“Everyday is an opportunity to start over, but there’s something magical about January 1,” said American Health and Fitness owner Jason Davis. The first quarter of the New Year is what the owners of the gym, Jason Davis and Terry Prince call “Black Friday” of gyms. It’s their busiest time of the year.

“The first six to ten weeks of the New Year is our busiest, however, however, 50 percent of our new members fall off after that,” said Davis. “Life happens and other things take priority over fitness and health. “The people who end up sticking with it are the ones that have a purpose and a goal.”

In the early 90s, Davis would occasionally go and work out at the then called Hillside gym.

“I remember thinking, I’d really love to own this place one day,” Davis said.

In 2007 Davis and his business partner, Terry Prince, were approached about buying the property. Since then, the American Health and Fitness gym has emerged from Russellville and gone into three other areas. Today, there are American Health and Fitness gyms in Russellville, Moulton, Haleyville, and Fayette.

The gyms offer cardio and weight equipment, aerobics classes, childcare, racquetball and tanning services. Every gym is open 24-hours a day and if you’re a member at one, you’re a member at all four.