that help. Just like Mr. Hatton. He comes in every day and does exactly what I ask him to do. He’s seen the potential results personally. That’s what it’s all about: helping somebody else.”

dwebb@chillicothegazette.com

Twitter: @dw1509