The Yard Gym, a new social-fitness club focused on strength training and team-based classes, is set to open next month in the Grand Central District at 2060 1st Avenue South, according to a May 27 announcement.
Owned by local resident Taylor Dove, the St. Pete franchise will occupy a 3,264-square-foot space formerly used by Grayspeed Cycles. The gym aims for a grand opening on Saturday, June 13. It will feature two air-conditioned workout areas: RIG for strength training with barbells and resistance equipment, and TURF for conditioning workouts using sleds and cardio equipment. Additional offerings include PAYDAY and GAMEDAY classes that blend strength with competitive team-oriented exercises.
Founded in Australia in 2020 by Tiarne and Daniel Bova, The Yard has expanded across several U.S. states such as California and Texas. The St. Pete location marks its first entry into Florida; another gym is planned for West Palm Beach. Dove said she was inspired after experiencing The Yard’s workout in California: “When I applied to be a franchisee at The Yard, I didn’t really know where it was going to lead, but I felt a strong pull toward it,” Dove said. “I went out to California, tried the workout, and thought, ‘Yeah, this is it. This is what St. Pete needs.’”
Dove spent two years preparing the site after signing the lease last fall when prior plans for a summer camp-themed bar did not materialize. Renovations included showers, locker rooms, sauna facilities, and lobby upgrades featuring concrete fixtures from local design studio Form43 along with lounge seating and greenery.
In addition to unlimited fitness classes available through founding memberships priced at $169 per month (with sauna access extra), complimentary child care will be provided during workouts for members. Ahead of opening day, Dove has organized run clubs and community events as part of efforts to build connections among future members: “Being integrated into the community has been at the forefront of what I’ve been doing,” Dove said.
St. Pete Rising enriches the community by providing information on urban growth and local events that foster resident connections; it operates as an independent news publication covering urban development across St. Petersburg with news articles, an events calendar, and a development map focused especially on downtown progress, according to the official website.
