Gym with 'American Ninja Warrior' workouts opens in Centerville

A new Centerville gym is hoping to capitalize on interest by those who want workouts that resemble the unusual tasks on a popular reality television show.

Gyms across the country have opened to take advantage of interest in the show "American Ninja Warrior." Owners Michael and Leslie Waye of Centerville own Ninjobstacles, which had a grand opening on Nov. 10.

Their gym includes challenges similar to those on the show that features contestants trying to complete difficult obstacle courses in order to advance to the national competition in Las Vegas.

PHOTOS: Ninjobstacles opens warrior style training near Centerville

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The craze has sparked a "Ninja-Guide" that keeps track of how many ninja gyms are in each state, and it indicates Ninjobstacles is one of 11 in Ohio.

The Wayes have transformed a warehouse 2646 E Lytle 5 Points Road, which used to house the private training baseball and softball business Beyond the Game Sports Training.

“It’s a fun and functional way to stay fit,” said Michael, a military veteran.

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He added that the spacious warehouse is set up for obstacle course training for kids and adults ages 5 and up.

Joey Reynolds, the manager of the business, said the crowd has been steady for the past three weeks and several repeat customers have been coming in train.

“Our gym is in the style of American Ninja Warrior, but not affiliated with the show,” she said. “I think this facility will grow into something big once people find out about it and it gets going.”

She said that, like many people looking to find a fitness routine to satisfy their lifestyle, coming across Ninjobstacles did just that and led to her staying on to work at the business.

“I was excited to find a gym with obstacles to aid in training for obstacle and mud races,” she said. “In the warm months, we are going to up an outside course with mud and obstacles.”

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The hours of operation are Tuesday through Thursday from 4-8 p.m., Friday from 4-9 p.m., Saturday from 12-9 p.m. and Sunday from 12-6 p.m. It is closed on Mondays.

Obstacle course training at the facility includes:

Lil’ Ninja Obstacles (54” and under)

• Quad steps

• Cargo Net

• Sea of Rings

• Unstable Bridge

• 8 Foot Warped Wall

Ninja Obstacles

• Salmon Ladder

• Cannon Ball Run

• Rumbling Dice

• Wishbone