Beginning next month, residents of Dowagiac and surrounding communities will have a new place to get in their daily dose of exercise, whether it’s in the morning, at lunchtime, in the evening or late at night.

Indiana-based fitness chain FitStop is in the process of moving into a new location downtown, at the intersection of Front and Commercial streets. The 24/7 gym is currently accepting members, and is expected to open its doors for customers on Jan. 5, according to manager Tony Komins.

Started in 1994, FitStop currently has four other locations, in Granger, Elkhart, Osceola and Middlebury. The Dowagiac branch is the first expansion the company has made into Michigan.

“We’ve received a lot of feedback from the community who were excited about us coming to town,” Komins said. “They are ready to welcome a new gym, and have a place to work out that’s there 24/7.”

The gym will occupy the building formerly held by the Red Raven clothing company, and will house a variety of cardio equipment, such as treadmills and elliptical machines, and free and mechanical weights. It will also have locker rooms and shower facilities for members.

“The lights of downtown are right there, shining through those big glass windows,” Komins said. “I think it will be an exciting location for customers to visit.”

Several other perks and amenities will be provided to customers, such as Zumba, yoga and other group exercise classes. The facility will also have a supervised children’s area, so parents will be able bring their kids with them while they use the gym equipment or participate in class.

“You don’t have to fit your schedule around your kids’ schedules,” Komins said. “You can come in whenever and get your workout in.”

Both fitness classes and the childcare center are expected to be introduced by the end of January, the manager said.

FitStop is currently offering special discounted memberships to people who sign up before the opening, with rates as long $19.99 a month, Komins said. The gym offers both individual and family packages, which can be paid on a monthly or annual basis.

“For what we offer, you’re not going to find another gym in the area, or even throughout the rest of Michiana, that provides these kinds of services at our rates,” Komins said.

For more information call (574) 272-2222.