By Dixon Bledsoe
As the owner of Silverton Fitness, Mike Thompson is no stranger to fitness, although he took a circuitous route getting there.
A graduate of the University of Oregon with a history degree, Thompson wasn’t sure what he wanted to do for a career. After college, he spent two years working in the fitness industry.
“Some friends turned me on to fitness as a business, and I had no idea what it was about,” Thompson said. “But with two years of preparation under my belt, it felt like I had picked the perfect career.”
Thompson holds several qualifications in fitness training including certification as a personal trainer, boxing for fitness and strength training.
He opened Nautilus of Silverton almost 10 years ago and purchased Silverton Fitness from Ron and Cindy Jiricek in May. The health club building on North First Street gives Thompson plenty of room to hold several classes that his customers love. One racquetball court remains of the original two, but the other is used for the popular “spinning” class, an indoor cycling program.
Other well-attended classes include yoga, group power training, pilates and boxing fitness.
Thompson is pleased with the quality of the training his clients receive from instructors who are qualified, personable and well liked.
“We’ve spent a lot of time, energy and money in training our trainers so that we are on par with the big clubs with whom we compete,” Thompson said. “The quality of our instructors and programs is great.”
Full-time staff includes Lydia Von Weller, Deena Nunn and Destiny Shack. Michele Kilgus is a part-time employee. Thompson’s wife, Elizabeth, infuses the club with ideas, helps with the décor and design and brings 4-year-old Ben and 3-year-old Ella in after hours to “help dad.”
“Both kids love it here and Ben is ready to work,” Thompson said.
Thompson’s sister, Reagan, has helped in the past, and his parents, Nansi and Rick, can be seen at Silverton Fitness on a regular basis pitching in and greeting guests.
Thompson genuinely loves what he does and what he has created.
“We love looking out on a class where a granddaughter works out next to grandma or mother and daughter exchange strengthening tips, and 15-year-old boys box next to 70 year-old men,” Thompson said. “We have something for everyone, whether they are new to fitness for life or old pros. Our classes are structured to be simple athletic movements, and group power stresses light weight with high repetition.”
The business is on solid financial grounds with more than 1,100 members, Thompson said, adding the club is locally owned and managed. It is no longer affiliated with Nautilus.
But what makes Silverton Fitness unique is Thompson and his staff takes the time to know their clients and call them by name.
“People like the family atmosphere,” he said.
The new location has allowed for more space for classes as well as the weight-lifting equipment.
“People are surprised at how well things flow in here now that we have moved,” Thompson said. “We might have 60 people in a Spinning class, but there are still plenty of spaces open on the treadmill, free weights and weight machines.” Naturally, he said, there are peak times at the gym, “but the flow is very nice, and the family feel makes it comfortable.”
There’s some bantering going on, however, between the Beaver and Duck fans, especially during the Civil War.
Long-time patron Mike Bothum, who also teaches the Group Power class, said Thompson has created a “positive atmosphere with quality at every level. He is a Duck, but what else can you say?”
Thompson is pleased with what he has created with the help of his family and friends for the community.
“We are here for the long term. I love it and actually look forward to coming to work each morning,” he said. “I invite interested people into coming down for a free, no pressure introduction to learn and go easy. We want people to work hard but also enjoy it and not burnout.”
