Today we’d like to introduce you to Cort Payne.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Cort. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
We can’t tell the story of Pop’s Gym without mentioning Pop’s Garage-where the inspiration for Pop’s Gym began. Gus Bates, Jr. opened Pop’s Garage, originally located off Granbury Road, to serve the Fort Worth Community and named it after, Gus Bates, Sr., affectionately known as “Pop’s.” Gus, Sr. coached little league sports in Fort Worth for over 50 years, creating a legacy and influence on generations of Fort Worth children. Inspired by his father, Gus, Jr. wanted to give back in a similar way. He partnered with the Director of the Como Community Center to help in whatever way he could. Pop’s quickly became host to weekly events for underprivileged children. Pop’s Garage hosted Paschal High School Young Life, a summer camp for children with Downs Syndrome, and little league sports events, with an emphasis on using sports and recreation to develop strong men in our community. Decked out with a golf simulation machine, weight room, basketball court and batting cage, Pop’s Garage’s mission was to create a community that thrives. Pop’s Gym has always been rooted in that very same mission.
After moving office locations for Gus Bates Insurance, Gus, Jr. decided to purchase the building across the street to serve as the corporate wellness facility for his employees. Gus was introduced to Exercise Physiologist, Cort Payne, in May of 2016. Cort and Gus combined forces to create a state-of-the-art workout facility. A large outdoor turfed area complete with squat racks, punching bags, a weighted sled and even a bar for hosting parties separates Pop’s from your run-of-the-mill Gym. The indoor facility has anything and everything a serious lifter, HIIT junkie or your average Joe could need. (Side note: There is a large Average Joe’s Gym sign created out of Gus’ love for the movie dodgeball on the exterior of the building. We don’t take ourselves too seriously here. Fitness should be fun!) There are squat racks, assisted machines, fan bikes, row machines, a VersaClimber, SkiErg, Stairmaster, two Peloton bikes, treadmills, and an AirRunner. We host monthly networking events for our members like Member-Guest Corn Hole Tournaments, Self-Defense Classes and free yoga classes on our outdoor lawn during spring and fall. We partner with local fitness-inspired businesses to create community and show our members all Fort Worth has to offer. Pop’s offers free HIIT and Strength classes for members typically during the lunch hour to provide the working moms and dads a chance to get in their workout without missing family time. We have two reformers and offer lunch time Pilates classes as well.
Once the Gym, opened to Gus’ employees, his friends and family, word spread like wild fire and growth has been exponential. The Gym is 24/7. Each member has their code to access the facility. There is a membership cap to prevent overcrowding.
In February of 2020, we met our membership capacity and began a waiting list. If someone is interested in membership, they are required to come in for a tour and complete the membership process.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has been a pretty steady road until the Coronavirus. Financially, this has been the most difficult issue. Pop’s Gym has endured. We are doing our best to provide income for our trainers and employees. We have used this time to deep clean the Gym and make improvements we are unable to with a thriving gym membership 24/7.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We specialize in personal training and providing a safe, clean, non-crowded environment. Our bathrooms are stocked with Jack Black products. We are most proud of the culture of the Gym. Pop’s radiates positive vibes because of our fabulous members. This is not an intimidating environment. All of our members and employees are friendly and helpful. We are dog-friendly so you get to know the dogs of the Gym as well as the members.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We are always growing and improving. We listen to our members and make changes accordingly. We are constantly adding new equipment. Our goal is to provide the best gym experience in Fort Worth.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3212 Collinsworth St.
Fort Worth, TX 76107 - Website: https://www.popsgymfwtx.com/
- Phone: 817.439.9202
- Email: hannah@popsgym.com
Image Credit:
Ray Payne
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