Walk into Old Town Athletic Club on any given day and you’ll probably see owner Josh Slattery coaching a class, helping members, or taking care of the day-to-day details that keep the gym running.
That hands-on approach says a lot about what makes OTAC different.
In an industry increasingly dominated by large chains and corporate fitness centers, Old Town Athletic Club has built its reputation around something much simpler: great coaching, structured fitness programs, and a community that makes people want to keep showing up.
Located just north of the Poudre River Trail, OTAC has quietly become a favorite fitness destination for people throughout Fort Collins, Wellington, and the surrounding communities. Some members drive across town. Others ride their bikes to class using the city’s extensive trail network. Regardless of how they arrive, many discover that they’re getting far more than a workout.
More Than Just Another Gym
One of the first things people notice about OTAC is that it doesn’t feel like a typical gym.
The facility combines dedicated training spaces for CrossFit, HYROX, and group fitness classes with areas for members who prefer to work out independently. Members can follow structured programming, participate in coached classes, or supplement their training with recovery options like the sauna.
What you won’t find are flashy gimmicks or unnecessary distractions.
The focus is on helping people move better, get stronger, improve their health, and stay consistent.
For many members, that simplicity is refreshing.
The Biggest Misconception About CrossFit and HYROX
One of the most common concerns people have before trying a class is the belief that CrossFit or HYROX is only for highly trained athletes.
The reality is quite different.
Every workout is designed with multiple levels and modifications so people can participate based on their current fitness level. New members receive additional coaching and guidance to help them learn movements safely, build confidence, and progress at their own pace.
Nobody walks through the door already knowing how to do everything.
Everyone starts somewhere.
Whether someone is returning to fitness after years away, training for their first HYROX event, or simply looking for a more structured approach to exercise, the workouts are designed to meet them where they are.
That’s one of the reasons so many people who were initially intimidated by group fitness end up becoming long-term members.
Why Accountability Matters
Most people already know they should exercise.
The challenge isn’t finding information. It’s staying consistent.
Many gym memberships begin with good intentions, only to fade as schedules get busy and motivation comes and goes. OTAC takes a different approach.
The programming is already planned.
The coaches are already prepared.
The workout is waiting for you.
All members have to do is show up.
Over time, something else happens. Familiar faces become friends. Coaches learn your goals. Other members begin encouraging your progress. If you miss a few classes, people notice.
That sense of accountability often becomes one of the most valuable parts of the experience.
Progress Looks Different for Everyone
Ask OTAC members what success looks like, and you’ll probably get a different answer from each person.
For some, it’s losing weight. For others, it’s building strength, improving endurance, or simply creating a routine they can stick with.
One member, Enrique Diaz, joined OTAC in April 2025 after spending years bouncing between fitness routines and gym memberships.
“When I started, I was usually the last person to finish the workout,” Diaz says. “Every class felt difficult because I hadn’t worked out consistently in a long time. What surprised me was that nobody cared where I was starting. The coaches helped me scale workouts, people encouraged me, and I never felt out of place.”
Over the following year, Diaz saw significant changes in both his fitness and confidence. Beyond losing weight, he learned new movements, improved his strength, and developed skills he never thought he’d be able to perform.
“The biggest thing wasn’t the weight loss,” he says. “It was realizing how much progress you can make when you simply keep showing up. I actually enjoy working out now, which is something I never thought I’d say.”
His story reflects what many members discover after joining OTAC. Progress doesn’t happen overnight, but consistent effort, quality coaching, and community support can produce results that go far beyond physical changes.
Training for Life and Competition
While many members join to improve their overall health and fitness, others are drawn to specific training opportunities.
HYROX, one of the fastest-growing fitness competitions in the world, has become increasingly popular throughout Colorado. OTAC offers dedicated HYROX programming designed to help athletes prepare for upcoming races, including events in the Denver area.
At the same time, many members have no interest in competition at all.
Some simply want to feel stronger, move better, keep up with their kids, improve their health, or build a sustainable fitness routine.
The beauty of a coached fitness environment is that people with different goals can train alongside one another while following the same overall framework.
A Community That Extends Beyond the Gym
Fitness may bring people through the door, but the community often keeps them coming back.
It’s common to see members chatting before class, encouraging each other during workouts, or making plans after a Saturday morning session. Many friendships have started inside the gym and continued well beyond it.
Located just minutes from Old Town, OTAC’s central location makes it easy for members to connect both inside and outside the facility. Whether it’s grabbing coffee after a workout, meeting up for brunch, or supporting one another during local events, the relationships built here often extend beyond fitness.
In a world where many people feel increasingly disconnected, that sense of community matters.
Is Old Town Athletic Club Right for Everyone?
Probably not.
Some people prefer working out alone, putting on headphones, and following their own routine without interacting with others.
There’s nothing wrong with that.
But for people looking for expert coaching, structured programming, accountability, and a supportive community, Old Town Athletic Club offers something different from the traditional gym experience.
The best way to understand it is to experience it yourself.
Sign up for a free trial, drop into a class, meet the coaches, and get a feel for the community.
You might discover what many Fort Collins residents already have: fitness becomes a lot more enjoyable when you don’t have to do it alone.
