Welcome JIM

Columbia Falls businessman O’Brien Byrd will soon open a new JIM in Columbia Falls early next month. JIM, of course, is wordplay on gymnasium, but Byrd, is serious about fitness.

“JIM will be good for this town,” Byrd said with a smile last week. “We can’t wait for Columbia Falls to meet JIM.”

Byrd, a noted soccer player and the head coach of the Columbia Falls soccer team, said he used to work out alone. But 10 years ago he found that group fitness was a better, exciting and more motivational way to work out.

When you’re working out with a group, it forces you to stay focused.

“You can’t escape. You’re in it for an hour, like it or not,” he said during an interview last week.

Byrd, his wife Melanie and partner Kaitlyn Sleichter will bring a several different fitness programs to town, including kick boxing, Zumba, High Intensity Internal Training, plyometrics and a host of other classes, designed for ages 5 to senior citizens.

Byrd calls it “realistic” fitness. He said he’s 40 now, but he still wants to be in shape enough to split wood and pack and elk out of woods come hunting season. This isn’t a gym with a lot of weights and other machines. It’s about using one’s own body, along with modest aides, like ropes and lighter “cattle bell” weights to keep in shape.

“JIM helps people achieve a more functionally fit and health conscious life through diverse programming focusing on strength, using whole muscle movements,” he said.

In the broader view, the gym is part of the continued revitalization of Nucleus Avenue. The former Park Merc building was bought last year by developer Mick Ruis who worked with Byrd to bring the gym here. The building had been used for storing antiques for more than 20 years. JIM is 2,200 square feet and will be book ended by Hellroaring Crossfit and Beehive Yoga, which is moving from its past location in the Nord Building. Ruis will continue to own the building, Byrd said.

All told, JIM will have 14 instructors, including notable locals Stephanie Breck, Stephanie Henjum, Glenna Berglund, Cassie Byrd and Neil Tekulve.

The facility will have showers, lockers, an espresso and juice bar and will also offer personal training for those who need a little extra help. For more information, go to its web site cfallsjim.com or on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/cfallsjim/