The crew from the Stranger might pick up new, healthy habits as a long-empty retail space across the street from the alt media outfit’s Capitol Hill office is about to kick back into motion.

Rain City Fit is preparing to move into the former home of The Crypt, the west coast chain kink shop that folded in Pike/Pine in the summer of 2015.

“It’s a real big space and a tough time for retail. For me, I’m just trying to build a nice gym that is going to fit well with the Capitol Hill community,” owner Ben Koenigsberg tells CHS.

The new gym space won’t quite be ready for workouts but Koenigsberg hopes to start showing off the new digs in time for Pride with an official opening not long after. Koenigsberg said Rain City Fit is an “inclusive, intentional safe space” and “really welcoming.” The Central District resident said he walked by the empty store for months before finally making the decision to jump in. Added bonus: the incoming Purr neighbor already trains a few of the 11th Ave bar’s clientele.

But don’t expect a new stretch of eye candy in Pike/Pine.

“I don’t think people want to feel like they’re in the zoo,” Koenigsberg said. “Our current location is underground so we’re not a mirror and show off kind of place. Our mirrors will have grids for form, not to show off.”

Rain City Fit opened in 2016 and has been resident in a space beneath Dark Age Tattoo at 12th and Pike. Koenigsberg offers space and training with a little more emphasis on lifting but plenty of cardio to keep you moving. The plan for now is to open the new space on 11th Ave as a membership gym and maintain the smaller underground location for classes.

Koenigsberg got into the business after working at the YMCA in the Central District and wants his own gym to stay close to the community roots he was part of at the Y. Though a new Capitol Hill space means “a big lease and big monthly rent,” Koenigsberg said the new Rain City Fit won’t be shiny bright and glossy.

“I’m glad to be in one of these older buildings. I like the feel of this building. We’re going to have nice equipment but not going to be fancy,” Koenigsberg said.

Rain City Fit will open later this summer at 1516 11th Ave. You can learn more at raincityfit.com.