Readers Name Elkridge Athletic Club Favorite Gym

The readers of Elkridge Patch have spoken, and their favorite place to break a sweat is . 

"It means a lot to us," said David Sturman, owner of , on learning from Patch that his business came out on top. "It’s a reaffirmation that our members are enjoying their experience here. For them to go out of their way to get online and vote for us, it just solidifies the fact that we are building those relationships that we’re working hard on doing."

In to find where people worked out, 62 percent of voters chose . Coming in second was Fitness 19, which claimed 36 percent of the vote.

Readers also raved about Sturman's gym in the comments section; came from  members explaining why they were fans. 

“It’s never too crowded to get on the equipment,” .

“I have been going to gyms since the early 1980s and have tried all of the big national chains. They claim to save you money, but you fight the crowds and don't get the results you want…so where is the value?” .

When he opened last year, Sturman told Patch that one thing he values is community input. 

“My intentions as a business owner aren't just to make a buck,” said Sturman. “I had a gym in Columbia, and the way we were able to survive was to have this connection with the community.”

Sturman was co-owner of Colosseum gym in Columbia before he started his own business in Elkridge where the Body Factory, another gym, used to be.

opened in February 2011.

The business “has undergone a positive change for the better,” .

“The culture is one where it is a friendly gym,” said Sturman. “No matter what your fitness level is or what your shape is, you feel comfortable here. “

The environment is one that challenges people but also helps them feel OK with where they are, he said. 

Sturman said that about half of the gym's members are Elkridge residents and the other half are part of the "corporate crowd" who work in Elkridge.

“It’s real comfortable here and at the same time, it’s a place people are serious about achieving goals, as opposed to just going through the routine of signing up for a gym, paying their monthly dues, getting on the treadmill, going to three machines, and after a month, not realizing any goals,” said the owner.

Sturman, who is a personal trainer, keeps an eye on his clients and chimes in as needed.

“If they obviously have the knowledge base that is appropriate for them to do their own thing, that’s one thing,” said Sturman. “But we’re real proactive with giving folks suggestions.”

One reader that Sturman’s expertise was unparalleled. “David is the best trainer ever!” .

A fellow commenter agreed. “The owner, Dave, is always checking in with us to make sure we are getting the best experience,” . “The best thing of all though is that it’s convenient! If I had to, I could walk from my house!! Really enjoying this gym…”

Congratulations, !