Ex-NFL player opens massive N.J. fitness complex, 8 years in the making

27 January 2016

When former NFL wide receiver Kevin Johnson ended his playing career, he set out to create a one-stop health shop that would cater to everyone from those wanting to fit a quick workout into their busy schedules to high schoolers striving to become better athletes.

That was more than eight years ago — and though the project has grown in size and scope, Johnson's vision has remained unchanged.

This week, construction crews are going through a final punch list of things to do ahead of Saturday's opening, but the long-awaited, long-delayed Team85 Fitness & Wellness has finally come to fruition.

"I think it evolved into something more than I ever expected," Johnson, 39, said. "But the goal was to give back to the community ... and create a fitness and wellness campus that was marketed to the everyday individual.

"I think we created that destination," he continued. "We wanted to make it first-class, we wanted to appeal to everybody and I think we've created an environment where we have something for everyone."

And the opening comes at a time of year when many people have New Year's resolutions to get healthier.

Johnson, who played for the Cleveland Browns and other NFL teams, acknowledged that the journey from the stadium to the business world has not been without its challenges.

"It's been a lot of struggles, a lot of hard work, but anything worth having, you have to work hard for it," the Hamilton native said. "And I think the product speaks for itself. We researched a lot of health clubs and what people do in the industry and we tried to take the best of what everyone has to offer and put it all into Team85."

Team85 — which includes the 75,000-square-foot fitness center and 45,000-square-foot fieldhouse — is the centerpiece of Team Campus Bordentown.

Other tenants include Fulton Bank, Performance Spine and Sports Medicine and Daniels Vein and Cosmetic Center. St. Francis Medical Center is set to open its two buildings later this year: an outpatient center and LIFE St. Francis, the hospital's all-inclusive program for seniors.

Johnson believes Team85 will rank among the top five health clubs in the country.

The front entrance has a cafe with a full-size kitchen, several tables, couches and Wi-Fi to the left and a full salon and spa to the right.

Also on the first floor are a mix of the treadmills, ellipticals, bikes and weight-training circuit; an aquatic center with a five-lane lap pool, kiddie and splash pool; the men's and women's locker rooms; a community room; and a secure childcare center complete with games, TVs, a library, play area, party room and studio space for dance, martial arts and other children's classes.

There is also a women-only workout area for those who might be uncomfortable exercising in front of others.

"Sometimes just to get people in the door, it takes a lot of courage," Johnson said. "Sometimes people want to live a healthier lifestyle, but they're a little bit shier and intimidated. We wanted to create an environment where they can gradually move themselves into the general population."

Upstairs, there's more cardio and strength-and-conditioning equipment; free weights; four group exercise studios; a spinning studio; and a cardio theater with a big screen so members can walk, run or bike while catching a movie.

There's also two small group training areas — one of which will be used by sports team to help them improve their strength, speed and agility.

Johnson said the different areas and flow were designed with a purpose. For example, those who don't want to be near grunting or the loud clanking of barbells and dumbbells don't have to be.

"People who want to go really intense can be on one side of the club and people who want to work out in a less-intensive environment can be on the other side and not influence or affect the other person's workout or exercise whatsoever," Johnson said.

The year-round fieldhouse features an 80-yard turf field, two basketball courts, batting cages, a sports performance area and a snack bar.

Johnson said he hopes the campus will become the third stop for many people after home and work or school.

"We literally have something for everyone," he said. "I think when you look at the feel, the design, the finishes, people will be really impressed with what we've been able to create here in Bordentown."

The open house is Saturday. From 8 a.m. to noon, the gym will only be open to those who have already signed up as members, but will open to the rest of the community from noon to 8 p.m.

Normal hours will be 4 a.m. to midnight daily.

Team85 is located at 8500 K. Johnson Boulevard, Bordentown.

 

nj.com