Freedom Fitness
757 E Stagecoach Way Suite 103. Kuna, Idaho 83634
Bank products: SBA loan, home equity line of credit, business checking account, business money market savings, business credit cards
Years in business: 17
Years with Zions Bank: 9
Small Business Success Story: Freedom Fitness
Shane and Cathy Summers share how their passion for fitness turned this Kuna gym into a regional leader.
In many communities, gyms play a vital role in helping individuals become physically fit and make meaningful social connections. But not all gyms are created equally and Freedom Fitness shines in many ways.
Freedom Fitness, based in Kuna, Idaho, provides a robust offering of nearly 100 classes each month, designed to build connection, confidence and sustainable health. It’s also one of the few regional gyms that accepts insurance to cover the cost of membership, helping remove financial barriers to access.
The gym’s owners, Shane and Cathy Summers, discuss their entrepreneurial journey and how Zions Bank has helped support their dream of business ownership.
What do you want people to know about your small business?
Shane: “I have 30 years of experience as a personal trainer and started my fitness journey at 13 years old, then earned my personal trainer certification at 16. After I joined Freedom Fitness in 2008, we purchased the business in 2016 through an SBA 7(a) loan from Zions Bank.”
Shane: “We’re committed to helping individuals and families live healthier, more inspired lives. Our gym provides 24/7 access, group fitness classes and personal training in a welcoming, judgment-free environment for all fitness levels. Because of our commitment to excellence, we were recently recognized as the 2025 Best Gym in Kuna by BusinessRate, an award based on verified data from Google Reviews.”
Cathy: “Our gym is also deeply rooted in the community. We launched a nonprofit, Rise Above Performance and Nutrition Training, to partner with schools, churches, and local organizations to offer free training and camps for underserved youth and families across Kuna and the Treasure Valley. Since we founded our nonprofit, we’ve served over 4,000 children and provided more than 1,000 hours of coaching and mentorship.”
How did your small business grow so quickly and what did you learn from your experience?
Shane: “Strategic investments in our small business allowed us to grow quickly. We reached a major milestone in 2023 when we relocated to a larger facility. We expanded our space to 3,100 square feet, quadrupled our parking and purchased new equipment. These upgrades helped us extend training time and add new programs, which allowed us to double our gym memberships.”
Cathy: “Our takeaway is that growth requires planning and reinvestment. We’ve met steady demand by building a strong team of employees and contracted professionals. As we’ve participated in the Kuna Chamber of Commerce and supported community events like Kuna Days and the Chamber golf tournament, we’ve strengthened our local presence and attracted new customers.”
What involvement do you have in your local community?
Shane: “I serve on the board of the Kuna Chamber of Commerce, where I seek to foster collaboration, mentorship and strategic networking among small businesses. As a first-time entrepreneur, I’m passionate about helping others succeed in Kuna’s fast-changing economy.”
Cathy: “I’ve been a long-time advocate for helping children learn and grow. I serve on the board of the Kuna Boys & Girls Club, where I’ve been an active committee member since 2018, helping plan events and fundraisers that support local youth. I also serve as secretary and treasurer for Rise Above Performance and Nutrition Training.”
Why did you choose to work with Zions Bank and how has it helped your small business?
Cathy: “Zions Bank has been instrumental to the success of our small business from the very beginning. When we decided to purchase Freedom Fitness, Zions Bank helped us obtain a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) loan for us to achieve our dream of business ownership.”
Shane: “As we’ve grown, the bank has provided personalized service and guidance to help our business remain financially fit, which is something I appreciate as a fitness expert.”
Together, Shane and Cathy Summers have grown Freedom Fitness sustainably while staying true to its mission of serving people at every stage of life. Their story is a powerful example of what’s possible when passion, community commitment and the right bank come together.
Looking for a bank that’s invested in your future and can help your small business reach its financial goals? Zions Bank’s team of relationship managers can provide small business success strategies as well as funding options, including SBA loans. Visit a local Zions Bank branch to learn more.
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