Jennings family takes over Fitlife Gym

Fit Life Gym in Albany has new owners. Kelli and Jesse Jennings officially purchased the business on May 1 from Lori and Spencer Balliew, who operated the gym for the past four and a half years.

Kelli Schkade Jennings, an Albany native, said she’s excited to be part of something local. “It’s nice to be involved in something in Albany, especially since this is my hometown,” she said.

Jesse Jennings emphasized the significance of the opportunity. “We are most excited about being a part of the local community,” he said. “We love that we get to play a role in their fitness journey and help them improve their quality of life. Our goal is to provide a family-friendly atmosphere for all ages to have somewhere they can come and improve their fitness level.”

The building that houses the gym has been a mainstay in Albany for more than a century. Once a longtime garage and Chevrolet dealership, it has taken on a new purpose in recent years while remaining a familiar part of the downtown landscape.

The gym has also become a family hobby for the Jennings. Both Kelli and Jesse are longtime fitness enthusiasts, and their young son has already taken an interest in the active lifestyle.

Lori Balliew said the decision to sell was bittersweet after years of building relationships with members, but she’s glad to see the new owners continuing the work she and her husband started.

With the change in ownership, the Jennings plan to continue operating the gym as it has been while exploring a few updates in the future. For now, their focus is on maintaining a consistent and welcoming space for local members.