Tolga Senel works full time for a medical management company in Tampa, but the Istanbul, Turkey native still finds time to work out five days per week at his gym, Limitless Fitness in Plant City.
Senel took over Limitless Fitness, formerly Fitness for $10, on Oct. 2. Since then, he has been focused on recruiting members by offering new services for a price that can’t be beat.
“The fit life is our lifestyle,” Senel said. “I’m here almost every day. This is my gym too.”
Senel has taken Fitness for $10’s model of affordable membership and given members more bang for their buck. As business picks up to accommodate New Year’s resolutions, Senel plans to add Zumba, yoga and salsa classes by January 2016.
Senel is also offering a free, three-day trial to Fitness for $10’s Brandon members, who used to benefit from a dual membership at the former Plant City location.
“I honored the same fee structure and made some tweaks to it,” Senel said.
Located on South Evers Street, behind Big Lots, the gym is a spacious, two-story facility with room to grow.
A passionate athlete, Senel wants to help Plant City residents reach their fitness goals.
“I’ve played soccer all my life,” Senel said.
Now a dual citizen, Senel came to the United States as a college student and played soccer for Northwest Missouri State University. His fiancee and his son also work for the gym.
“I wanted to open my own gym. My son was the person who encouraged me,” Senel said. “A 15-year-old really kept me motivated. It’s a lot of work.”
In addition to the gym’s future classes, Senel also offers group classes, boot camps and personal training.
As a personal trainer, Senel assesses a member’s body composition, diet and medical history. To perfect a workout routine for an individual member, Senel and other trainers work out with the member two times per week to determine their marks. Then, they create a routine that fits the member and their goals. Personal training begins at about $32 per hour.
“It’s affordable and economical,” Senel said. “Personal training is full steam ahead right now.”
One of Senel’s goals is to create a gym that people of all fitness levels can enjoy. To attract a diverse group of clients, Senel is currently offering membership deals to first responders and college students. At sign-up, first responders, college students and college faculty and staff receive a free first month of membership.
“I want to serve the community and city personnel,” Senel said. “To me, variety is very important. The community is very nice, very accommodating.”
Limitless Fitness is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the weekdays, but Senel will accommodate gym members who want to exercise outside of those hours. If a gym member purchases a higher level of membership, they will be given a key tag with a barcode that gives them access to the gym’s door control system. With the barcode, members have extended hours from 4 a.m. until midnight.
“Based on membership, the access level is determined,” Senel said. “Upgraded members have additional access.”
Senel, who enjoys working out alongside his members, keeps a close eye on the gym when he’s away. He has security cameras in the gym, which he frequently views to make sure everything is running smoothly.
“This is my baby,” Senel said. “(Members) enjoy seeing an attentive owner who’s always here.”
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.
IF YOU JOIN
Where: 1418 S. Evers St.
Hours: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday to Thursday; 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday; extended hours based on membership.
Membership: Begins at $10 per month. Classes, personal training and corporate memberships are also available.
Website: LimitlessFitnessCenter.com