Iowa Native Brings Midwest Values to Palm Springs Fitness Scene

Former Iowan Chad Ryan traded Seattle's rain for the California desert, opening Atlas Training Gym in Palm Springs and bringing small-town Midwest community values with him. His success story highlights how an Iowa upbringing can shape entrepreneurship thousands of miles from home, offering a blueprint for Iowans looking to escape the winter cold without sacrificing their fitness routines or sense of community.

How an Iowa Native Built a Desert Fitness Community

Chad Ryan, 54, spent two years in Seattle before relocating to Palm Springs. But it was his Iowa roots that ultimately shaped his vision for Atlas Training Gym, a high-end private training studio in the heart of the city.

I grew up in the Midwest, in Iowa, and I forgot how much I like small communities, Ryan told Men's Health. That realization became the foundation of his business model, where staff emphasizes personal connection just as much as physical training.

Atlas Training Gym offers private sessions for $110 and small group training for three or four people at $65 per person. For Iowans visiting the area, the gym also provides day passes and drop-in yoga on Saturdays.

Where Iowans Can Train in Palm Springs

Beyond Ryan's gym, the Palm Springs area offers several fitness options for travelers wanting to maintain their workout routines. Trainer Joe's Fitness in nearby Palm Desert focuses on functional training, including macebell work and rowing movements that replicate everyday motions. Owner Aarron Johnson, 41, opened the gym in 2016 and offers both small group classes and one-on-one sessions.

For Iowans accustomed to wide open spaces and outdoor activity, the desert landscape provides unique training opportunities, provided visitors time their activities correctly.

Best Hiking Trails Near Palm Springs

Palm Springs offers several trails that appeal to active travelers, though local experts warn that timing is everything in the desert.

Johnson recommends the Bump and Grind trail, a 3.1-mile loop with moderate difficulty that gets the heart rate up. Ryan suggests the South Lykken trail, a moderate 2.2-mile hike with a 643-foot elevation change. You'll be huffing and puffing by the time you reach the top, Ryan says, but the views make the effort worthwhile.

Both trainers emphasize that shade is scarce on area trails, making sun protection essential.

When Should Iowans Avoid Desert Hiking?

Local wisdom is clear on this point. Summer temperatures in Palm Springs regularly exceed 100 degrees between June and September, making strenuous outdoor activity dangerous.

Summertime starts when they pull someone off of that hill, Johnson warns. For Iowans planning summer visits, Ryan recommends skipping the trails entirely and taking the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up Mount San Jacinto instead, where temperatures run about 20 degrees cooler than the valley floor.

Whenever you hike, carrying plenty of water is non-negotiable.

Coffee and Fuel Spots for Active Travelers

Palm Springs may not rival Iowa's coffee culture, but it offers solid options for visitors needing a pre-workout boost. Koffi, with three locations including Koffi North, Koffi Central, and Koffi South, features outdoor seating with mountain views that are particularly striking in morning light.

Travelers entering from the north can stop at Cartel Roasting Co., one of the first coffee shops encountered on the way into the city.

Where to Grab a Post-Workout Meal

The Heyday serves up a martini-and-burger special for $19.75, pairing a smashburger with an ice-cold martini. The double patty burger provides solid protein after a workout, and a basket of chicken wings adds extra fuel.

For more variety, 1501 Uptown Gastropub offers burgers, Cubanos, and classic gin cocktails in a relaxed setting.

Unique Desert Activities for Adventure Seekers

The BMW Performance Center West in Thermal, about 40 minutes from Palm Springs airport, lets visitors drive BMWs on three racing loops featuring tight corners and fast straightaways. The facility continues a desert racing tradition that dates back to Hollywood legend James Dean.

For something different, FootGolf at The Lights at Indio GC combines soccer and golf. Players kick a soccer ball into a 21-inch hole in as few shots as possible, navigating bunkers just like traditional golf. It's the only course in the area lit up at night.

Cultural Stops Worth the Time

The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum tells the story of the native people whose history is inseparable from the Palm Springs region. It's a stop that adds depth to any desert visit and provides important context about the area's original inhabitants.

Tahquitz Canyon offers a seasonal 60-foot waterfall as a reward for hikers willing to make the trek. Visitors should check the website beforehand to confirm the waterfall is flowing.

What Makes Palm Springs a Good Winter Escape for Iowans?

For Iowans tired of bitter cold and gray skies, Palm Springs offers reliable sunshine, outdoor recreation, and a growing fitness community built on values familiar to anyone from the Midwest. Ryan's success with Atlas Training Gym proves that small-town community spirit translates well to the desert, making it a destination where active Iowans can feel at home while escaping winter.

Is Palm Springs Safe for Solo Travelers?

Palm Springs is generally considered safe for solo travelers, with a walkable downtown area and well-lit streets. As with any destination, standard precautions apply, particularly when hiking remote trails alone.

How Far Is Palm Springs from Major Airports?

Palm Springs is roughly a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Los Angeles. The city also has its own regional airport, making it accessible for Iowans flying direct or connecting through major hubs.