Flex World Fitness expands in Georgetown

Flex World Fitness of Georgetown recently reopened at a new and bigger location at Georgetown Plaza on Route 113. Now in the space that was formerly occupied by Fresh Pride, a flier found in the gym sums it up: “Same great neighborhood, just more of it!”

When Flex World opened Jan. 1, 2008, it quickly became a hit in Georgetown. Flex World is the only public gym in a town of about 7,000, with the exception of the gym at Delaware Tech, which offers limited services to the public.

“We had about 500 members in our old location,” said Heidi Helou, owner and general manager. “Now we have about 1,000 and growing!”

Helou, originally from Baltimore, has lived in Georgetown with her husband, family doctor Beshara Helou, for 17 years. They have four school-age daughters.

“Originally it was a partnership, three of us, at the smaller location. I was just in charge of aerobics and childcare. Eventually the business came to a point where we really had to make a decision whether we wanted to push harder to survive in Georgetown or close. The other two backed out, and now I’m the sole owner,” Helou explained.

Helou, who has a background in nursing, has always been a fitness junkie.

“I was always interested in health and fitness. I played sports all my life. A gym opportunity was golden for me, and taking it even further has been a dream of mine,” she said. “Expanding has always been in the back of my mind.”

In the new location, Flex World added 10 new cardio pieces and significantly expanded the weight-training area. More classes were added as well.

Helou likes to think of Flex World as a place for everyone from fitness beginners to seasoned athletes.

“We’re different in the sense we’re very nonjudgemental. We have trainers on staff that are actually in the gym, so if you need help, you’ll get it.”

Flex World employs five personal trainers: Helou herself, Craig Riddick, Paul Schnaupp, Leslie Belmore and Patrick Shepard. Two of them work on staff in the gym so a trainer is available at all times. Anyone with a membership can approach them and ask for help.

Classes at Flex World include spinning, Pilates, yoga, PiYo, Zumba, aerobics and martial arts. Tanning is also offered.

Flex World employs 10 people, but that number will be growing soon, Helou said.

“I’m really considering going 24 hours," she said. "I don’t want to lose members because they can’t access us.”

Flex World Fitness is at 8 Georgetown Plaza. It is open Monday-Thursday, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday 5 a.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Membership discounts are available to state and county employees, seniors, students, military and police. Various levels of membership are available as well as family plans. Drop-in visits are $8.

To find out more about Flex World Fitness, go to www.flexworldfitness.com or call 302-856-7771.