By Jonah Mann
Warrior Fitness Gym in Ellicottville has undergone a significant transformation, with a completely revamped interior and ambitious plans for expansion. The recent renovations, completed in just one week, have been met with overwhelming positive feedback from members and the community.
Owner Bradley Poole expressed immense gratitude for the support received during the renovation period. “I had a lot of help putting it together and I can’t thank those people enough. I pretty much lived at the gym during that week of renovations, but it’s over and it’s been rewarding hearing how everyone loves the new look,” he stated.
The most notable change to the gym’s interior is an “all black and white look” that is described as “super sharp,” thanks to Aldrich Painting. A major flooring upgrade saw the replacement of old puzzle piece flooring with durable 5/8-inch rubber heavy-duty flooring, which has been a “game changer” for members’ workouts. The layout of the gym has also been reconfigured, with the previous workout room now serving as the classroom area, and the former classroom area has been converted into a larger workout space, ideal for more people utilizing various circuits.
New equipment has been added, including spin bikes, Concept 2 row machines, a glute/ham machine, a longer and wider turf area, deadlifting platforms, and a large rig with four squat racks. Despite these significant upgrades, membership fees will remain unaffected, a decision made to show appreciation for members’ long-standing support.
“I feel as a business owner it’s important to do things like this to keep your members satisfied,” Poole explained. “Projects like these get them excited for a change, for something different, and it has paid off. We’ve had the same look for 4.5 years so it was time to mix it up. I have received nothing but great feedback and I’m thankful everyone is enjoying the new look. Also, if this draws in new members, well that’s an added bonus.”
Looking ahead, Warrior Fitness has exciting plans for the future. In the next decade, the gym hopes to expand its Ellicottville facility to include massage chairs, cold plunge tubs, a sauna, a juice bar, and similar amenities. There are also plans for an additional facility in Little Valley in the near future. The long-term vision is to establish more Warrior Fitness gyms in various locations, ensuring they are “state-of-the-art facilities that people want to come to.”
Warrior Fitness is actively working to promote engagement. During the ski season, the gym offers seasonal memberships and virtual class options, catering to the large number of seasonal residents. Ellicottville’s status as a tourist town also brings in out-of-towners, complementing the strong local membership base from Ellicottville, Great Valley, Salamanca, and West Valley. Poole emphasized, “I’d say it’s an advantage to have a gym in Ellicottville because you get your locals from surrounding towns, but also tourists who are visiting for a day or a week.”
Beyond the business, Poole also shared a personal journey of living with Cystic Fibrosis and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, noting that these conditions “don’t define me or slow me down.” Instead, they are channeled into running two gyms and helping people lead healthier lives. Poole opened the Ellicottville gym in January 2021, and its continued success has paved the way for these latest renovations and future aspirations.