A new gym is opening on Bardstown Road. Here's what to know

Sunlight, traffic noise and the heat of a 92-degree July afternoon streamed in through Full Tilt's raised garage door during a recent afternoon class.

Inside, a trainer led six athletes through the day's exercises, as ropes and gymnastics rings dangled from a tangle of rafters and ductwork above.

A digital clock on the wall ticked away each minute down to the second, with bright red numerals flashing. Still, the class didn't seem rushed. The workout's pace was more determined than fast; the athletes, making conversation during their 30-second break, appeared confident they'd accomplish the exercises together.

That's one of the main goals of the new gym at the corner of Eastern Parkway and Bardstown Road: building a supportive community among people of all ages and abilities.

"This gym is more than just this space," said Ryan Galanaugh, owner and founder of Full Tilt. "It's more of a lifestyle. It's a community. So we really want to cultivate that as much as possible."

Galanaugh is currently testing that theory during a "soft opening" phase for the gym at 2008 Eastern Parkway.

So far, Full Tilt has 42 members. And Galanaugh said he hopes to accommodate as many as 200 members after its official opening Sept. 9.

Full Tilt doesn't have customers or guests — all members are referred to as athletes. And with more than 32 class times each week, running between 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., the gym is built to accommodate busy schedules.

Each class is roughly an hour long, and all are structured to improve athletes' strength and endurance.

Exercises change every day, so no class is the same. Full Tilt doesn't post its workouts online, but members can use an app to reserve class spots and see what the following day's workout will be.

Galanaugh said the 5:30 a.m. class has been the most popular so far, drawing athletes of all ages and backgrounds, from retirees to working professionals. The class is roughly 60% female and 40% male.

Newcomers are encouraged to participate in three workouts a week, while four or five workouts a week are recommended for experienced athletes.

Those interested in trying a class should show up about 10 minutes early to sign in – no fees or reservations are required. Open gym time and personal training are also available.

Memberships for the gym start at $160 per month. Athletes can also pay $20 for a single drop-in class or $70 for the week.

Full Tilt will host free classes at 9 and 10:30 a.m. Sept. 9 to celebrate their grand opening. More information about the classes is available on the gym's website.

Originally from Colorado, Galanaugh moved to Louisville about six years ago and describes himself as a risk taker.

Galanaugh didn't plan on starting a gym. But after passing the former StudioWorks art gallery space every day while driving his son to school, he couldn't help but think it would be perfect for one.

"For me, it's like a really expensive gym membership," he said with a laugh.

Securing the space took about a year, a process Galanaugh said was more difficult than he expected.

"I'm an entrepreneur, and I've done stuff in the past, but this was really stressful," he said.

Full Tilt isn't Galanaugh's only project. He still has a full-time job as the co-owner and COO of Nadus Films, a Louisville-based company focused on documentary and branded content filmmaking.

Galanaugh admitted there were many sleepless nights when he doubted if he was making the right move. To finance the project, he took out loans to purchase equipment and at one point put his house up for rent.

"My philosophy is, if you don't take risks, you're not going to get anywhere in life," Galanaugh said, adding he named the gym Full Tilt for a skiing slang term that means to take a run down a mountain at top speed.

To lower renovation costs, Galanaugh – who had no prior experience in professional construction – decided to be his own contractor for the project.

The interior of the space was completely gutted. Now, the building's exposed brick interior and high ceilings are on full display.

Galanaugh said he hopes to eventually hand off the gym to its coaches. Full Tilt currently has five trainers, all of whom have extensive experience in training.

Galanaugh hopes Full Till will become Louisville's premier fitness community by using three core values to challenge athletes and create an inspiring environment: fitness integrity, continuous improvement and community.

But he isn't hung up on what makes his gym unique – the Full Tilt atmosphere will speak for itself.

"Are we different? Maybe, maybe not," Galanuagh said. "I think this place organically will develop its own identity based on the members that are here."

Learn more about Full Tilt at fulltiltgym.com.

Reach reporter Kate Marijolovic at kmarijolovic@gannett.com or on Twitter @kmarijolovic.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Full Tilt gym to open near Bardstown Road in Louisville