Couple getting set to open a new fitness hub in Panaca

Anyone in Panaca over the past few weeks may have noticed the new feature on Main Street, the Iron Haven gym. This business, started by Giulia and David Robbins, is a new way for the people of Lincoln County to exercise, and according to the owners, it’s been quite a ride getting things off the ground.

The Robbins have been living in Lincoln County since 2018, but before that they lived in Boise, which some may know as an exercise hot spot, or as Giulia says, “a bodybuilding mecca.” It was a great way for the couple to dive into exercise, and through their time in gyms and as a part of the weightlifting scene, they learned a lot from many experts in the field. For years it was a great way for them to stay healthy and get stronger in a community of like-minded individuals, but when they moved back to Panaca, they found that their options were more limited.

So, for the last seven years, they hoped that someone would provide a better place for exercise until they realized that maybe that someone should be them.

First, they had to find a place to put the gym, and while the building right on the edge of town in Panaca was an ideal location, it always seemed to have an occupant. When the opportunity to get in the door came to the Robbins a few months ago, they quickly began the process of turning a building that had over the years housed a flower shop, a Mexican restaurant and a mechanic into a powerhouse gym.

Although they had their foot in the door, the Robbins still had a few more hurdles to jump before they could open their doors, including the process of getting equipment, which proved to be an investment in the tens of thousands of dollars. Giulia said they were nervous during the LA wildfires because they worried it would affect their shipping, but when the gigantic storage unit filled with gym equipment finally arrived in Panaca, they were thrilled to see their dream becoming a reality.

While they are now tantalizingly close to seeing their gym in action, there are still a few more preparations ahead of them. No opening date has been set, but they’re hoping to have it ready before the end of March. Once the gym does open its doors, the monthly cost of an Iron Haven membership will be $40 per person and an additional $30 for each family member.

The Robbins expressed their thanks to the community. Without all of the people who have offered support, from those who delivered the equipment to the local business owners that helped unload and assemble it, this new venture would have never been able to succeed. In return, the Robbins are excited to provide Lincoln County with a high-quality exercise experience.