SAN DIEGO — Stern’s Gym, a local gym that has been open for 77 years, will soon be closing. It's a place renowned bodybuilders have trained. There's a sense of community that has made it a place San Diegans have loved for decades.
Inside you'll see old school equipment and memorabilia on the walls.
“People from all over the world would come and train here because of the history that we have," said Loynie Brown, the gym’s owner.
He made sure to keep its history alive when he took over the family business from his father Shannon M. Brown.
“It was a ride, quite a ride and so many memoires," Shannon M. Brown said.
He bought the gym from the original owner Leo Stern. He was introduced to many of the legends who frequented the gym.
“Legendary Bill Pearl who was a professional body builder, he introduced me to Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno the incredible hulk. He wanted all these people to know me since I was taking over the gym," he said.
Over the decades, Stern’s Gym has become a second home for many people.
“There’s a lot of love. It’s like a big family, the iron family. If you’re down, people pick you up," Phil said.
Phil said he's been a member since 1987.
“This place has been an anchor in my life. I just hope Loynie can find a way to keep it open," said Paul Contreras, who has visited the gym since 1980.
Loynie Brown says the building was sold to a new owner who is tripling their rent. They had to make a tough decision and announced this week they'll be closing their doors, on Tuesday June 4.
“I want to say thanks for the memories. Everything happens for a reason so we just hope that reason come up and we can all be happy," Shannon M. Brown said.
This chapter may be ending but they’re hopeful they’ll find a way to keep the legacy alive.
“It was looking pretty rough but now things are starting to pickup and there’s light at the end of the tunnel," Loynie Brown said.
Stern's Gym is looking to raise $100,000 to relocate the gym and has a GoFundMe, here.
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