Business Details
41 Years
experience
Your Premier Fitness Destination in Indianapolis
Founded in 1985, the National Institute For Fitness & Sport (NIFS) has been a cornerstone of health and wellness in downtown Indianapolis for over 35 years. As a non-profit organization, we combine cutting-edge fitness technology with expert, degreed professionals to deliver personalized training, group classes, and comprehensive wellness programs. Our partnerships with Indiana University School of Medicine and IU Executive Health enable us to integrate research-driven approaches into every service we offer. With a 65,000-square-foot facility housing advanced equipment like the BOD POD and NIFS 3D scanner, we serve over 3,000 members annually. Our team of certified trainers and nutritionists provides tailored fitness assessments, small-group training, and online wellness programs to individuals and corporations nationwide.Beyond individual memberships, we manage 40+ onsite corporate fitness centers and operate Health YOUniversity, our e-based wellness platform. Our commitment to community extends to youth education programs, athletic performance training for IU Indianapolis teams, and specialized initiatives like Bold Moves for Parkinson's patients. Accredited by industry standards and governed by an independent board, we maintain rigorous quality controls while offering accessible pricing through flexible membership tiers. Our facility's integration with the IU Natatorium pool and strategic downtown location further enhance our ability to serve diverse populations. Through continuous innovation and adherence to our mission of enhancing human health, we remain a trusted leader in the fitness industry.
Services
Personal Training
Group Fitness Classes
Fitness Assessments
Nutrition Coaching
Corporate Wellness Programs
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- We offer 35+ years of experience in evidence-based fitness programming
- Our degreed, certified trainers deliver personalized workout solutions
- We provide access to advanced fitness assessment technologies
- Our partnership with Indiana University enhances research-driven approaches
- We operate specialized programs for Parkinson's patients and youth development
What people say
Amazing results
Welcoming staff
Best gym in Indy
Great support
Various programs
Services
Personal Training
Certified trainers develop customized fitness plans using advanced assessment tools like VO2 testing. Sessions focus on goal setting, barrier identification, and progressive workout strategies. Clients receive ongoing support through free unlimited program updates.
Group Fitness Classes
Over 30 weekly classes including Boot Camp, Yoga, Cycle, and Barre Fusion. Sessions cater to all fitness levels with no additional fees. Classes emphasize community building and varied workout routines to maintain engagement.
Fitness Assessments
Comprehensive testing options include BOD POD body composition, 3D scanning, and metabolic rate analysis. Assessments help identify performance barriers and track progress. Packages combine multiple testing modalities for holistic health insights.
Nutrition Coaching
Registered dietitians provide personalized meal planning and energy optimization strategies. Services address weight loss, sports performance, and general wellness through science-based nutritional guidance.
Bold Moves Program
Specialized exercise programs for Parkinson's patients featuring customized training plans and support groups. Includes strategy sessions with exercise physiologists and community-building activities tailored to mobility needs.
People
Emily Davenport
President
Leading NIFS since 2018, Emily brings 20+ years of fitness industry leadership experience. She oversees strategic operations and community partnerships while maintaining board governance standards.
Eric Kammeyer
Fitness Center Director
With 15 years at NIFS, Eric manages daily operations and staff development. He specializes in program innovation and maintains certifications in exercise physiology and sports nutrition.
Kara Gootee-Robinson
Corporate Operations Director
Kara oversees corporate wellness programs and facility management. Her 12-year tenure includes expanding NIFS' corporate fitness center network and developing the Health YOUniversity platform.
Rachel Heyer
Active Aging Operations Director
Rachel leads senior fitness initiatives and Parkinson's program development. She has 10 years' experience creating age-specific wellness solutions and managing community outreach efforts.
Mike Blume
Athletic Performance Director
Mike trains IU Indianapolis teams and develops performance programs. With 8 years at NIFS, he combines collegiate sports expertise with evidence-based training methodologies for athletes of all levels.
Questions
What membership options are available?
We offer standard memberships with free group classes, personal training packages, and student rates. Special programs like Bold Moves provide tailored access for specific needs.
Can I access the Natatorium pool?
Yes, standard members receive lap swimming access during designated hours. IU students and staff use separate membership credentials for pool access.
What fitness assessments do you provide?
We offer BOD POD testing, 3D body scans, VO2 max assessments, and functional movement screenings. Packages combine multiple assessment types for comprehensive health analysis.
Do you offer online wellness programs?
Our Health YOUniversity platform delivers virtual wellness services to corporations nationwide, including remote coaching and digital fitness resources.
How do I join the Bold Moves program?
Complete our online form to schedule a strategy session with an exercise physiologist. The program includes customized training plans and Parkinson's-specific support groups.
What parking options exist?
Free parking available in Riverwalk Garage (5th/6th floors). IU permit holders must use designated spots. Follow posted guidelines to avoid parking violations.
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