University of Iowa alum Jennifer Hoeger said it took almost two years to prepare her business, 9Round Fitness, for opening. After COVID-19 stalled the launch of the gym, the doors opened to the public on June 1.

“We did all of our business training virtually and overall had a lot of setbacks,” Hoeger said. “Even the paint companies could not make us paint because of the Texas freeze … but we are finally here.”

Hoeger graduated from the UI in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in dance and entrepreneurship and still resides in Johnson County.

“I love this area and the Iowa City community, there is so much to like and so much to do here,” Hoeger said.

The 9Round Fitness franchise specializes in a 30-minute, full-body workout following the completion of nine different fitness stations. Hoeger’s 9Round location in Coralville is the first in the area and one of more than 600 locations worldwide, a release from 9Round said.

Carter Krall, a personal trainer at 9Round, who just graduated from the UI, said instead of heavyweights and running, the workouts are focused on kickboxing and cardio, a unique aspect to the local gym.

“I saw 9Round as a great opportunity for me,” Krall said. “I have been a personal trainer but wanted something more than the typical working with the same people every day doing the same workouts.”

Krall said anyone can join the gym no matter their skill level.

“People come to me and I get their workout in, I see new people every day with each person having a different skill level,” Krall said.

Karli McClure, a UI student and new trainer for the 9Round team, said she likes learning more about kickboxing while meeting new people.

“After working with Jennifer from dance, I decided to join the team. I love fitness and helping people,” McClure said.

Hoeger said her experience at the UI motivated her to start this 9Round location near Iowa City.

“The UI taught me so much about the business side of things,” she said.

Hoeger said she wants this gym to bring people from the Iowa City area together in a fun workout environment.

“What I want people to know is that this is a place where anyone can come in, my goal is to get people in the gym with all different skill levels,” Hoeger said. “I want people to get stronger both physically and mentally. At the end of the day, it is for the people.”