Fitness Factory in Dover builds community and confidence

Walking into the Fitness Factory in Dover will tell you all you need to know about the atmosphere: warm, inviting, energetic and fun. And owner Alyson Riley will tell you that’s just the groove she was going for.

“I wanted to create a community for everyone, “said Riley. “Everyone is welcome, whatever your fitness level is.”

Riley said both men and women are welcome to join or take classes, even though she wants women, particularly, to feel at home at the Fitness Factory.

“I know for women it can be intimidating to go into the big gyms, so I wanted to open a place that’s very inclusive, motivational and just comfortable.”

The Fitness Factory offers classes by appointment only and offers an app called MindBody that allows people to see the class schedule, membership packages and register for classes. There are plenty of bikes in the spinning room, but space is limited in the class room so class sizes are limited, as well.

The first class is free and then $15 per class after that, unless a membership or class package is chosen.

“Our spin classes are fun, upbeat and energetic, and we have great playlists,” said Riley. We also offer Pilates, a core stretching class, dance cardio and others. And our instructors are just great.”

Katy Noel Johnson is one of those instructors for the interval spin classes. “Physical strength is something that I love,” she said. “I think it gives you a lot of confidence.”

Johnson appreciates the space at the Fitness Factory. “I think Alyson has created a beautiful, modern space with state of the art equipment that’s brand new.”

Feel the burn

Mackenzie Jeffers teaches a class called Burn, which Riley describes as being akin to “old-school, '80s workout videos. Low-impact and high energy”

“I could go one and on, I love it so much,” said Jeffers. “It’s all standing. I don’t do any moves on the floor, so it’s really easy on your joints. What’s great about it is I can do strength training, mixed with cardio or dance cardio.”

Jeffers said she includes modifications for every move for people at every fitness level.

“My mom comes with a couple of her girlfriends,” she said. “They have some knee issues so the modifications help.”

A body building background

From 2019 to 2024, Riley was a national level competitive body builder. “Body building is definitely a commitment,” she said.

As to why Riley bowed out of the body building circuit, she said “You have to make a lot of sacrifices. I just felt like I was giving too much of myself for too little reward.”

Why the Fitness Factory?

“My first thought when I came in here was that it had that factory-industrial look,” said Riley. “So I just went with it, with keeping the big garage doors and stuff.”

Riley used Design by Julie in New Philadelphia for the interior design. “I told her to keep the industrial look, and I think she did that very well,” said Riley.

Community minded

On Oct. 11 the Fitness Factory will hold a charity event for the Tuscarawas County Humane Society. “We’re asking anyone who takes a class that day to bring in an item from the list of needs, and their class will be free that day,” said Riley.

Riley reached out to the humane society to get a list of the most needed items. Topping the list are scoopable cat litter, canned cat food, kitten food and adult cat food.

Other acceptable donations include dog and cat treats, paper towels, trash bags and much more. A flyer on the Fitness Factory Facebook page provides a complete list.

More information is available by calling 330-401-6391

The Fitness Factory is located in Dover at 304 N. Wooster Ave, rear. For more information search Facebook and Instagram for The Fitness Factory 330 or visit thefitnessfactory330.com.