More gyms in Maine are catering to an older clientele
A growing number of fitness centers across Maine is tailoring workouts specifically for older adults, reflecting a national shift toward age-appropriate exercise programs. At the forefront of this trend is Spurling Fitness, a Kennebunk-based chain that has expanded to four locations in the past year — including studios in Scarborough, South Portland, and York, with another planned for Portland.
Unlike traditional gyms, Spurling’s studios are compact, ranging from 1,800 to 2,000 square feet, and designed to serve clients aged 50 and older. Each location limits membership to 120 clients and caps small-group coaching sessions at six participants to provide more individualized attention. The South Portland studio, located in a former pizza restaurant, offers free weights, kettlebells, medicine balls, and digital tablets that display customized workout routines for each member.
The demand for such specialized facilities has surged. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, fitness programs designed for older adults ranked as the second most significant trend shaping the industry in 2026. Nationally, people aged 55 and above now make up 23% of all gym memberships — a figure that has more than doubled over the past two decades and represents the fastest-growing demographic in fitness.
Maine’s baby boomer population, estimated at 390,000 residents or roughly 27.8% of the state’s total population, is a key driver of this growth. As this generation ages, many are prioritizing physical fitness not just for appearance, but for maintaining strength, balance, mobility, and overall health.
"I'm here to get in better shape and feel better overall without the distractions that come with other gyms," said Andy Mancall, a 76-year-old retired physician from Cape Elizabeth who regularly works out at Spurling’s South Portland location.
Joe Davenport, head coach at the South Portland studio, emphasizes functional movement tailored to individual capabilities. "My own philosophy is that movement is medicine," he said, underscoring the importance of adapting exercises to suit each person's unique needs.
Suzie Albiser, a 79-year-old retired bookkeeper from South Portland, appreciates both the personalized coaching and the welcoming atmosphere. "You don’t feel like you’re competing with some little lovely who can move like a swan," she noted, highlighting one aspect of these specialized gyms that sets them apart — an environment free from intimidation by younger, more athletic members.
Other fitness centers in Maine have also embraced this niche market. The Exercise Coach in Portland, which opened in 2022 and remains the national chain’s only Maine location, features proprietary workout machines instead of free weights. Sessions typically last 20 minutes and cost between $25 and $40, depending on services rendered. Like Spurling, it maintains a cap of 120 members to ensure personalized coaching.
Matt Kearns, a 54-year-old renewable energy developer from Falmouth, visits The Exercise Coach twice weekly to maintain fitness and mental clarity while managing a recent knee injury. "It’s a very efficient workout — every muscle is engaged," he said. "I like that it’s quick and because it’s scheduled, I have to do it."
Wendi O’Donovan, a 63-year-old retired teacher from Falmouth, has been attending three times per week for three years. She intensified her training before undergoing hip replacement surgery last October and credits her pre-surgery preparation for aiding recovery. "They individualize the program for me, they know how to motivate me, and they know how to distract me when I’m struggling," she said.
O’Donovan also points to broader wellness goals influencing her commitment to fitness. "I want to be healthy," she explained. "I don’t want to fall, and I want my brain to keep working."
As demographics continue shifting in Maine, experts predict that age-specific fitness offerings will become increasingly prevalent, meeting the rising expectations of an active aging population.
