St. Petersburg resident Taylor Dove had an epiphany in college. She realized that she had a passion for teaching others about fitness.
After years of planning, Dove will open a Yard Gym franchise location Saturday, at 2060 1st Avenue S.
“Working out really benefited my mental health,” she said, “and I wanted to give others the same benefits I felt.”
The approximately 3,200-square-foot space has two distinct zones: RIG and TURF. It also has a sauna.
RIG sessions revolve around strength training, Dove explained. Customers will use barbells, dumbbells, pulley systems and other equipment. The TURF area is “where we get the heart rate up.” Individuals will have access to a variety of cardio machines and kettlebells.
The Yard Gym’s experiences are tested and programmed in advance in 8-week cycles. “When I tried out the workout,” Dove said, “I felt that it was what St. Pete needed.”
The Yard Gym St. Petersburg owner Taylor Dove
Additionally, she added, there is a child care area for parents.
“I just had a lot of friends who weren’t able to continue working out once they had kids because they couldn’t get a nanny or a day care.”
The Yard Gym is designed for a “social wellness” experience.
“I think when people come in, they’re going to see that it’s more than just a workout,” Dove explained. “They are going to be able to form relationships for a lifetime and I hope that it pulls people out of some of their darkest days.”
The Yard Gym was initially founded in Australia in 2020 by couple Daniel and Tiarne Bova.
In May, Nike announced that The Yard Gym will become the first Global Nike Training Partner. The company will create “footwear, apparel and accessories” for “all TYG trainers, instructors and team members,” according to its website.
Additionally, the two organizations will “co-create training experiences, activations and community events.”
Dove’s location will be the first in Florida.
“I don’t know if I ever thought of myself as a gym owner, but then there was just a thought in my mind that went ‘why not me?’,” she said. “I was able to figure out how to get a small business loan. Once the loan and funding were there, I felt super confident in it.”
Dove first learned about The Yard Gym through social media. The company’s aesthetic was particularly attractive. She explained that Tiarne Bova’s background in fashion and interior design played a key role in developing the organization.
Initially, the St. Petersburg property was under lease by Hunger Thirst Group. A summer camp-themed bar was planned for the space, Dove said. Hunger Thirst Group eventually decided not to move forward with the venture. Dove was able to sign a lease in October 2025.
Preparing the building was not an easy feat.
“Cosmetic” efforts were a key part of the process. Dove and her team added two showers to the facility and renovated two bathrooms. They also “rerouted” some of the plumbing for the showers.
Additionally, Dove hired St. Petersburg-based design studio Form43 to create concrete pieces for the lobby. They include a front desk and hydration station.