DALLAS TWP. — Larry Danko is flexing his muscles and expanding his fitness facility into the Back Mountain.
For 26 years, Danko’s All American Fitness on North River Street in Plains Township has offered area residents a variety of options to stay fit.
Danko will extend his expertise on April 1 when he takes over the former Big Bear Fitness at the Twin Stacks complex off Route 415. The Back Mountain facility will be his second location.
“I’m excited to be in the Back Mountain,” Danko said.
For several years, the fitness enthusiast and businessman thought about opening a second location.
Initially, he considered a Mountain Top location. But when he heard through the “grapevine” that Big Bear Fitness would be going up for sale, he jumped on the deal.
“I think it (Back Mountain) is a great market,” he said. “It is like its own city.”
The turn-key deal will allow Danko to slide into the owner’s seat with no interruption to daily business activities.
Guests will notice a revamping and rebranding process of the gym in the following weeks, he said.
“We will be giving it a facelift, updating and cleaning,” he said. “It will be my mini me.”
For example, the old industrial lights in the cardio workout room will be removed and updated, Danko said. He also has plans to install windows in the spin classroom to make the area less claustrophobic.
Danko also plans to incorporate amenities from his Plains Township site, such as the little cafe area to give clients space to socialize.
The 10,000-square-foot Back Mountain space is smaller compared to the Plains Township 35,000-square-foot facility so not all of the programs and amenities offered at the larger gym will be available at the Dallas site.
Danko said members will have the option to pay a “minimal cost for a cross-membership” to both facilities.
Some programs offered at the Plains Township location include an in-house chiropractic care, a golf simulator, massage therapy and so much more.
The 52-year-old said the business has its own “footprint,” which differs from other fitness facilities in the region.
“We are very service-oriented,” he said.
In 1990, Danko first opened Danko’s All American Fitness in the Plains Plaza. In 2002, he purchased the adjacent property to relocate and expand the business.
