When he founded Gainesville Health and Fitness four decades ago, a mission to bring people together was at the forefront of Joe Cirulli’s mind. The meaningful relationships that form over years of going to the same gym, striking up conversation alongside similarly driven people and fostering that sense of belonging and fulfillment is at the core of what makes GHF such an important place to the community.
The team at Gainesville Health and Fitness continues to surpass the challenges of the 2020s and keep on doing what it does best — supporting every aspect of wellbeing and health. Taking care of not just physical health, but also the mental, spiritual and emotional side, is more important now than ever — Cirulli was just ahead of the curve.
“My mother was a nurse, and from when I was a little kid, starting at 7, she used to always tell me, ‘Joe, just remember, as long as you’ve got your health, you’ve got everything.’ And I realized over the years, she wasn’t just talking about physical health, she was talking about mental health, too,” Cirulli said. “That was like the premise that was always stuck in my head. And that’s what eventually led to me getting in this industry and starting to work out from when I was 8 years old.”
As more and more people return to the gym following COVID, the vast majority cite mental and emotional wellbeing as the biggest reasons behind their return. This is a trend both Cirulli and GHF’s Chief Marketing Officer, Debbie Lee, have heard from so many members.
“Almost hands down, they say, it is just all, all, all about my well-being aspect. It’s feeling the mental outlook. They want to be around positivity, a place where people can connect,” Lee said.
GHF’s layout was thoughtfully designed to promote socialization. Comfortable sofas and chairs adorn the lobby and are incorporated throughout the workout areas. Specialized rooms for CrossFit, Pilates, cycling and other fitness styles serve as social bubbles within the greater space.
This thoughtful design extends to GHF’s latest amenity, an outdoor pavilion called Echo, a 6,000-square foot space built on a dock over a retention pond at the main campus. Echo, named as an “echo” of the main facility, opened in summer 2021. Mainly used for workout classes and training, this multipurpose space also hosts community events.
The Chill Studio is a one-of-a-kind space that cannot be found at most other gyms. It soothes occupants through soft music, dim lights and hydro-massage beds, designed to take people away from the stressors in their everyday lives and ease their minds. This is yet another example of the intention for GHF members to nurture and strengthen both mind and body.
GHF is continuously accomplishing their mission of becoming what is essentially Gainesville’s front porch — the place where neighbors become friends.
“We have members that have been with me for well over 40 years,” Cirulli said. “It was a huge part of their life, and seeing those people every day became a huge part of all of our lives.”
Hear it from the Members
“Exercise is very important, mentally and physically, more so for being able to work off aggression, any emotions. It’s here for you. It’s something that helps you better yourself, even if it doesn’t feel like it immediately. You’ll eventually feel the weight come off you, literally.” — Charlie Fomby
“I look at this place literally like it’s a second home. You guys have become like family, and I’ve seen a lot of you guys come and go over the years (since 1997), but there’s just something about this place to me. A lot of people dread coming to the gym. I enjoy coming to the gym. I enjoy seeing the normal group of people that work out during the same time slot, the employees that greet me at the door. There’s an energy about this place, and you just can’t beat it.” — Nick Ferrara
“We chose to come back (after COVID) because if you think about your health, it involves many aspects. Not only in today’s environment do you want to avoid exposure to COVID-19, but your mental health depends on doing things that keep you healthy, and we found that we were missing coming to the gym and working out.” — Lee Vincent
Gainesville Health And Fitness Facilities
Gainesville Health And Fitness Main Center
- 4820 W. Newberry Road
- Includes 80,000 square feet of equipment, pools, basketball and volleyball courts, outdoor pavilion, Aquix indoor pool area, sauna, Kid’s Club and more than 700 group fitness classes per month
GHF Women
- 2441 N.W. 43rd St.
- Fitness facility for women only featuring group fitness classes including yoga, Zumba, Body Pump, HIIT Squad, sauna, steam and hot tub
Tioga Center
- 12830 S.W. 1st Lane, Ste. 100
- Inside the Tioga Town Center, includes state-of-the-art equipment, classes, Pilates studio and CrossFit area
By Ryan Walsh