Fitness concept to open in vacant south-side building

A fitness concept coming to Springfield by way of Australia is slated to open in a south-side strip center that’s sat vacant since it was constructed three years ago.

Local couple Joe and Bethany Mizell signed on as franchisees for Australia-based F45 Training. Joe Mizell said the company has more than 1,000 locations and has "exploded in the U.S. over the last two to three years."

Mizell said the local franchise of F45 – which stands for "functional" 45-minute workout sessions – is projected to open in August at 1937 W. Republic Road. He said the concept holds cardio training on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, resistance on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, and hybrid classes on Saturdays.

The Mizells are closely monitoring local health officials' coronavirus guidance on occupancy limits. He said the 2,000-square-foot space would accommodate up to 30 people per class in a membership model, but virtual sessions also will be offered.

"F45 is ahead of the game on a lot of things," Mizell said of online workouts.

F45 is the first occupant of a strip center between Burger King and Price Cutter at the Republic Road and Kansas Expressway intersection. It was built in 2017 by Texas-based EYM Group LLC, which operates the Burger King, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.

Ross Murray, president of R.B. Murray Co., which had listed the building since mid-2019, said prior to his involvement, a national cellphone provider had interest in the property. But those plans did not materialize.

F45's Mizell declined to disclose the couple's planned investment in the venture and the terms of their five-year lease. A building permit on file with the city lists a declared valuation of $150,000.

Mizell has a background in sales, and his wife is a CoxHealth nurse with 15 years of health care industry experience. He said Bethany would manage the fitness center.

"She just always wanted to give back and help people out," he said. "This was a good outlet to do that to help people be healthy."