Gallagher Fitness: Join the group that gets you moving

“The body was meant to move,” said Susan Gallagher, co-owner of Gallagher Fitness. Specializing in selling comfortable shoes, Gallagher Fitness has helped get people moving since 1997.

John and Susan Gallagher planned to develop a running community from the very beginning of Gallagher Fitness’s inception in 1997. “Having running groups was always part of the business plan,” Susan said. Today, Gallagher Fitness hosts a number of running groups nearly every day, providing active opportunities for people of all fitness levels.

Their most popular group, Monday Runday, meets at Gallagher Fitness downtown every Monday around 6 p.m. The group’s 60 weekly participants choose between a 5k run or a two-mile walk through Riverfront Park and part of Minto-Brown Island Park. The night concludes with participants sharing a meal and drinks at a local eatery. “Go at your own pace. Meet new people. It’s just a fun way to end your Monday and start the week off on a good note,” Susan said. People of all ages, genders, and activity levels can participate in Monday Runday, no formal commitment or participation fees required.

Gallagher Fitness also hosts a 12-week running program called Princess Steps, offering weekly fitness seminars, workout plans, accountability partners, and running tips for women 18 or older. The program costs $140 and offers a fall and spring session. The fall session kicks off on August 7th, but participants are welcome to register up until August 19th.

Princess Steps offers a walk group, walk-to-run transition group and a run group, providing a space for women of all activity levels. That name refers to proper running form. “When we started this, we referenced good form as ‘princess steps,’” Susan said. “It’s a constant reminder to use good form and not over-stride.”

“What do I get for $140? You get a lot,” Susan said. “One of the best things you get is built-in accountability buddies.” Participants often connect with partners to tackle their weekly workout routine together, developing healthy habits and strong relationships.

“We all have a passion for helping people get fit, stay fit, stay injury-free and be healthy,” Susan said. “A big part of that is getting them into good shoes that fit appropriately.” Customers can receive a full-service shoe-fitting assessment any time at no cost. 

Though it boasts numerous health benefits, running remains an intimidating activity for many people. Susan said ambition often causes people to suffer from a “too much injury, too much, too soon, too fast.” “We encourage people to start slowly and increase gradually,” Susan said. They recommend people begin their fitness journey at a conversational pace. This keeps the everyday athlete engaged and growing, providing the long-term results many people hope for but few achieve.

Whether you’re hoping to meet new friends or train for the Boston Marathon, Gallagher Fitness provides the right equipment and the right community for every athlete. “If you just start one day a week,” Susan said, “you might be surprised how much fun you have.”