Victory Gym

The Origin

Victory was founded by Mike Emory who had served in the United States Army as a long range sniper for 18 years. He was Medically retired after he was diagnosed with PTSD. Mike realized that he had to have a new purpose and way to overcome the effects of PTSD such as depression and isolation so he opened Victory Gym and Veterans Health Club. Not only did Mike open this gym for himself but he also did it for others who were in a similar position as him.

Their Purpose

Victory was meant to be a sanctuary where people could go to forget their past and focus on the present. Mike now has Wednesdays designated for first respondents and military veterans who want to find a place to talk and open up to about their past experiences. They have a separate room where everyone can meet for hours to talk about the past, present, or future to help them overcome their traumatic experiences and PTSD.

Volunteers

The entire gym is ran from volunteers and has been assembled from donations. Many organizations have donated thousands of dollars and equipment to the gym so they have capable of staying open. Individual people have also made monetary and equipment donations as well.

Their entire staff is ran by volunteers, even their management. This is done so all of their profits can be set aside to donate to charities that align with their purpose. The volunteers also make the gym feel more like a home. Many of them bring their service dogs to the gym with then as well and let them roam free. While being there I have came across three different dogs from as small as a Corgi to as big as a German Shepherd.

My Experience

Victory is a gym I wish I could go to more often. It is close to home and a place to workout at. They offer cheap student memberships for only $10 a month and I would love to get my membership here in the summer. This is actually my girlfriends current home gym and she will occasionally bring me in for a day pass. While I have been here a few times I plan on going many more in the future.

(Links to website for citations under “Additional Info” page)