Anytime Fitness opens in downtown Washougal

New gym offers 24-7 access, group training, one-on-one coaching, DirectTV and more

By Dawn Feldhaus
May 25, 2017 5:30 am
Business

Paul Billings, an owner at the new Anytime Fitness in downtown Washougal, demonstrates the use of a suspension trainer. Billings says his goals for the new business are to be the "premier gym in Washougal and to create a surprisingly personable customer experience."

The newest addition to downtown Washougal has cardio equipment with high definition screens, DirectTV and internet access, as well as group training classes and one-on-one coaching.

Anytime Fitness opened May 9, and as the name suggests, provides a place to work out at any hour, any day.

Members scan their badges to gain access to the 6,297-square-foot gym. The security system includes a total of 15 video cameras. They are in every room, except the three private restrooms. Two of the bathrooms have showers.

Paul Billings, one of the owners/franchisees of the Washougal location, says he wants to inspire people with a non-intimidating environment. Encouraging words are featured on an “inspiration wall” near the entrance, and messages such as “Keep moving forward,” are on signage throughout the space.

“All signs are positive, for motivation,” said Billings, adding that he wants to create a surprisingly personable customer experience and be a coach, friend and mentor.

“I care about helping people,” Billings said. “We all have our trials. We’re all in this together.”

When the weather is nice — and Billings is on-site — the gym has windows on garage-door tracks that open to Washougal Town Square’s courtyard area.

“It looks like you’re outside, but you’re not,” Billings explained during a recent tour of the new business. “We picked warm colors that are welcoming.”

The equipment is spaced in such a way that people are not bumping into others, Billings added.

Virtual meditation, yoga, kickboxing, dance and cardio-sculpt classes are available in a studio, so people can participate at any time.

“There are hundreds of classes programmed in the computer,” Billings said.

Kettlebells and battle ropes are in a training area that can accommodate 15 to 20 people in group circuit-training sessions led by a certified trainer.

Andie Garrett, the new gym’s member-experience manager, is a certified and licensed athletic trainer who earned her bachelor’s degree in science from Brigham Young University in Utah. Jennifer Spring and Rachel Cooper are certified personal and group trainers.

Paul Billings’ wife, Kendall, and sister, Carolyn Billings, also own the Washougal location. Carolyn is the director of sports medicine and athletic training at BYU.

Paul and Kendall have lived in Camas for more than six years.

A free, one-hour group training session will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 27, outside Anytime Fitness at 1700 Main St., Ste. 148.

For more information, call 360-210-7765 or 503-475-9013, email washougalwa@anytimefitness.com or visit www.anytimefitness.com/gyms/4210/washougal-wa-98671.

Related Stories