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. 💪