Paso Ironworks Gym works on moving into the old Iron Jungle at 580 Linne Road in Paso Robles, anticipated to open in late October 2026.
Libbey Hanson
libbey.hanson@thetribunenews.com
When the Iron Jungle gym closed its doors early this year, Paso Robles weightlifters lost a space to work out and connect with another.
But come late October, Iron Jungle’s legacy will be reignited through Paso Ironworks.
Owner David Grubman told The Tribune that he and his business partner Sheela Hilton wanted to fill the void left by the closure of the Iron Jungle, a space that had been located at 580 Linne Road for about 25 years.
“Gyms don’t run that long,” Grubman said. “That’s a phenomenal run for something in the fitness industry.”
Iron Jungle was 5,000 square feet of “hardcore fitness experience,” he said, providing space for International Foundation Body Builder pros and powerlifters that carried state records.
But when it comes to Ironworks, Grubman doesn’t just want to recreate the former gym, but instead bring forth the best elements of what it was.
“They had a great, strong community. They had a basic space to work out. And what I really want to focus on is something that has that hard-edge potential but is accessible to everybody,” he said.
Paso Ironworks Gym works on moving into the old Iron Jungle at 580 Linne Road in Paso Robles, anticipated to open in late October 2026. Libbey Hanson libbey.hanson@thetribunenews.com
Accessibility is important to Grubman because he himself has been both extremes when it comes to levels of physical ability.
“I had kids, had a family. I ballooned up to over 300 pounds. The first time I walked into a gym, the guys said the towel wasn’t big enough to cover me up, and that’s going to echo in my head for the rest of my life,” he said. “I know what it feels like to be scared to walk into a gym, embarrassed and uncomfortable.”
Ultimately, Grubman became a Spartan racer and an ultra-marathon runner.
“So I know what it feels like to be on both sides — an elite athlete, and also someone that is just terrified to go into the gym,” he said.
Paso Ironworks will be strength-focused but also equipped with cardio machines, personal trainers and fitness classes like boot camps.
With an estimated late-October opening, its already taking membership signups, which run for $69 a month or $690 annually, according to its website.
The enrollment fee is also waived if members sign up before the gym opens.
Grubman said that the gym already has community support before its opening.
“It’s funny how many people reach out to me and stop me on the street and say, ‘I missed the gym,’” he said. “Aside from the fitness, it’s that mental exercise of going in there, doing your best, starting your day out with the hardest part of the day.”
For more information visit pasoironworksgym.com.
Related Stories from San Luis Obispo Tribune
The Tribune
Libbey is the North County reporter for The Tribune, also covering wine, agriculture and tourism. She previously reported for New Times SLO after graduating with a master of public administration from the University of Utah in 2024. In her free time, you can find Libbey training for her first full marathon or watching reality TV with friends.