Leap of Faith: Lemoyne gym aims to empower through community fitness – TheBurg

People of all ages congregate daily at Kingdom Fit in Lemoyne. Some of their differences are obvious, others are not, but none of that matters because everyone looks the same in gym clothes.

Harry King opened Kingdom Fit in Lemoyne in 2022 to unite people of all races, genders, educational backgrounds, classes, ethnicities and ages. King is a Harrisburg-area native who was tired of the divisions that often weakened the community during his youth.

“No matter where you came from, you are just in here working out,” King said.

Kingdom Fit’s motto is “Iron Sharpens Iron,” from the Bible’s Proverbs 27:17. The entire passage states, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” King strives to sharpen others and show appreciation for those who helped him.

Several years ago, King began a personal journey to improve his physical, mental and spiritual health. He began coaching basketball and powerlifting but found coaching to be his true passion. He joined the training staff at Gold’s Gym in Camp Hill and started promoting his services using the Instagram handle, “Kingdom Fit,” drawing inspiration from his last name and his strong faith.

“Without that, none of this would be possible,” King said. “I am a firm believer in doing things for the good.”

The name took off. One day, an entire fitness class surprised him by wearing Kingdom Fit shirts.

Gold’s closed in 2022, leaving King and his clients in a lurch. Like King always pushed them to embrace new challenges, his clients encouraged him to embrace opportunity and open his own business.

Starting a business is a big endeavor, but King was not alone.

Mike Donovan of Midstate Carpet Masters, one of King’s clients, stepped up to install flooring. Other members painted walls, donated equipment, and helped to design the space. After two years in operation, the sense of community continues as members push each other, form friendships that extend outside of the gym’s walls, or step up to babysit each other’s children so parents can exercise without distractions.

“It’s so surreal to see how people are coming together,” King said. “When I wanted unity, I didn’t see this.”

Kingdom Fit offers personal training and group personal training through classes such as Butts and Gutz, Cardio XP and Power Yoga. King and his staff keep a close eye on their clients to ensure they not only reach their potential but avoid injury by using proper form.

King is proud to welcome everyone into his gym, regardless of age or physical fitness level.
At Kingdom Fit, a 91-year-old man often exercises next to teenagers and young adults.

King also runs Kingdom Empowerment, a nonprofit organization that helps develop youth ages 12 to 21. King and his staff aim for the program’s participants to return as mentors to the next generation.

“Too many of our young people are navigating through life without a sense of purpose, which leads to the opportunity for them to be misguided, and that must stop,” he said.

The organization hosts a 10-week “Responsibilities and Morals” program that combines physical training with practical life training through discussions that focus on topics such as free will, conflict resolution, values and goal setting.

King has goals of his own. He hopes to franchise Kingdom Fit in the future so residents of other communities can benefit from his model.

King recognizes that joining a gym or a self-improvement program can be intimidating and hopes to be a positive force in people’s lives.

“Let go of your fears. God didn’t give you a spirit of fear; he gave you a spirit of courage,” he said. “You are capable—just take that leap of faith.”

Kingdom Fit is located at 219 S. 10th St., Unit B, Lemoyne. For more information, visit www.kingdomfitharrisburg.com.

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