Business Details
Your 24/7 Fitness Destination in Pensacola
Pensacola Athletic Center was founded on the belief that fitness is more than physical exerciseit's a holistic journey encompassing mental and spiritual well-being. Our owners, Shawn and Katie Karai, bring over 22 years of combined experience in the fitness industry, driven by personal stories of overcoming adversity through health. Shawn's recovery from a life-altering accident through gym rehabilitation and Katie's success in competitive fitness competitions shape our mission to empower others. We offer state-of-the-art facilities, including strength training zones, cardio platforms, and specialized classes like Zumba and HIIT, alongside amenities such as childcare, tennis courts, and outdoor workout spaces.Our team of certified trainers, including Erica (Master's in Kinesiology) and Austin (ISSA Certified), delivers personalized programs rooted in evidence-based practices. With 24/7 access for members and a focus on community, we provide a welcoming environment where individuals of all fitness levels can thrive. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our modern equipment, transparent pricing, and testimonials highlighting exceptional customer service and facility cleanliness.
Services
24/7 Gym Access
Group Fitness Classes
Tennis Courts
Childcare Services
Swim Lessons
Outdoor Workout Area
Dry Saunas
Personal Training
Pickleball
Senior Fitness Programs
Highlights and features
- 24/7 access accommodating all schedules
- Certified trainers with advanced fitness education
- Over 22 years combined owner experience in rehabilitation and competitive fitness
- Complimentary group classes for all fitness levels
- Integrated childcare and family-friendly amenities
What people say
24-hour access
Clean equipment
Friendly staff
Great childcare
Excellent Zumba classes
Services
24/7 Gym Access
Our 24-hour gym provides unrestricted access to premium fitness equipment including Arsenal Strength machines, Hammer Strength free weights, and Matrix cardio platforms. Members enjoy 24/7 availability for flexible workout scheduling. The facility maintains strict cleanliness standards and offers dry saunas for post-workout recovery.
Group Fitness Classes
Complimentary classes include Zumba, HIIT, yoga, and senior fitness programs. Certified instructors lead sessions tailored for all skill levels. The schedule features over 30 weekly classes, including specialized offerings like Pound drumming workouts and aqua aerobics in our seasonal pool.
Personal Training
Certified trainers deliver customized programs combining strength training, nutrition guidance, and sports-specific conditioning. Services include 1:1 sessions and online coaching with evidence-based methodologies. Our team holds advanced degrees in exercise science and specialized certifications in muscle development.
Childcare Services
Licensed childcare available six days weekly with membership add-on pricing at $29.99/month per child. The KidFit room offers supervised activities for children aged 6 weeks to 12 years. Parental liability waivers required for first-time visits with capacity limits during peak hours.
Tennis Facilities
Six clay courts with LED lighting for evening play, available since 1984. The facility hosts USTA teams and offers court rentals for private sessions. Members receive priority booking access with guest privileges available during designated hours.
People
Shawn Karai
Owner
With 11+ years in fitness post-rehabilitation from a severe motorcycle accident, Shawn transformed adversity into passion. His personal journey informs our focus on accessible, transformative fitness solutions for all ability levels.
Katie Karai
Owner
A nationally qualified bikini competitor since 2015, Katie brings expertise in physique development and women's fitness. Her competitive background shapes our approach to goal-oriented training and holistic wellness programs.
Erica
Personal Trainer
Holds Master's in Kinesiology with PhD pursuit in Exercise Science. Specializes in strength conditioning and nutrition, offering science-backed programs for muscle development and performance optimization through both in-person and virtual coaching.
Austin
Personal Trainer
ISSA Certified with expertise in sports fitness and sustainable habit development. Creates personalized workout plans integrating mental resilience training, emphasizing enjoyable, lifestyle-adaptable fitness solutions for long-term success.
Jay Buya
General Manager
Oversees daily operations with focus on member experience and facility standards. Maintains communication channels for feedback implementation, ensuring alignment with our community-centric fitness philosophy and service excellence.
Questions
What membership options are available?
We offer 24/7 gym memberships at $59.99/month, couples memberships at $94.98/month, and tennis-specific memberships at $69.99/month.
Are group classes included with membership?
All group fitness classes, including Zumba, HIIT, and yoga, are complimentary for members with over 30 weekly sessions available.
Do you provide childcare services?
KidFit childcare is available six days weekly as a $29.99/month membership add-on with licensed supervision for children aged 6 weeks to 12 years.
What tennis facilities are available?
Six clay courts with LED lighting operate seven days weekly for members, featuring USTA team participation and private lesson scheduling options.
Are swim lessons offered?
Private 30-minute swim lessons (4 sessions) cost $125 for members or $150 for non-members, requiring swimwear, towel, and goggles.
What personal training qualifications exist?
Trainers hold advanced degrees in exercise science, ISSA certifications, and specialized expertise in strength conditioning and sports nutrition.
