Chamber Spotlight: Anytime Fitness More Than a Gym: Anytime Fitness Panama City Builds a Community of Strength, Support, and Purpose
By Dan Willems, Owner & General Manager, Anytime Fitness Panama City
What happens when a mission for personal health, military discipline, and faith-driven purpose comes together under one roof? You get Anytime Fitness Panama City — a locally owned, veteran-operated wellness hub that’s redefining what a gym can be.
Opened on March 12, 2025, by retired Air Force veteran Dan Willems, this 24/7 facility offers much more than weights and treadmills. “I started this gym to shine the brightest light with what God has given me,” says Willems. Inspired by a quote from Marianne Williamson’s “A Return to Love,” this captures my ‘why.’ It’s about showing up fully, so others feel empowered to do the same.”
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” ― Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of “A Course in Miracles”
At Anytime Fitness Panama City, training, nutrition, and recovery form the foundation of a complete wellness journey. The gym features:
– One-on-one personal training
– Group fitness programs
– Red light therapy for recovery
– And AF Nutrition, a flexible platform offering both self-guided and coach-led nutrition programs to support healthier habits across every budget and lifestyle.
“We’re not just a gym,” Willems adds. “We’re a hub for transformation. Whether someone is brand new to fitness or already committed to wellness, this is a supportive space where they can grow, sweat, and succeed — at their own pace.”
The gym’s approachable, all-levels environment stands out in a sometimes intimidating industry. As Willems puts it, “The gym doesn’t have to feel scary. It can feel like home.”
That same spirit of support extends beyond the club’s walls. Anytime Fitness Panama City actively participates in Chamber of Commerce events, supports the Emerald Coast Business Women’s Association, and contributes to the Children’s Miracle Network through Sam’s Club. Giving back is at the core of our mission, just as we coach members toward healthier lives.
Ready to check it out? New and prospective members are invited to schedule a free, no-pressure tour or consultation directly at:
https://www.anytimefitness.com/schedule-an-appointment-online?location_id=5481
Looking ahead, Willems hopes to create a thriving gym that fosters success stories, promotes deeper community outreach, and has a lasting impact on Bay County’s health and fitness culture.
As the famous quote he lives by reminds us:
“As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.”
Find anytime fitness at 107 W. 23rd Street, Suite W-8, in Panama City. For more information, call (850) 818-8184 or visit their website at https://www.anytimefitness.com/locations/panama-city-florida-5481#memberships.
