Ortiz family once again owners of Athletic Club
Jennifer and Fermin Ortiz (center), original owners of the Marble Falls Athletic Club, 2312 U.S. 281, bought back the business and have been operating it since Jan. 1, 2022. Pictured with them are son Asa Ortiz (left) and trainer Tyler Heimann (right). Staff photo by Daniel Clifton
About 15 years ago, Jennifer and Fermin Ortiz sold the Marble Falls Athletic Club, a business they opened in 1997, to spend more time with family. On Jan. 1, 2022, the husband and wife bought back the fitness center. This time, son Asa joins them, and the name has been changed to The Athletic Club.
“I missed it,” Fermin said. “I missed coming in here every day and seeing the members and being a part of this. So when the opportunity came to buy it back, we did.”
The 20,000-square foot athletic club, 2312 U.S. 281 in Marble Falls, features two floors with free weights, exercise machines, cardio equipment, a dedicated spin room, an aerobics room, a heated indoor swimming pool, a variety of exercise classes, and more. It’s geared toward all fitness levels, from beginner to elite.
Since taking over in January, the Ortiz family has redone the pool area, repainted, added new cardio equipment, and brought in top-level aerobics instructors. They continue to look for ways to enhance the operation.
The Athletic Club is more than a gym to the Ortizes and members.
“One hundred percent, it’s a community,” Jennifer said.
“That sums up what makes this place special,” Fermin added.
Asa Ortiz, a Faith Academy of Marble Falls and Texas State University graduate, agreed.
He pointed out how the staff strives to acknowledge patrons as they enter and leave the fitness club.
“I know it might sound trivial, but a personal favorite is how those ‘hi’s’ and ‘byes’ become deeper,” Asa said. “It so simple, but it’s a way to begin interacting with them. And soon, we’re talking about our day or what’s going on.
“The people who come in here aren’t just members,” he added. “They’re my tribe.”
Jennifer said the club has become a safe space for many members, a place to get away from anything negative outside of its walls, work out, or just hang out.
Fermin agreed.
“We don’t know what someone may be going through out there, but they come in here and it’s a place they feel safe,” he said. “And that’s what we want. We want them to come in and feel like they belong, belong to this community, to this family.”
With Asa in the mix, Fermin sees the club staying in the family, and under steady ownership, for years to come.
For more information about The Athletic Club, call 830-201-4788 or visit its website. Hours are 5 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, and 2-5 p.m. Sunday.
2 thoughts on “Ortiz family once again owners of Athletic Club”
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What a perfectly polished interview. I’m sure poor Asa had his script pounded and brainwashed into his head. Such is par for the course with this micromanaging owner. It sounds good, if you like the cheesy ‘80s used car salesman gimmick. I used to love this place, but I won’t go in, I can practically feel the slime from my phone screen.
I would like to comment on the newly owned Athletic Club in Marble Falls. I have been attending water aerobics there for the past 15 years since my husband and I moved here in 2007. Having the original owners take over the business has been such an improvement. It sometimes reminds me of a butterfly developing. Every time I enter the club there is at least one major improvement . Fermin and his wife Jennifer are doing an amazing job and have the philosophy that this is an important business for the community to help folks thrive. I am so thrilled to be a member of such a club. Kathleen Walker