Sioux Falls Sees Big Jump in Gym Options

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Sioux Falls residents heading back to the gym to get in the shape after the holidays have a lot more options to choose from than they used to.

Fitness center operator Brandy Sivesind tells the Argus Leader that the number of centers in South Dakota's largest city has doubled in the past five years to about three dozen. Some existing fitness centers also have expanded. Randy Hartz, another operator, says it's a lot more competitive than it used to be.

City Health and Wellness Coordinator Rana DeBoer says she hopes the abundance of gyms indicates a cultural shift to a healthier lifestyle.

Gym owner Seth Chapman says there's plenty of business to go around, with more people understanding the importance of exercise.

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