Learn How a Local Gym Went From 700 to 7,000 Square Feet

Since 2009, one of the most recognizable businesses in downtown Monaca has been Daman’s Strength Training. Occupying a corner lot on bustling Pennsylania Avenue/Route 18, the little 700 square foot garage-turned-gym gave rise to the best gym in Beaver County.

Athletes were forged here, adults had lifestyle transformations, and confidence was built into hundreds of members. But thanks to sustained growth and an increase in membership that has been steadily on the rise, the time was finally right for Rick Daman to relocate his gym to a sparkling, new 7,000 square foot gym in Beaver. “Monaca has been great to us. Every year we run a charity competition and they have always allowed us to do whatever we needed. We’ll miss that corner but we’re looking forward to the move,” said Rick, reflecting back on his time there.

Going from 700 square feet to 7,000 square feet is no easy task. While this might seem like an abundance of space – and it is – I asked Rick how he was able to make such a significant jump in size and still maintain the family-like atmosphere that so many of his members speak about, and that you’ve read here on YBC. He cited a few reasons for their success.

We have been able to remain patient and continued to focus on our beliefs in how we approach training, how we treat our members and have continued to build a great TEAM of coaches.

When I think of success I think of Rochester football and the “blueprint” that has been in place since Dr. Dan Matsook took over the team in 1986. Family, loyalty and the right coaches who believe in the coaching philosophy were always of the most importance. I took what I learned as a player and as a coach and implemented it into how I approach Daman’s Strength Training.

Our coaching staff is phenomenal. We not only have great educated coaches we have great people who coach our clients on a daily basis. Dena Daman, Shawn Moody, Mary Futato, Bryan Beightley, Dana Phelgar, Shane Archey, Aaron Petrun and Dillon Semien all make daily contributions as coaches and have been the real reason our facility has been able to reach so many people and grow since 2009!”

Now, with so much more space on hand, how do Rick and his coaches plan to use additional 6,300 square feet?

GameSpeed & Boot Camps

The additional program offerings are what make this move most attractive to prospective (and current) members.

First, DST plans to fully unleash the GameSpeed program we mentioned in a previous article. That program is run by Shawn Moody.

Inside the facility will be a field turf area that is 105 feet long by 75 feet across (35 yards long by 25 yards across for all you math wizards). T

his will enable the GameSpeed program to have efficient warm-ups, as well as an open area to have seminars for members and non-members. Not only will the GameSpeed program be run out of the new facility, but so will DST’s famous boot camp program.

Bigger & Smaller Group Sizes

Second, the group sizes per class will also be able to increase due to the coaches that are on staff. This is will allow for more members to be training at a given time.

Rick told me he looks forward to seeing all of the members together rather than spaced out over different days and times because of the logistical issues of working with such a small space. He added, “The gym set up couldn’t have been any more perfect for what we believe in and how we approach coaching athletes and adults. We are very excited for this opportunity.”

While group sizes per class may increase, DST plans to introduce a semi-private program with smaller classes. This program will offer smaller, more individualized classes that will have three to five members at one time training. Each member will have their own programed training block that suits their needs.

More Equipment

Third, DST has been able to add tons of new equipment given the additional space. They will have 2,400 square feet of roll out matted flooring with a four cage wall rig, dumb bells, fixed barbells, many medicine balls, Air Dyne bikes, and tools for rehab purposes. Rick said, “My friend Christian Wetzel build an awesome rock wall for my daughter Elsa. She’s the first Elsa. She was born a year before the Disney movie came out!”

Location Advantages

Rick and I discussed some of the advantages of moving to Beaver over other locations in the county. “I found this building on Georgetown Lane and within a week was moving forward working on the lease agreement,” he said. “The process to get the new gym ready has taken well over a month. There has been a lot of work that has needed to be completed. I have some awesome friends in my life and they have come together with their expertise and helped the process of building, electrical work, painting and many other areas. The coaches spent countless hours working as well. It’s been a team effort for sure.”

Beaver is just about as central as it gets in Beaver County. Rick expressed to me how much he likes the town of Beaver, and how he lives in close proximity to the new gym, which happens to be directly behind Beaver High School. He cited that it takes less than five minutes to reach the new facility from the Beaver exit off ofI-376.

While some people may be resistant to change – no matter what it is – the members of DST have fully embraced the move to Beaver.

Everyone has been great. So many have stopped by while I have been in there doing work. They seem excited and happy for the growth of the business and new opportunities. Our members enjoy each other and the coaches. It’s definitely a positive place to be with nothing but happy people!

Our members have been amazing every step of the way! I am excited to FINALLY open these doors and give them the ‘Best Gym in Pittsburgh!’”