Essex Junction residents now have a larger place to try obstacle-course training close to home. The Vermont Ninja Warrior Training Center, started by the Tower family in 2015, has expanded into a new 7,400-square-foot facility that owners say operates year-round and is open seven days a week.
The gym serves both casual visitors and competitive athletes preparing for national exposure. Local competitor Amir Malik — known by his nickname, “Sonic” — has been on four seasons of American Ninja Warrior and said he’s applying for a fifth. Malik and fellow Vermont contestant Rose Lord are among those who train at the center.
What the center offers residents
Owner Christopher Tower recounted how the idea began when local families watched the TV show and found there was nowhere in Vermont to practice. Over the past 11 years, that small effort has grown into a community resource that Tower says is putting the state on the map for obstacle-course training.
- Open access: The facility is available every day of the week, year-round.
- Progressive courses: Members and drop-in visitors encounter different obstacle layouts regularly, keeping challenges fresh.
- Community impact: Local athletes report receiving messages from people inspired by seeing a Vermonter compete on television.
"We had all seen the show; this was like back at season four, and we said, what if we built a little space for people to try this cause there's nothing in Vermont?" Tower said.
Trainers emphasize that the sport is accessible. Tower noted the combination of physical and mental challenge that obstacle training provides and that no prior experience is required for newcomers. The center draws a mix of kids, fitness-minded adults and serious competitors who use the space to prepare for regional and national events.
| Opening year | Current size | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 7,400 sq ft | Open seven days a week, year-round |
For residents, the center represents a new fitness option and a place where young people can see local role models reach wider audiences. Athletes like Malik say community response — messages telling them kids are inspired by their participation — is among the most rewarding parts of competing on television.
As it grows, the gym’s operators say they want to keep it welcoming for newcomers while continuing to support athletes aiming for competitive stages like American Ninja Warrior. The center’s evolution reflects a broader trend of specialized training facilities emerging in smaller communities across New England.
