![inside moves inside moves](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/2rYAAOSwu4BV4xg~/s-l300.jpg)
It already had cement floor for us to work off of. But pretty much it was move-in ready for us. Of the mechanic shop, in particular, Abissi explains, “We just had to do a thorough power-washing of the walls and floors. Abissi states that the former mechanic shop was given a covering (in certain areas) of 14-inch open-cell foam, with a thin layer of closed-cell on top.Ībissi points out that there are benefits to purchasing any space for gym expansion that has already been operating as a viable business for example, there is typically already usable insulation, roofing, and siding in the acquired space. So, he felt ready and eager to undertake a larger construction project related to climbing walls. He had some previous DIY experience, particularly in building a few homewalls for kids he coached on the gym’s youth team. (His father, Frank, actually started another time-honored Michigan gym, Higher Ground, in 1995-which the Abissi family also operates.) Paulie Abissi says that purchasing that attached mechanic space, and then turning it into part of the preexisting Inside Moves gym, was all about calculating the financial implications and then “just going for it.” The Appeal of DIY ProjectsĪbissi chose to handle most of the construction of Inside Moves’ expansion himself and with a small crew, largely for economic reasons. “So, it was really one of the few instances-maybe ever-where we’d be able to go ahead and rent the space beside the gym.”Ībissi has owned Inside Moves since purchasing the original gym space from a previous owner in 2016. “The landlord-who works in the adjacent lot-wanted to rent out as soon as possible,” says Inside Moves’ owner Paulie Abissi, when explaining the genesis of the gym’s expansion project. The whole process proved to be a DIY accomplishment and a bright spot for the gym during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most recently, Inside Moves completed a 4,000-square foot expansion that was the result of the closure of an adjoining business-a mechanic shop. But even with such longevity and heritage, the gym has evolved with the times. It was founded in 1989 and has been serving climbers of the greater Grand Rapids area ever since. Inside Moves, located in Byron Center, Michigan, is one of the oldest gyms in the country. The space was suddenly vacant and available to reimagine as a bouldering area. (All images courtesy of Inside Moves) The expansion of Inside Moves was largely the result of an opportunity presenting itself, with the mechanic shop next door ceasing operations.
![inside moves inside moves](https://img.xcitefun.net/users/2008/11/17737,xcitefun-street-fighters-2.jpg)
The expansion of Inside Moves was largely the result of an opportunity presenting itself, with the mechanic shop that shared a wall with the gym ceasing operations.