Tucked away in Valley Plaza on Syracuse's Southside is a place the regulars say feels more like a community center than a gym.

"Just being a close knit unit that's here. That even helps me more, motivation from my friends and other guys at the gym," said Russell Mike.

And that's exactly what Tim Edwards hoped for when he opened the doors to Southside Fitness almost two years ago with his family.

"Everyone that comes in here feels like they are a part of something," Edwards said. "When they come in our gym, we know their name."

While Southside Fitness is smaller than your average gym, it offers everything you'd want in a workout space including the equipment, classes, personal training, free martial arts classes for kids and more. Edwards was raised around here, and says this space fills a void.

"I always wanted to go to a gym, but I couldn't afford the YMCA prices. And the distance was too much for me. So, when I opened the gym here, I was thinking of the young me,” explained Edwards.

He's here to help his neighbors because there was once a time he needed help himself.

"I used to sleep behind this building, I used to sleep outside,” Edwards recalled. “I used to sleep in cars. I slept everywhere. You name it, I was there."

He credits fitness and playing basketball for helping him overcome homelessness. By working three jobs, he got the gym up and running. This is his with way of paying it forward.

At Southside Fitness, prices are affordable and cash options are even available. What might help the most is that it's easy to get to.

"I don't drive. That's number one, so I'm able to walk here sometimes. A lot of the gyms are a little far, I have to get a ride, pay for a cab, but this place is so near my home," said Sharifah Abdul-Raheem.

And that allows her to get here a few times a week because she's a big fan of Zumba.

"I love the fact that we're here in this community," added Edwards.

And the feeling is mutual.

"I'm so grateful that it is here on this side of town," said Abdul-Raheem.

The old saying, ‘What you put in, is what you get out,’ is a lesson learned here that can be applied to both fitness and life.

This Monday, August 13, Southside Fitness will host Member Appreciation Day. It's open to the community, if anyone wants to learn more about what is offered. There will be free food, as well as a free Zumba class that starts at 6:30 p.m. You can also learn more on their Facebook page.