Support Us Button Widget

Family-owned gym coming to the south side of Indianapolis

238425042_889603121948773_1706523000249742500_n

American Muscle Factory is expected to open at the end of May or early June. | Photo via @amf_indy

Indy, get ready to flex your muscles because a new family-owned gym is coming soon.

Born + raised in Greenwood, Nathan Epler got his bachelor’s degree in sports management at the University of Indianapolis and started competing in bodybuilding seven years ago. He found a true passion for the sport — he even has the title of USA Championships Heavyweight Winner + Mr. Olympia qualification to prove it.

That’s where the idea for American Muscle Factory began, back in June of 2020. In about two months, Nathan will open the doors to his very own gym.

With some in the fitness community already dubbing it Indy’s “destination gym” and the “Midwest Mecca,” it aims to live up to the hype with a posing room, rehab + injury prevention sessions like massage therapy and cupping, and personal training classes.

The facility itself is 23,000 sqft with 20+ cardio machines and a wide variety of hand-selected equipment offerings that you won’t see in traditional corporate gyms.

While it’s owned + operated by a bodybuilder, you may be asking yourself “do I have to be a bodybuilder to use this gym?”

“It’s not just for bodybuilders, and it’s not just for powerlifters,” Nathan said. “We’re open and welcome to anyone and everyone, even someone just getting started in fitness. It’s not so much of an intimidating environment. [...] This is going to be a motivating atmosphere.”

Keep in mind, this gym is not going to be your standard gym — when you walk in, the music might be louder, there may be people grunting, and you may see chalk on people’s hands and on the floor.

“But it’s an atmosphere where I want people to walk in and be able to smile and go ‘Oh sh*t, I’m ready to workout. This is exciting,’” Nathan said.

📍7747 Shelby St.

⏰ Will be open 24 hours

🗓️ Mark your calendar because Nathan is already planning a Posing Seminar at AMF on Sat., July 9 — big names in the bodybuilding world will be there, along with a live DJ + vendors.

Pro tip: Membership pre-sale ends on Fri., April 1 — so be sure to take advantage of the deal + secure your spot at AMF. 💪

More from INDYtoday
Ready to live your Nancy Kerrigan or Michelle Kwan fantasy? Here are some local ice skating rinks where you can polish your skills (or barely scoot along — we get it).
Explore a variety of enchanting wedding venues around Indianapolis with our comprehensive guide. From rustic historic buildings to elegant ballrooms, we make it easy for you to discover the perfect location for your dream wedding.
This year, igloo pop-ups at local bars and restaurants are all the (icy-hot) rage. Here are a few you can try for yourself.
Saunas are no longer just about sweating it out — they’re becoming Indy’s newest way to unwind, socialize, and network.
Avril Lavigne? Check. Keith Urban? Check. It’s not a bad idea to triple-check this list and get your concert tickets before they sell out.
“Wicked: For Good” hits theaters on Friday, Nov. 21. Here’s how we’d spend one short day in the Circle City just like Elphaba and Glinda.
Warm your hands and heart with these soulful, hearty soups around the Circle City that are perfect served on a cold winter day.
If you feel inspired to run, walk, or trot as the weather starts cooling down, check out these seasonal struts happening around Indy.
The Clowns are returning to Indy after more than 35 years. Here’s how they originally got to the Circle City, plus some fun trivia facts to impress your friends.
Over the next 10 days, we’re launching a reader-driven campaign to sustain what we do best.