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Ironman Warehouse celebrates five years in downtown
YOUNGSTOWN
A downtown gym has faced challenges since it relocated five years ago, its owner said.
Paul “Dunner” Dunleavy said he and members of the Ironman Warehouse have enjoyed and struggled at its location at 350 E. Federal St. since it moved from Wilson Avenue on the East Side.
“That was a rough location,” he said.
Dunleavy expressed mixed reaction since relocating to downtown, but overall, he considers it a good location.
“I really like downtown,” he said. “It’s the safest part in Youngstown.”
Although it switched locations, Dunleavy said the gym has remained a functional strength-training gym. It uses unorthodox training methods such as atlas stones, circus dumbbells, giant tires of various weights and sizes, giant chains, kegs and fat Olympic bars — things that anyone “can find in a scrapper,” he said.
A monthly gym membership costs $75, but there are discounts for members of the military, police and pastors.
Among the challenges are the gym’s business growth. Dunleavy said the gym has about 55 to 60 members, along with people who visit the gym each month. He also considered relocating again due to issues such as lack of parking and showers, but ultimately he wants to duplicate the business in other locations.
“What I need is some financial investment,” he said.
Additionally, the gym’s brand has created misconceptions. Dunleavy said he originally named the gym as it reminded him of the city, but many have thought it was either a pipe-producing company or a gym targeted toward men.
“A lot of people are intimidated by the name,” he said.
But the gym appeals to all ages, especially families, Dunleavy said. He remembered one client, a man in his 70s who suffered a stroke and came to the gym using a four-pronged cane. After going through some reconditioning at the gym, the man left walking without the cane.
“It’s a good mixture,” he said.
Despite the struggles, Dunleavy said his passions have remained the same with his faith in Christianity, his family and, of course, working out.
“I get to do what I love,” he said.
The gym is known for training middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik, John Greco of the Cleveland Browns, and Andy Pivarnik, a cast member of the TV show “Fat N’ Furious.”
Pivarnik, of New Castle, Pa., said he’s worked out at the gym for five years, which gets out the stress from his work.
“Dunner knows what he’s talking about,” he said. “He’ll push you.”
Julie Henderson of Poland said she’s worked out at both locations, when she started six years ago. She now works out four to five days a week.
“It’s unlike any kind of workout you do,” Henderson said, adding that the exercises are different each day.
The Ironman Warehouse started in 2006, and now Dunleavy said he’s ready to grow the business. The gym will host a fitness competition, Steel Town Struggle, at 11 a.m. April 25. The cost is $40, and those interested can register at www.ironmanwarehouse.com.