Champs Elysium Gym: A New High-End Training Hub in St. Pete
A new fitness gem is set to shine in St. Petersburg’s Gateway area this summer! Champs Elysium Gym, created by professional bodybuilder Derek Lunsford and his wife Jhelsin, is gearing up to open at 3051 Tech Drive. This impressive 15,000-square-foot facility promises to be a haven for serious athletes, bodybuilders, and fitness enthusiasts alike.
What Makes Champs Elysium Stand Out?
Derek Lunsford is not just any bodybuilder; he’s a champion! Recently, he snagged the title at the 2025 Arnold Classic, beating reigning Mr. Olympia Samson Dauda. With over 1.4 million followers on Instagram, he’s a prominent figure in the fitness community. So, when he says this gym will be special, you can bet it will be!
A Focused Training Environment
One of the key features of Champs Elysium Gym is its semi-private setup. Derek mentioned, We aren’t trying to compete with other gyms. Each one offers something different. Ours will be capped so it never feels overcrowded. This means you can train in a personal and focused space, perfect for reaching your fitness goals.
Equipment That Packs a Punch
Inside Champs Elysium Gym, you’ll find over 150 pieces of strength and cardio equipment. The machines are from Newtech, a South Korean brand known for crafting gear specifically for bodybuilders. Here’s a quick look at some of the equipment you can expect:
| Equipment Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Strength Equipment | Chest and leg presses, squat bars |
| Cardio Equipment | Stair masters, treadmills |
| Functional Area | Green turf for sled pushes and agility drills |
Special Features to Enhance Your Workout
But that’s not all! Champs Elysium will have a posing room with 360-degree mirrors and dimmable lighting, ideal for athletes prepping for competitions. Plus, there’s a soundproof podcast studio being set up for content creators who want to livestream or record right at the gym.
Retail Space for Your Fitness Needs
In the lobby, you’ll find a retail section offering nutritional supplements, fitness gear, and branded merchandise. While there won’t be traditional locker rooms, you’ll have access to lockers lining the walls for convenience.
The Building’s History
The gym is located in a multi-tenant warehouse that was previously home to the duPont REGISTRY Group, a luxury car marketplace. Now, it’s transforming into a fitness paradise alongside Dress the Population, a formalwear and bridal brand.
Membership Options Tailored for You
Champs Elysium Gym will offer a tiered membership model with options for month-to-month, year-long contracts, as well as day and week passes. It’s expected to cater to hundreds of members and guests, making it a lively community hub.
| Membership Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Month-to-Month | Flexible option |
| Year-Long Contract | Commitment for dedicated members |
| Day/Week Passes | Perfect for occasional visitors |
Operating Hours
You can plan your workouts around the gym’s schedule. Champs Elysium will be open Monday through Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Weekend hours will vary, so keep an eye out!
Community Connections
Derek and Jhelsin are also looking to partner with local sports teams and nearby employers, including the Amazon Delivery Management Facility across the street. This means not only will you be part of a gym, but you’ll also engage with the local community.
