When you run a gym where an 86-year-old man comes in every week day without fail, walking in with his cane, doing his miles on the bike then leaving everyone there smiling with his jokes, you’re doing something right. This clearly isn’t a place where only muscle heads come; it’s an atmosphere that welcomes all – ages, abilities, genders and workout styles.
I spoke with Manny Golasa, the owner of Outer Banks Sports Club, for what I assumed would be a typical 20-ish minute interview, and an hour later, we were still on the phone. His enthusiasm and passion for his gym are contagious, and his dedication to making this a gym where everyone feels comfortable is obvious.
He tells story after story about his members, some of whom go back to when the gym opened in 2008.
“I love getting to know the members them so that when they’re here, it’s an experience that’s more than just working out,” Manny says. “A gym should provide you with motivation, sure, but it should also provide a respite where you’re known and supported.” Another thing Manny really enjoys is seeing the high schoolers come in by the bunches and workout. “It makes me feel like I succeeded by giving them a positive place to get healthy and make better choices like I did as a teen and into my adult life.”
One of the obvious ways Manny makes this happen is in the structure and vibe of the gym itself. If a piece of equipment breaks, it’s fixed ASAP. He visits other state-of-the-art gyms to make sure his equipment is up to date. He places a major emphasis on cleanliness and hires staff people whose only focus is to make sure the gym is constantly cleaned. And he’s recently painted the entire exterior and the entrance while adopting a new logo to better brand OBSC going into its 15th year (you’re going to want one of the t-shirts with the new muscular gorilla on it!).
I asked Manny about the breakdown of men and women at the gym, since many gyms have a preponderance of male muscle builders. “The gym has changed drastically in the upsurge of women members in the past few years,” he says. “I believe more and more women are adopting the understanding that strong is healthy and beautiful, so we have some very dedicated female strength trainers here. We have a great balance.”
Still, you don’t have to be intent on only building muscle mass to fit in here. The entire second floor is dedicated to cardio equipment, and there’s enough of it that you never have to wait for a machine. The first floor is loaded with exercise machines and the only place on the Outer Banks that offers dumbbells up to 150 lbs.
Another sign that Manny is serious about making his gym work for everyone: The only day it closes is Christmas Day! So, on those holidays when you finally have enough extra time to get a great workout in, you actually can! And since OBSC is open until 10 p.m. on the weekdays, Manny laughingly says that he’s the best nightlife in town, especially during the quieter seasons when restaurants and bars close earlier.
If you’re looking for a gym to call home, make a visit to this one. Chances are, the Outer Banks Sports Club will become your second home.
(252) 441-8361
2423 S. Croatan Highway, Nags Head
About the Author Beth P. Storie
Beth Storie first came to the Outer Banks for the summer of 1976. She fell in love with the area and returned for good three years later. She and her husband published the national guidebook series, The Insiders' Guides, for more than 20 years and now are building OneBoat guides into another national brand. After spending time in many dozens of cities around the country, she absolutely believes that her hometown of Manteo is the best place on earth, especially when her two children, six cats and one dog are there too.
