Former Olympic Weightlifting Athlete Offers Free Gym in CdA

COEUR D’ALENE — Sometimes, God puts a desire or a dream on a shelf, only to put it back into your hands when you least expect it.

Robbie Walden has already led a pretty interesting journey with such life credits as Olympic weightlifting athlete and accomplished country singer/ musician. But opening a donation-based, Christ-centered gym was something Robbie and his wife Yvonne were both interested in pursuing together. Of course, as we all known, life happens. “<The idea of the gym> completely left our hearts as something we even wanted to do, until God brought it back around,” Robbie shared. “Then all of a sudden we had people coming up to us, asking when we were going to be opening this Christian gym. We were like, ‘How do you even know about that?’”

But once things got underway, everything fell into place quite rapidly. “Miracle after miracle” was the exact phrase used during my conversation with the Waldens.

The reality of Christ Fit Gym CDA began in earnest over a year and a half ago with a fully donated—and

fully equipped—mobile gym, which Robbie and Yvonne proceeded to set up in various parks. That first class only had a few people. But then the next class doubled in size, then doubled again the next time, and it kept doubling over the next several classes. In just eight short weeks, they were able to get into their current location on Government Way, with former Olympic teammate and owner of Giant Lifting, Hunter Hazen, providing all the equipment they needed at cost.

The gym’s grand opening was on October 7th, 2023, and just a year and a half later, they’re already bursting at the seams. With over 800 members and 15 different area churches ‘represented,’ Robbie and Yvonne are hoping and praying for the donations and financial provision to expand, with their eye on a building more than twice the current square footage.

Does that mean there isn’t room for you?

Not at all! “It may be small and a tight fit, but we make room!” Truly everyone is welcome: all abilities and mobilities, and all ages. Their front door and main exercise room is ADA accessible. There are regular attendees as young as 11 all the way up to 70s-80s, with abilities ranging from brand new beginners to professionals. There is an enclosed baby/ toddler play area in the main room so stay-at-home parents can bring their littles, keep an eye on them, and still get some fitness and community time in.

With flexible hours, there’s sure to be a time slot that works for you. Christ Fit Gym CDA is open for 12 full hours Monday through Friday, with four back-to-back hour-long classes beginning at 5:30am, open gym from 9:30am-2:30pm, and three additional classes closing out the day from 2:30pm-5:30pm.

Each class opens with prayer requests from the group, followed by a brief 5-10 minute Biblical devotional, then working hard for the remaining 45-or-so minutes. The style of fitness includes cross- and strength-training, weight lifting, MetCon (metabolic conditioning), and HIIT (high intensity interval training). And remember, Christ Fit Gym is a 501(c)3 non-profit, which means it is entirely donation based. There is no required membership fee, no class fee, and no gym fee.

Drop-ins are welcome, however you’ll still need to sign up for a class if you’d like to participate in a class. You can do so at the moment or ahead of time through their website. If you aren’t very technologically savvy, someone will be on hand at the gym to help you register.

If you’d like to pop in and just check it out, maybe stay for the devotional and make a few new friends, Christ Fit Gym CDA is located at 7736 N. Government Way in Dalton Gardens. To view class details, give a donation, or for more information, please visit: www.christfitgymcda.org. You can also call 208-721-2834 9am-5pm Monday-Friday.