St. George Gets a New D1 Training Gym Run by Local Owners

A new athletic training gym opened in St. George on Monday, giving local athletes access to a program backed by NBA player Chris Paul and Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow. D1 Training set up shop at 1552 E Gateway Dr, Ste. 1112, offering group fitness sessions run by certified trainers.

The St. George location is owned and operated by Shaun and Laurie Freeman. Shaun Freeman spent his previous career in corporate technology sales working for large companies before deciding to look for his next chapter. He said he landed on D1 Training after deciding it fit what he wanted to do next.

Freeman said he sees a strong market for youth training in Utah. "There's a great market for youth training in Utah, and D1 gives athletes so much more than a workout," Freeman said. "It's where they can push themselves, grow alongside their teammates and develop the tools to succeed in their sport and beyond. I'm excited to bring that to St. George."

The gym runs four programs grouped by age: Rookie for ages 7 to 11, Developmental for ages 12 to 14, Prep for ages 15 to 18, and D1 Adult. Every program follows the same five parts: dynamic warm-up, performance, strength program, core and conditioning, and cool down. Beyond the group sessions, the location offers group, semi-private, and one-on-one training.

Dan Murphy, chief operating officer at D1 Training, said Freeman was the right person to open the St. George gym. "Shaun is the ideal candidate to bring the D1 Training experience to St. George," Murphy said. "We're thrilled to welcome him to the D1 family and are confident in his ability to show the St. George area what they've been missing out on."

D1 Training has more than 150 facilities open, with over 100 more locations in various stages of development. The company's own materials list 170 or more locations nationwide, with 200 or more franchises in development. The brand was founded in 2001 by former NFL player Will Bartholomew and is based in Nashville.

St. George has been the fastest-growing city in southwestern Utah, drawing families and young athletes to the area. Freeman said opening the gym is his way of making an impact in the community where he lives.