A Cumming gym is under new ownership and management.

Tiffani Hartley said she and her husband, Chris, purchased Gold’s Gym from former owner Bill Howell on Feb. 18.

She said most of the staffing remains the same at the gym, which is in Tri-County Plaza on Hwy. 9.

Hartley, who has worked at the gym for 11 years as lead personal trainer, said she and her husband plan to continue with the Gold’s “vision,” while adding new programs and becoming more involved in the community.

“We want everyone to feel welcome to come in and truly make changes in their lives,” Hartley said. “Fitness has to be a commitment for life, not just wanting to get in shape for spring or summer.”

This is the second year the gym has conducted a weight-loss challenge similar to television’s “Biggest Loser.”

Hartley said 25 people from the community were chosen to take part in the effort. Although most of them are not gym members, they can use the facilities during the six-week challenge time period.

“That’s just one of the programs we want to offer to the community,” Hartley said.

Others will include summer camps for children and teens and new classes and styles of training for members.

Hartley said she hopes her love of a healthy lifestyle will be an inspiration for both old and new Gold’s members.

“Fitness is my passion,” she said. “When you have an owner living it and having a presence, I think that makes a difference for people.”