Midlands gym muscles its way into a new space off Clemson Road

Spud Inc — the gym formerly known as SC Bar Bells, and the manufacturing company of strength training straps for competitive strength athletes worldwide — has moved into new digs just off of Clemson Road in Northeast Richland.

Susan Finley and husband Marc “Spud” Bartley moved into one of two brand new 10,000-square-foot buildings on Quality Court on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018. The new space will be home to the renamed gym, a supplement shop and their line of Spud Inc strength straps and gear.

The couple started SC Bar Bells at Sesqui Station in 2003. Bartley was a competitive elite powerlifter so the small, “quirky” gym became known as the place for strength trainers and body builders. The workouts also garnered a following from regular folks who didn’t want to join a traditional gym.

Bartley began making durable training straps and belts for people who were serious about powerlifting because he couldn’t find a product at the time that would handle the daily punishment that comes with the training. Today, Spud Inc products are used by powerlifters, body builders and strength trainers all over the world.

The new gym will feature an expanded workout space and garage doors that open up the facility on sunny days. Hours will be Monday through Friday, 6 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

A second building at the location will be leased to a Crossfit facility.

This story was originally published January 11, 2018 at 12:04 PM with the headline "Midlands gym muscles its way into a new space off Clemson Road."