FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Fort Wayne's NBC) - A new veteran-owned gym held its grand opening in Fort Wayne on Saturday.

GRAND OPENING: Iron Society Strength and Fitness is having their grand opening Saturday. The gym is located at 1415 W. Dupont Road in Fort Wayne.Management says the gym is veteran owned and they wanted to share their new facility with the community. They say the gym is open and free to anyone who wants to check it out today.People competed in a bench press competition. Food from different vendors are available for people to try as well.I talked with members about the gym and what it means to them. Tune in to Fort Wayne's NBC at 6 for the full story. Posted by Louie Tran on Saturday, February 8, 2020

Iron Society Strength & Fitness held a grand opening for its gym located at 1415 W. Dupont Road.

Lonnie Whitlock and his wife Niki Whitlock own the new gym. The facility is the same building of what used to be the former Max Fitness.

Whitlock served in the United States Navy from 1993-1997. He said he wanted to open a new facility that would help people become more active, and wanted to give back to veterans, current military members and first responders.

Whitlock said his new gym offers those members a special deal to show his gratitude for their service.

The gym also has a flag of each military service hanging inside the facility.

A few members said they enjoy the new facility. They said Whitlock and his wife made the gym stand out from others.

"I really appreciate the owners," said Allison Brooks, a member. "I feel the owners are what sets the stage for a good business and good atmosphere and I feel that Lonnie and Niki are the greatest people."

"That's what this gym is all about," Craig Hess, a member said. "That's what the owners are trying to spread. It's love and passion. That's where it's at."

Iron Society Gym NEW GYM: a new veteran owned gym in Fort Wayne held a grand opening today. They say they wanted to create a space that brings everyone together and give back to veterans, current military members and first responders in northeast Indiana. Hear from the owner and members below about their thoughts on the new facility.Tune in to Fort Wayne's NBC at 11pm for the full story. Posted by Louie Tran on Saturday, February 8, 2020

During the grand opening, people competed in a bench press competition.

The event was open and free to the general public.

Whitlock said they will hold a grand opening for their second location on Maplecrest Road on Saturday, February 15th.

For more information on the gym, please click here.