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
Feel like you’re driving on an obstacle course around Indy? Pothole season is officially here, so we’re sharing how you can help be part of the solution.
Get started on filing your tax return with these free resources.
Kick off the Year of the Fire Horse with these festivities around town.
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.
Start your journey to the 2030 Winter Olympic Games by testing your curling, figure skating, and X skills around Indianapolis.
Indy’s coldest day on record was Jan. 19, 1994 when the city hit -27°.
Dining in Indy is always a fresh experience with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Got a hot new fling? Hoping to spice things up with your longtime partner? We’re here to help plan your next date in the Circle City.
Rethink your home design this year by introducing dark wood, outdoor living zones, and other up-and-coming trends, as seen in these Indianapolis homes.