Just in time for New Year’s resolutions, Bigfork native Stacy Delorme is bringing a new fitness option to the Flathead Valley. On Jan. 3, she opened World Gym Kalispell, the first Montana franchise of the international gym chain founded by well-known Los Angeles bodybuilder Joe Gold.

“It’s completely different from anything in this valley,” promised head trainer Danny Nestor.

The new gym just north of the Silverbrook Estates residential development features Matrix equipment, tanning beds, a hydro-massage machine and fitness classes. Its piece de resistance is World Gym Athletics, a unique set of equipment and programs for visitors with a VIP membership.

“WGA is a mix of Olympic-type movements, high-intensity training and functionality training,” Nestor explained. WGA includes classes such as High-Intensity Interval Training Camp and equipment like a large tractor tire for strength exercises.

“Some people might be intimidated since it’s so new,” Nestor acknowledged. “Don’t be afraid of it. Come and try it,” he urged.

In addition to opportunities with World Gym Athletics, VIP members get free access to the hydrotherapy device—a bed that uses 15 gallons of distilled water to help athletes recover. VIPs also get discounts on apparel and shakes at the gym’s smoothie bar, which serves up post-workout drinks like locally made Hammer nutrition products. They don’t serve any food, however.

Gym members who aren’t in the VIP program still have access to classes like yoga and spinning, as well as daycare, a dedicated stretching area, tanning beds and steam showers. There are also more than 40 machines available throughout the gym, and Nestor said some of these are unlike anything else available in the area.

World Gym features a “Booty Builder” machine Nestor said is essential for men and women to strengthen the lower back and an Assault Treadmill that is angled to mimic natural running strides more authentically than a traditional treadmill.

The rest of the more familiar equipment, such as treadmills, spin bikes and various weights, are equipped with state-of-the-art technology like virtual reality displays and the ability to automatically count repetitions and track workouts during every gym visit.

“The big thing is the newest innovative equipment,” said Delorme, who brings previous gym industry experience and 15 years as an office manager at Buffalo Hill Golf Course to World Gym.

She and Nestor believe World Gym includes a few added touches local fitness enthusiasts will appreciate, like treadmills facing out to views of Big Mountain, an outdoor workout space for the summer, a cozy lounge area with TVs and a fireplace and lockers that use a keypad, rather than a key.

“The owners wanted to open a gym that felt like there was more to offer,” Nestor said.

The location — off U.S. 93 between Kalispell and Whitefish — was chosen because Delorme said she felt the corridor between the two communities could benefit from the addition of a gym.

“We felt there was more opportunity moving up north,” she said. “We could use something up here.”

She added the location helps gym visitors from around the valley, like Columbia Falls and Whitefish, access the gym. “We’re excited to have this as part of the community,” she said.

World Gym is located at 555 East Swift Creek Way. Hours are 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

Reporter Bret Anne Serbin may be reached at bserbin@dailyinterlake.com or 758-4459.