Cutting the Ribbon on Xcel Fitness

By Don Manley

It’s a case of so far, so good for Xcel Fitness Spa, Marco Island’s newest, large-scale exercise center.

Located in a 6,300-square-foot space in the Shops of Marco, off San Marco Road, Xcel has attracted a loyal following since opening last Feburary, said the business’ owner, Eddy Hoyo.

“Here we are 11 months later and business is great,” he said recently. “We had a great summer sign-up from residents and season’s starting now, and we’re getting a great response from our out-of-towners. So we’re looking forward to a great season and growing Xcel in the best it can be.”

As Hoyo spoke,

sounds of revelry surrounded him, replacing the usual weekday evening din emanating from a workout facility.

The occasion was Xcel’s grand opening celebration. The well-attended, festive event included a Marco Island Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting, hors d’oeuvres, libations and Frank Steiger Photography snapping guest’s pictures on a red carpet installed outside the business’ front door.

Xcel features state-of-the art fitness and spa equipment and facilities, upscale aesthetics, steam and sauna rooms, free weights, personal training, massage and more. There are also group fitness classes, such as TRX, yoga, zumba, Callanetics and stretching mix, Karate Bo power mix and cycling.

There’s also the After

Burn Lounge, which features a smoothie bar, gourmet coffee and healthy snacks.

The business opened its doors for the first time last Feb. 17. Hoyo waited until he felt the time was right before holding the grand opening. “It was a brand new facility with a lot of technology, and we wanted to make sure we worked all the kinks and bugs out like any new place,” he said.

Yasmin Hauber has been an Xcel member since July, when she switched from another gym. “I like that it’s new and it’s clean,” she said. “I like that it’s not carpeted, and all the

machines, I love them. You can tell they’re better quality. And I love the separate workout room. You can go in there and do what you need to do and not get in anybody’s way.”

Marty Gooch is a snowbird, who also resides in Kansas City, Mo. He was not a member of any gyms on the island until now. “This one attracted me just based on when I came in and looked at it and decided to join,” he said. “The thing I liked about Xcel is the uniqueness of the facility. It’s got kind of a different vibe to it,

a real clean facility, really good equipment.”

Regarding the future, Hoyo has plans for additional enhancements that he isn’t ready to reveal fully as of yet. However, he did offer up a small portion of what’s in store.

“One of the things that we will be doing is adding more and more equipment as the club grows,” he said. “And I’m looking at adding more specialized equipment so that people will be able to get things here that they can’t get anywhere else. More to come.”

Xcel Fitness Spa is located at 1817 San Marco Rd. in the Shops of Marco. For more information, visit www.xfspa.com or call 394-9235.