Fitness Through the Decades: How Jupiter’s Fitness Scene Has Evolved

Article by Debi Borger

The fitness scene in Jupiter has transformed dramatically over the decades. In the 1980s, fitness was synonymous with high-impact aerobics, jazzercise, and step classes, fueled by Jane Fonda and Richard Simmons’ workout tapes. Arnold Schwarzenegger dominated bodybuilding culture, and gyms were filled with primarily fitness machines and weightlifting equipment. This era was marked by a growing awareness of the importance of physical fitness, spurred on by societal concerns about health and wellness.

Photos courtesy Dan Amero

THEN: Opened in 1991 as Jupiter Gym in Commerce Plaza by Dan Amero; he later moved to Indiantown Road and renamed it

Jupiter Fitness Center, where he remained owner for 24 years before selling it as gyms began trending toward boutique studios.

I enjoyed reminiscing about it with former Jupiter Fitness founder and friend Dan Amero.”In the beginning, there was Better Bodies, which Richard Levine owned. Members Health & Fitness was in the old Woods Plaza, but they moved to where the movie theater is now,” Dan explains. “I opened Jupiter Gym in 1991 in Commerce Park, and we were there for 8.5 years. Then, I bought the 10,000 sq. ft. building on Indiantown Road and rebranded it as Jupiter Fitness Center.” As demand grew, so did the gym, doubling its size to accommodate more members. There he stayed for 24 years. Dan recalled the days when trainers moved machines out of the way to make room for aerobics classes and how the instructors brought in their own “boom boxes” for music.

Former NFL head coach Bill Parcells, a Tequesta resident, was a regular at Jupiter Fitness. He is shown here with the late Sharon Raymond, who worked the front desk for years, and was known as ‘Mama Sharon.’

By the 1990s, chain health clubs entered the scene, offering variety and social engagement. Rich Levine sold to Buddy Wilkins, and Gold’s Gym entered the local fitness scene. As Gold’s became a local presence, members gravitated toward group cardio classes, shifting away from solitary home workouts. Small gyms struggled to compete with more extensive facilities offering more classes and equipment. “Small gyms got gobbled up by bigger gyms because they had more room and could fit more people in them,” Amero explained.

The new millennium brought yet another shift. Fitness preferences changed, and Yoga and Pilates surged in popularity as members wanted more emphasis on mental wellness, balance, and longevity. The instructors wanted more just as quickly as local gyms adapted to these trends: more classes, more affordability, and more space. Boutique studios catering to yoga and Pilates flourished, reflecting a broader trend toward holistic health. Simultaneously, fitness studios focusing on strength training, like HEW, CrossFit, and Orange Theory, began appearing along Indiantown Road. This created a community-oriented culture where fitness became more than exercise—a lifestyle. These spaces evolved into hubs for socialization, support, and personal growth.

NOW: Real Fitness opened in 2016 as a boutique gym to meet the demand for personalized, non-membership-based options. ‘People didn’t want big-box gyms anymore; they wanted smaller communities with specialty options,’ said owner Binky Malone.

Binky Malone, owner of Real Fitness, has been a staple of Jupiter’s fitness scene for over 35 years, teaching at Better Bodies, Gold’s Gym, and Jupiter Fitness. In 2016, she opened her trainer-based boutique gym to meet the growing demand for personalized, non-membership-based options. “People didn’t want big-box gyms anymore; they wanted smaller communities with specialty options,” Malone explained. She noted that while basics like personal training, Pilates, and yoga remain staples, there is a growing interest in tailored experiences, including mindset coaching and recovery-focused services. “Fitness studios now offer sports-specific training, mental health support, meditation, and recovery options like flotation tanks,” she added.

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic brought another dramatic shift to the fitness landscape. As gyms temporarily shut down, virtual workouts, wellness apps, and mobile training became essential. Portable equipment like TRX suspension systems, BOSU balls, and kettlebells gained popularity among trainers offering in-home sessions. This period of adaptation and innovation highlighted the resilience of the fitness community in Jupiter, as it found new ways to stay active and connected during challenging times.

In August 2022, the opening of Lifetime Fitness in Palm Beach Gardens marked another turning point. Offering high-end amenities and health benefits, it attracted both members and trainers, leading to the closure of several smaller boutique gyms in Jupiter. Despite this, Amero believes boutique gyms still have a future in Jupiter due to limited real estate for more extensive facilities.

Jupiter’s fitness culture thrives today, embracing outdoor activities like pickleball and stand-up paddleboarding. These activities not only promote health but also foster community connections. As fi tness evolves, local gyms remain more than places to exercise - they are spaces for self-improvement, camaraderie, and personal growth. Jupiter’s fi tness scene is about a shared vibe that gets people excited for what is next, constantly finding new ways to move, connect, and thrive together.