A ribbon cutting today commemorated the official opening of Xccelerated Fitness. The 24-hour gym is a welcome addition to Ishpeming Township.

Owner Josh Drew is not just a business owner. Drew has had a varied career path in athletics and personal training around Upper Michigan, including training for the U.S. Olympic Education Center. It was there that he trained Olympic athletes like Shani Davis.

Drew's other career accomplishments include being a physiologist, working in physical therapy, and starting a wellness program at Bell Hospital. Drew hopes to use his vast experience in a way that can benefit the community.

"I finally landed myself in this position to open up my own facility and provide a very, at this point and time, unique opportunity for people on the western end of Marquette County to have a 24-hour facility," says Josh Drew.

Drew plans to eventually continue working with the Olympic committee but says it's just as rewarding working with his gym members. So far, things are running very smoothly. Xccelerated Fitness has drawn a very positive response from its members.

"He's got a lot of equipment here, a friendly crew to work with, lots of good people coming here. It's a good place to work out," said gym member John Heikkila.

Drew persevered through many challenges to start his business with the help of friends and family. He is enthusiastic about the opening and hopes to expand in the future, but not until he's secured a foothold with Xccelerated Fitness.