inside the new Champs elysium gym in st. pete | st. pete rising

A new gym is coming to St. Petersburg’s Gateway area this summer.

Champs Elysium Gym is a semi-private facility created by professional bodybuilder Derek Lunsford and his wife, Jhelsin. It will open at 3051 Tech Drive in a 15,000-square-foot industrial space.

The gym will cater to elite athletes, bodybuilders, and fitness enthusiasts. Membership will be limited to maintain a focused training environment.

“We aren’t trying to compete with other gyms,” said Lunsford in a conversation with St. Pete Rising. “Each one offers something different. Ours will be capped so it never feels overcrowded.”

The name Champs Elysium comes from Greek mythology, refering to a paradise reserved for heroes and the righteous.

Inside, the gym will feature over 150 pieces of strength and cardio equipment. The machines are from Newtech, a South Korea-based company that designs gear specifically for bodybuilders. The brand is also a title sponsor of the Olympia World Championship.

Lunsford says the gym is built for serious training. Equipment includes chest and leg presses, squat bars, stair masters, and cable machines.

*Champs Elysium Gym* is a semi-private facility created by professional bodybuilder Derek Lunsford and his wife, Jhelsin. Derek is pictured. | iNSTAGRAM

There will also be a green turf area for functional workouts like sled pushes and agility drills. A posing room with 360-degree mirrors and dimmable lighting will help athletes prepare for competitions.

Another room is being converted into a soundproof podcast studio. It will be available for content creators who want to livestream or record onsite.

In the front lobby, members will find a retail section with nutritional supplements, fitness gear, and branded merchandise. While there won’t be locker rooms, lockers will be available along the walls.

The building was previously home to the duPont REGISTRY Group, a luxury car marketplace. It now also houses Dress the Population, a formalwear and bridal brand.

Jeff Clapacs of Commercial Partners Realty represented the Lunsfords in the lease deal.

Lunsford began his professional bodybuilding career in 2017. He moved from Indiana to the Tampa Bay area in 2018 after being invited to train by a fellow athlete.

“I love the community and the weather,” he said. “I’ve even convinced a lot of friends and influencers to move here.”

Last month, Lunsford won the 2025 Arnold Classic, one of bodybuilding’s most prestigious competitions. He defeated reigning Mr. Olympia Samson Dauda to take the title. He now has over 1.4 million followers on Instagram, where he shares training content and personal milestones.

“We want people who are serious about their goals,” Lunsford said. “Whether you want to become a pro, grow your YouTube channel, or just improve in a supportive space—this gym is for you.”

General Manager Madison Robinson, who is also a registered nurse, says the buildout is nearly complete and the team is targeting a mid-June opening.

The gym is located in amulti-tenant warehouse building at 3051 Tech Drive | loopnet

They’re also hoping to partner with local sports teams and nearby employers, including the Amazon Delivery Management Facility located across the street.

Champs Elysium Gym will have a tiered membership model with month-to-month and year-long contract options as well as day and week passes. It’s expected to serve hundreds of members and guests.

Champs Elysium Gym will be open Monday through Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Hours will change on the weekend.

Be sure to follow Champs Elysium Gym on Instagram to stay up to date.