FiNDiT123: Ballenger Creek Anytime Fitness

What is FiNDiT123?
This blog post is part of a three-post series called FiNDiT123. In this series, FiND iT FREDERiCK highlights a business in or around Frederick, MD on Monday, then on Wednesday we showcase the staff integral to running this local business. 

The best part? On Friday, we offer a giveaway! For those looking to start a new exercise routine, stay tuned for your chance to win a free one-month membership featuring three personal training sessions or two weeks of small group training at Ballenger Creek's Anytime Fitness. 

Scroll down in our blog to read previous FiNDiT123s for The Lodges at Gettysburg and Emmy's Harvest. Want to be a part of your own FiNDiT123? Let us know and we'll be in touch. ​

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FiNDiT2: The People

Brian Ricketts works out at his Anytime Fitness in Ballenger Creek

FREDERICK, MD — After more than two decades of working as a personal trainer, Brian Ricketts decided he wanted to continue helping others in a bigger way and open his very own gym. 

In 2011, Ricketts hoped to open this gym in the shopping center that currently houses the Ballenger Creek Anytime Fitness. However, at the time, the grocery store in the shopping center would not allow a gym, so instead Ricketts opened an Anytime Fitness in Damascus. After a few years of witnessing this location’s success, Ricketts decided it was time to open another. 

When he checked back in Ballenger Creek, the store that previously prohibited a gym was gone and the space for Anytime Fitness was available, so Ricketts knew he had to jump on the opportunity. 

In November 2015, Anytime Fitness’s Ballenger Creek location opened. To Ricketts, it is the perfect location because the quickly-growing region is surrounded by many houses, condominiums and townhomes — making the gym accessible to thousands of nearby residents. Approximately 11,000 people live within a mile radius of the gym, he said. 

“I like the Ballenger Creek area because there’s a lot of people within a couple miles of the shopping center,” he said.

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​Why Anytime Fitness?
Ricketts says he chose to open an Anytime Fitness because he was attracted to its business model, which allows owners flexibility in running the gym how they wish. 

“When I researched different models of gyms, Anytime Fitness stuck out to me,” he said. “There’s a lot of support from corporate to help owners get the business going.”
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​While Ricketts currently owns two gyms, he isn’t done yet: he says there may be another gym in his future.

Brian Ricketts works out at his Anytime Fitness in Ballenger Creek

Manager Melissa Van Der Hulst

Other faces at Anytime Fitness
Ricketts credits Manager Melissa Van Der Hulst with creating the friendly, welcoming culture at the Ballenger Creek Anytime Fitness. She became a member of Anytime Fitness in 2016, and nearly two years later joined the front office staff as a membership representative, and later was promoted to manager the following summer. Now, Van Der Hulst is being promoted again — this time, to a position at the Damascus location. 

This Anytime Fitness boasts four personal trainers who are happy to help members work toward achieving their fitness goals. One of these trainers is Sky Canine, who also runs the Core-22 Permanent Weight Loss Solution at the gym. 
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Core-22, which was developed by Canine and Dr. Richard Schmitt, is a 22-principle weight management program with a system that holds each participant accountable. Participants are given daily feedback so they know what they’re doing right and what they need to change. Those who choose to join this program can join at any time and will appreciate having a support group of trainers and fellow members.

Think this sounds like the right gym for you? Fill out this form and a staff member will get back with you to help you get started! 

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