A fitness center in Indianapolis had its roof ripped away during the severe thunderstorms that ripped through the South and central U.S. last week. Now, owners are scrambling to save equipment and find a solution to the damage.
Feel Good Naked Fitness was founded by Tiffany Wheatley in the Fountain Square neighborhood of Indianapolis more than 20 years ago. Wheatley focuses on personal training and bodybuilding with clients. She builds custom workout plans and even dietary plans for all gym members. FGNF’s gym space previously had an industrial feel, with exposed brick walls, concrete floors, and industrial beams. Now, it faces the open sky.
According to 13WTHR, “Wheatley woke up Wednesday, April 2 to the roof coming off her home and gym, which is next door. The storm not only ripped off the roof but caused water damage, destroying sewer pipes and damaging electrical wiring.”
Photos taken of the damage show entire sections of the roof stripped away like paper. Inside the fitness center, pieces of roof and ceiling material are covering the weights and other equipment.
Wheatley told 13WTHR, that her insurance is refusing to cover any roof repairs, claiming the damage is the result of “an act of God.” Without any help from insurance, Wheatley is facing hundreds of thousands of dollars in repairs.
“Wheatley said she is grateful for Gladiator Roofing and Restoration for putting a temporary roof on for free.” The temporary solution has bought her some time to assess the full extent of the damage, identify useable equipment and continue training clients on a smaller scale.
"I mean, everything that I worked for, for probably 20 to 22 years, was gone in like 10 minutes. So, it's been hard. I'm not really taking it in completely yet," Wheatley said.
Wheatley and her team have started a GoFundMe to start the rebuilding process and reached out to members on social media to ask for help. The goal is to raise $50,000.
