Iron Culture, New Jersey’s first and only high-end “hardcore” gym, announced it has surpassed 500 members since its official opening in June 2019. To celebrate this milestone, the emerging fitness brand today announced the launch of an online platform to distribute its popular Iron Culture apparel, previously only available for purchase at the gym.

“Reaching 500 members in just over six months is an incredible milestone,” said Charles Addessi, partner at Iron Culture. “Iron Culture goes far beyond any franchise gym—we have created a real community where people are finding connection, hope and healing, and people are celebrating the brand.”

The Iron Culture team is launching its online store to accommodate the high demand for its merchandise, which typically sells out within days at the gym. The Iron Culture e-commerce platform debuts with activewear and accessories, including white camouflage hoodies, cropped sweatshirts and exercise tanks with the Iron Culture logo.

Located at 8 E. Frederick Place in Cedar Knolls, Iron Culture’s facility has attracted members and guests from across the tri-state area – as far away as Philadelphia, the Jersey Shore, Rockland County, N.Y., and beyond. Iron Culture has also attracted visits from the fitness community, including 2018 Mr. Olympia Shawn Rhoden and other top bodybuilders like Guy Cisternino, Steve Laureus and Shaun Clarida.

Arthur Imperatore Jr., vice chairman of NY Waterway and president of Romulus Development Corp., and a mental health advocate himself, is the visionary behind Iron Culture, along with partner Charles Addessi.

Imperatore and Addessi created a whole wellness community within Iron Culture by assisting those who struggle with addiction and mental illness—educating members on utilizing strength and weight training to improve psychological and physical health.

“After tragically losing my son Justin, a former college lacrosse goalie, in the fall of 2018, I was motivated to create a new fitness community that emphasizes personal transformation through weight training and strength conditioning. Iron Culture is the realization of that goal,” said Imperatore. “We are proud of the community of like-minded fitness enthusiasts that we have built, and we will continue to invest in our members as we grow.”

Since its grand opening, the gym has attracted just under 8,500 Instagram followers, where staffers frequently post images of its results-oriented members and first-class equipment and setup.

“Iron Culture is more than a gym for me, it’s a place where I can escape everyday stressors and truly focus on bettering myself,” said Gina, a 59-year-old Iron Culture member and Morris County resident. “When I walked into the facility a year ago, I didn’t know what to expect. Since then, my life has transformed from both a physical and mental perspective. This facility is so unique because Iron Culture staff and the community of members want you to reach your fitness goals and are always supporting each other’s journeys.”

The gym’s founders strive to foster an inclusive fitness community by hosting events with local vendors, unrivaled bodybuilding programming and competitions, as well as specialized member-focused programs catering to all fitness levels.

The gym recently unveiled two new programs, “Member of the Month” and “Iron Culture Athlete.” Member of the Month highlights members with inspiring stories who have overcome life challenges through fitness training. Iron Culture Athlete is a mentor program that allows members to learn how to body-build by shadowing the gym’s top athletes.

ABOUT IRON CULTURE
The Cedar Knolls, N.J.-based Iron Culture is an independent, owner-operated, community-based gym. Founded in 2019, its owners Arthur Imperatore and Charles Addessi share a passion for hardcore training and a vision for a unique fitness experience, exceeding what corporate chains and small studio gyms can offer. Iron Culture quickly drew over 500 members, backed by its four core values: vision, passion, execution and transformation. The gym offers powerlifting, bodybuilding, cardio, weight management, a recovery and nutrition program, on-the-go meals, military and student discounts, competitive pricing and more. Find IC on Instagram @ironculturenj. For more information, visit http://www.ironculturenj.com