FROM KNITTING MILL TO TRAINING FACILITY
Set in one of the original nostalgic knitting mills in Reading, which at one time was home to a train terminal in its early years, lies the T.R.A.I.N. Station. The athletic training facility opened Jan. 1, 2021 and its name reflects both Reading’s train and locomotive history as well the fitness training offered on site. The interior boasts a rustic industrial feel, showing off the Mill’s original exposed brick wall encased and intact, while also maintaining a comfortable climate for clients working out. Four individual heaters and air conditioners installed on the roof ensure all temperature and moisture levels are well controlled throughout the entire structure.
ALL ABOARD!
The T.R.A.I.N. Station, which stands for Train, Regenerate, Adapt, Inspire and Nourish, embodies four separate fitness entities, each maintaining its own set of membership fees but all living under one roof with shared spaces such as restrooms and locker rooms.
This unique collaboration of fitness facilities includes the IM ABLE Foundation, Crossfit Crossing (formerly Corps Fitness) and Berks Elite Training, all occupying a shared 7,000-square-foot space encompassing an outdoor training facility and CrossFit jungle gym, called Pag’s House, in honor of late police officer Kyle Pagerly. Phoenix Allstars, also part of the collaboration, occupies a separate, private 5,000-square-foot space. Berks Elite Training and T.R.A.I.N. Station building owner Pete Rowley says, “We were looking for a mutually beneficial relationship with those groups where we could all lease space, pay less than what we’d leased before in the market, reduce overhead and allow us to train more people and affect more lives.”
As the County’s leader in sports performance training, T.R.A.I.N. is undoubtedly impacting the lives of many. Rowley explains, “We are completely inclusive, and that’s both from our adaptive community to our able-bodied community.” Who will you find training and working out at the T.R.A.I.N. Station? Everyone from serious, competitive cross-fitters and athletes to adaptive athletes, including both children and adults with physical or mental disabilities to high school students whose dream is to make the varsity team.
Each of these training entities focuses on its own particular area while helping every athlete achieve their goals. The IM ABLE Foundation works solely with adaptive athletes, including personal training and the IM FIT group fitness program. This program runs for eight weeks and provides encouragement and support to individuals with physical or mental challenges to grow and enhance their comfortability with exercise at any skill level. Crossfit Crossing trains CrossFit athletes, from kids to adults. Berks Elite Training works with scholastic athletes, providing personal training, small group and team training; the staff is made up of highly trained professionals including a few former collegiate and professional athletes. Last, but certainly not least, is Phoenix AllStars, consisting of a team that works with cheerleaders and tumbling clients from youth to adult. With such an amazing group of talents brought together under one roof, Rowley says, “The coolest part about this collaboration is you have four businesses that are like-minded in terms of we want to help people through the vehicle of fitness, and we want to serve our community.” He continues, “At our core, we just want to be a part of the fabric of this community and help grow it.”
