By CASSANDRA MICKENS / Associate Editor 

CHELSEA — Certified fitness trainer Will Lantrip has long dreamed of opening his own gym.

The grand opening and ribbon cutting festivities at Willpower Fitness Gym Nov. 22-23 proved to be a joyous occasion for Lantrip, wife, Jesslyn, son, Chazz and daughter Jessi, all of whom value the benefits of living well.

“I’ve always wanted to own my own facility and it was something I felt called to do. I’ve trained everyone from 10 year olds to 85 year olds,” said Lantrip,  a Chelsea resident, personal trainer and massage therapist with more than 25 years of experience. “We’re a mom-and-pop that offers a family Christian atmosphere.”

Willpower Fitness Gym, located in Chelsea Med Plaza off U.S. 280, offers personal training, group exercise, massage and sports therapy by resident massage therapist Marcus Dunnings, and a supplement store stocked with vitamins, proteins and herbs. Of course, cardio and strength training equipment dot the space. Flat-screen televisions line the walls for members who need a distraction while burning calories.

Lantrip said the gym also will host boot camp training and weight loss contests similar to “The Biggest Loser.”

“Ours will be called ‘The Biggest Winner,’ where we’ll keep track of who loses the most weight and the most inches,” Lantrip said.

Gym members must key in a code to access the facility, which is open seven days a week from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m., Lantrip said.

For more information, call (205) 903-8591.