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<\/p>\nSt. Petersburg resident Taylor Dove had an epiphany in college. She realized that she had a passion for teaching others about fitness.\u00a0<\/p>\n
After years of planning, Dove will open a Yard Gym franchise location Saturday, at 2060 1st Avenue S.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWorking out really benefited my mental health,\u201d she said, \u201cand I wanted to give others the same benefits I felt.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The approximately 3,200-square-foot space has two distinct zones: RIG and TURF. It also has a sauna.\u00a0<\/p>\n
RIG sessions revolve around strength training, Dove explained. Customers will use barbells, dumbbells, pulley systems and other equipment. The TURF area is \u201cwhere we get the heart rate up.\u201d Individuals will have access to a variety of cardio machines and kettlebells.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Yard Gym\u2019s experiences are tested and programmed in advance in 8-week cycles. \u201cWhen I tried out the workout,\u201d Dove said, \u201cI felt that it was what St. Pete needed.\u201d<\/p>\n
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The Yard Gym St. Petersburg owner Taylor Dove<\/p>\n
Additionally, she added, there is a child care area for parents.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u201cI just had a lot of friends who weren\u2019t able to continue working out once they had kids because they couldn\u2019t get a nanny or a day care.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Yard Gym is designed for a \u201csocial wellness\u201d experience.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI think when people come in, they\u2019re going to see that it\u2019s more than just a workout,\u201d Dove explained. \u201cThey 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.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Yard Gym was initially founded in Australia in 2020 by couple Daniel and Tiarne Bova.\u00a0<\/p>\n
In May, Nike announced that The Yard Gym will become the first Global Nike Training Partner. The company will create \u201cfootwear, apparel and accessories\u201d for \u201call TYG trainers, instructors and team members,\u201d according to its website.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Additionally, the two organizations will \u201cco-create training experiences, activations and community events.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Dove\u2019s location will be the first in Florida.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know if I ever thought of myself as a gym owner, but then there was just a thought in my mind that went \u2018why not me?\u2019,\u201d she said. \u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dove first learned about The Yard Gym through social media. The company\u2019s aesthetic was particularly attractive. She explained that Tiarne Bova\u2019s background in fashion and interior design played a key role in developing the organization.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Preparing the building was not an easy feat.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cCosmetic\u201d efforts were a key part of the process. Dove and her team added two showers to the facility and renovated two bathrooms. They also \u201crerouted\u201d some of the plumbing for the showers.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Additionally, Dove hired St. Petersburg-based design studio Form43 to create concrete pieces for the lobby. They include a front desk and hydration station.\u00a0<\/p>\n