Tucked just off Main Street in downtown Spencer, you’ll find a training gym fit for boxing competitors. You can step into the boxing ring, try on a pair of gloves, work out your frustrations on one of the bags, and even jump rope like the pros do. You’ll see lots of sweat and even hear some grunting, but there’s one thing you won’t see a whole lot of – men.

Force Fitness, a new gym that incorporates boxing training techniques into fitness programs, has attracted women ranging from high school age to their late 70s. They come to “sweat and smile,” says owner and trainer David DeSanto.

About six months ago, DeSanto, a former competitor and boxing trainer, opened Force Fitness to provide the community with a new workout facility and program that goes back to the basics. Force Fitness offers a unique workout environment that focuses on fitness training customized to each and every member.

DeSanto began training his son, Dominic, to box at age 7. Competing by the time he was 9, Dominic, who is now 18, has more than 100 amateur competitions under his belt and plans to box professionally after graduating from North Rowan High School this year. DeSanto says his son was part of his inspiration for the gym and has been a huge asset as a trainer. DeSanto’s brother, Eric Williams, also works at the gym.

DeSanto has owned and operated boxing gyms for more than 20 years, most recently in the Dunbar Center in East Spencer and in a warehouse on Franklin Street. It was there that his new clientele emerged.

At the Franklin Street location, DeSanto began to notice more and more women, mostly middle-aged, coming to him for training. They had heard that he approached fitness clients’ training similarly to his boxers’ and were interested in trying.

Many of the women were struggling with health problems such as high cholesterol and blood pressure, or were trying to lose weight. Impressed with their dedication and willingness to work out in a facility without amenities such as air-conditioning, DeSanto saw the need for a new gym for his members. So in late 2007, Force Fitness opened its doors at 801 Fourth Street, Spencer.

In only six months the gym already had almost half the number of members DeSanto had set as the limit. He wants to keep the gym personal. When members walk through the door, for example, there is no need for a membership badge or card. They’re already known by name and get one-on-one attention from trainers during each and every session. There is plenty of equipment and space for cardiovascular workouts, as well as weightlifting and conditioning. What newcomers won’t find at Force Fitness are trendy aerobic classes, a gymnasium or recreation center, aquatic programs or team sports.

Though members don’t aspire to be actual boxers, the training techniques at Force Fitness make an excellent workout, according to DeSanto. Each member is assessed by physical ability, body style, health and individual goals, and a program is molded to fit their individual needs. DeSanto says he knows how to make such training work for the results women want. “I know the problem areas and how to hit them.”

He says the workout is also great for learning self-defense techniques and for stress reduction. “You ought to hear how many marriages I’m saving,” he jokes of many women’s sessions on the punching bags.

The trainers instruct, motivate and get to know their members. DeSanto says many have commented that they like being treated like athletes.

Member Jodi Ullring says the workouts are challenging and that she’s already seeing results in the first two months. She also likes the support she gets from the trainers and fellow members.

Member Stacey Shafer says the workout is uplifting and she now has more energy during the day. She says it helps that people are always smiling and encouraging each other.

Patty Secreast is a member along with her two daughters. After four months, her doctor is giving her better reports. She also appreciates the fact that the gym is not crowded and she gets the attention she needs. In fact, DeSanto calls her personally if she misses too many days.

“If I don’t see you in two or three days, I’m going to call you,” he confirms. “You make it through the door and I’ve got you. We’ll make the results happen together.”

Although Force Fitness is predominantly female, male members are welcome. And the gym isn’t exclusively for adults looking for an intense workout without feeling intimidated. DeSanto also trains many teenage athletes who are looking to cross-train. He has swimmers, soccer players, baseball players and cheerleaders.

The gym’s trainers also have worked with men and women beginning boot camp, to prepare them for an intense basic training regimen. There’s also a three-day-a-week group program for children age 8-12.

DeSanto and his son are also in the application process to coach a power weightlifting team for Rowan County’s Special Olympics team next year.

DeSanto also has a daughter, Maria, who is 16 and a varsity cheerleader and soccer player at North Rowan High School. She aspires to be a boxing commentator some day. DeSanto lives in Spencer with his wife, Sylvia, a nurse.

Force Fitness
801 Fourth Street, Spencer
704.636.7896
7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday

Story by Jill McCartney Wagoner
Photography by Tara Smiley