Mid-City Gym: Where a Community is Built on More Than Muscle

In Somerset, a local gym is challenging fitness norms by prioritizing personal growth and a sense of belonging over heavy weights and high-intensity training.

Image Courtesy of Mid-City Gym (C) 2025 All Rights Reserved

Somerset, Kentucky (SPA)---In a world where fitness facilities often prioritize flashy logos and online presence over genuine community, Mid-City Gym stands as a refreshing exception. Owner Eli Coffey has created something special—a place where holding the door for someone matters more than the weight on your barbell, and where every member's journey is celebrated regardless of their starting point.

From Dream to Reality

Eli Coffey's path to gym ownership wasn't conventional. A competitive athlete since his teens with experience in fighting, grappling, powerlifting, and bodybuilding, Coffey discovered his true calling when he began coaching in 2014. "It was my dream to have my own gym to help others reach their goals," he reflects. In 2016, alongside business partner and close friend Annelee Jayme, that dream became reality with the opening of Mid-City Gym.

What started as a vision in a small building on Monticello Street has evolved into a thriving 6,000-square-foot facility that serves as the heart of Somerset's fitness community. Yet despite the growth, Coffey's core mission remains unchanged: "to offer the best possible atmosphere where everyone feels welcome and supported in their journey to become better."

More Than Just a Gym

Walk into Mid-City Gym and you'll quickly understand what sets it apart. This isn't a place where intimidation rules or where beginners feel out of place. When asked about what makes an impressive bench press at his gym, Coffey's response reveals everything about the culture he's fostered: "I care more about whether you held the door for the person coming in behind you than how much you bench."

This philosophy of community, rather than competition, creates an atmosphere where professional athletes train alongside fitness newcomers, where someone lifting 5 pounds receives the same encouragement as someone lifting 500. "The gym is for everyone to grow and improve," Coffey emphasizes, and that inclusive spirit permeates every corner of the facility.

World-Class Training, Local Heart

Don't mistake the welcoming atmosphere for a lack of expertise. Mid-City Gym boasts some of the region's most accomplished trainers. Coffey himself coaches clients and athletes across the globe, including those competing at world championship professional levels. His business partner, Annelee Jayme, is a pro elite powerlifter and accomplished trainer in her own right.

The training team includes Brian Vinsant, who brings decades of experience from gyms across the country, including the original Gold's Gyms in California, where he worked alongside bodybuilding legends. Dylan, another key team member, has worked closely with Coffey for years, contributing to the gym's reputation for exceptional coaching.

Beyond personal training, Mid-City offers cycling classes three times weekly with top-tier spin bikes, ensuring members have access to diverse fitness opportunities. But regardless of the service, the approach remains consistent: "We focus on the individual. Whatever goals they have, that's our goal for them."

Transformation Stories That Inspire

The accurate measure of Mid-City Gyms' success lies in the remarkable transformations of its members. The gym has witnessed incredible journeys: members who began their fitness journey and eventually stepped onto national-level bodybuilding stages, individuals who lost over 200 pounds and came off medications, and people who recovered from major surgeries to reclaim their health and vitality.

These aren't just statistics—they're a testament to the power of combining expert guidance with genuine community support. "The proudest moments for me are seeing our members reach their goals and get to places they didn't feel possible," Coffey shares, his passion for his members' success evident in every word.

A Community Investment

Mid-City Gym's impact extends far beyond its walls. The team actively partners with local schools and organizations, offering seminars, speaking to teams, and providing sponsorship support. This commitment to community involvement reflects Coffey's understanding that fitness is about more than individual achievement; it's about creating ripple effects that improve entire communities.

"The reach exceeds the gym walls," Coffey notes, recognizing how members carry their newfound health knowledge and habits into their daily lives, influencing family, friends, and colleagues throughout Somerset.

Your Fitness Journey Starts Here

For those considering beginning or revitalizing their fitness journey, Coffey offers straightforward wisdom: "Be patient and keep putting in work. Improving takes time." He emphasizes the importance of changing daily habits and being conscious of decisions regarding food and exercise, while acknowledging that guidance—especially early on—can significantly accelerate progress.

At Mid-City Gym, that guidance comes not just from world-class trainers, but from a community that embodies the philosophy Coffey has cultivated from day one: "Think 'we' not 'me' when you step through those doors—we're a team."

Looking Forward

As Mid-City Gym continues to grow and evolve, Coffey's vision remains clear: reaching more people and helping them achieve their health and fitness goals. The gym's success story—from humble beginnings to a 6,000-square-foot facility—serves as proof that when you prioritize people over profit and create a community that supports both competitive and individual goals with the same enthusiasm, remarkable things happen.

Whether you're a complete beginner taking your first steps toward better health, an experienced athlete looking to take your training to the next level, or someone seeking a supportive community to help you through a fitness transformation, Mid-City Gym offers something increasingly rare in today's fitness landscape: a place where everyone belongs and everyone succeeds.

As Coffey puts it, "Anne and I would like to thank anyone who has supported us in any manner over the years... It's only been possible through our members and community." Now, the question is: are you ready to become part of that community?

Mid-City Gym is located in Somerset, Kentucky, and offers personal training, group classes, and cycling programs. For more information about membership and services, visit the gym or contact their team of experienced trainers.