Former Rays player to open gyms in region

TAMPA — Matt Joyce now plays for the Miami Marlins but is well known in the Tampa Bay region thanks to his 2009-14 stint with the Tampa Bay Rays. 

Now the former All-Star outfielder, along with his wife, Brittany Joyce, and business partner Blair Johnson, is embarking on a business career in the region, opening five F45 Training franchises, starting on Saturday, May 23. 

According to a press release, the first location to open is at 18035 Highwoods Preserve Parkway in Tampa. All five locations are expected to be up and running by summer 2021. 

Founded in 2012 in Australia, F45 Training, the release states, combines circuit training, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and functional training workouts to formulate high-energy, 45-minute workout classes. Each class involves multiple muscle groups and consists of low-impact movements that are gentle on the body’s joints while delivering fitness results.

“I did one workout and immediately fell in love with the F45 Training model,” Joyce states in the release. “This concept offers similar workouts that I do on my own for baseball, but F45 classes are more organized, fun and produce the same, if not better, results.”

F45 Training memberships cost $129 per month, the release states. 

“Exercise is a huge part of Tampa Bay’s community and lifestyle,” Joyce states in the release. “F45 Training will enhance the area’s fitness scene, providing a place where people at every fitness level can meet their personal goals and perform better in all aspects of life.”