New Gym Opens in Byron, The Proving Grounds.

Local residents now have a new option for their fitness needs with the opening of The Proving Grounds, an unstaffed gym focused on providing a high-quality workout experience at an affordable price. Owner Gordon Paulman, a SE Minnesota resident, saw a need in the community for a gym that wouldn't be so high priced that people would not want to sign up and still while watching price point provide high quality equipment in a clean environment.

"Byron was in need of more gyms, for sure," says Gordon. With a population of around 6,000, the town previously had limited options, with many residents commuting to Rochester for their fitness needs. Gordon recognized that the added commute time often discouraged people from working out.
The Proving Grounds aims to solve this problem by offering a convenient and budget-friendly alternative. "I opened this place... so I could charge less for memberships, but I did not want to sacrifice quality," explains Gordon. The gym features brand new free weights and nice equipment, ensuring a comfortable and effective workout environment.

Gordon understands the financial pressures families face, especially after becoming a parent himself. "I just wanted it to be a high-quality experience without breaking the bank," The Proving Grounds offers a variety of membership packages to cater to different needs and budgets.
Senior memberships are available for $38 per month, while student memberships (month-to-month) are $40. Individual memberships are $45, parent and child memberships are $65, and family memberships (two adults and one child) are $103, with additional children added for a fee. There are no registration fees or down payments, and all memberships except student memberships require a one-year contract. The gym is also a participating location for Silver Sneakers.

While the current space is 2,400 square feet, Gordon has big plans for the future. "The next steps would definitely be to grow a bit more," they share, envisioning expanding the free space and adding a turf field. He also hopes to incorporate more specialized equipment, based on feedback from members. A future goal is to have a staffed desk for a few hours each day.