05/01/2026
Freedom Fitness Enters a New Chapter Under Egesdal Brothers’ Ownership, Continuing Its Commitment to the Community
FOREST CITY, IOWA — 5/1/26 — Freedom Fitness, the locally trusted 24/7 fitness center serving Forest City and surrounding areas, is proud to announce its new ownership group, Zach and Zarren Egesdal. The transition marks an exciting new chapter for the gym while preserving the values, access, and community-first approach members have come to rely on.
Founded in 2020 by Brett and Allyson Wilson, Freedom Fitness has become a staple in the Forest City community, while also serving residents from area towns, contractors, guests, and more.
Freedom Fitness will continue operating as a 24/7 facility, offering members the flexibility to train on their own schedule. Existing memberships, access hours, and day-to-day operations will remain unchanged.
“As Forest City lifers, it’s an honor to step into ownership of Freedom Fitness,” said Zarren Egesdal, co-owner of Freedom Fitness.
“This gym is more than a place to work out - it’s a space where we support one another, routines are built, and goals are achieved. Our priority is to protect that culture while making thoughtful improvements that benefit our members,” added Zach Egesdal, co-owner.
The Egesdal brothers are committed to keeping the Wilsons’ original dream-to-reality vision for a locally owned 24/7 fitness center with premium equipment alive for decades to come. Plans include continued investment in equipment, cleanliness, and safety, along with future upgrades that members will begin seeing immediately.
“We want to say THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts. The last 5.5 years have been an incredible journey for our family,” said Brett and Allyson Wilson. They added, “What started as a pipe dream turned into a reality through a lot of hard work, determination, and—most importantly—the support of this amazing community.”
Personal training will remain unchanged at Freedom Fitness under the new ownership. Shari Lynn Hertel will remain as the gym’s senior trainer. “I can’t wait to partner with the Egesdal brothers to see how we can provide more health and wellness education services to Forest City and North Iowa,” said Hertel.
Hertel is an award-winning fitness professional who earned four pro cards throughout her competitive career. She holds a bachelor’s degree in health and wellness and is NASM certified in personal training, nutrition coaching, and posture correction. “Keeping Shari was a main focus of ours. Her wealth of knowledge is unmatched in this area, but we also have plans to add more trainers,” added co-owner Zarren Egesdal.
Freedom Fitness has long been known for its welcoming, judgment-free environment and accessibility for people at every stage of their fitness journey. That mission remains unchanged: to provide a reliable, comfortable place where the community can stay active - anytime, day or night.
“We’re here for the long term,” added Zarren Egesdal. “From what we’ve learned from the Wilsons, Freedom Fitness exists because of its members, and every decision moving forward will be made with them in mind.”
For more information about Freedom Fitness or memberships, visit Freedom Fitness on Facebook or Instagram. Interested in becoming a member? Sign up now at freedomfitnessfc.gymmasteronline.com, then contact the gym by calling 641-590-6905 or emailing [email protected] to schedule an appointment to receive your key fob
