Carl and Carol met in Chicago at game keepers pub in 1990. After many drinks and an exchange of phone numbers, Carl made it back to his place only to realize he lost the paper with Carols number. Luck would have it that carls roomate at the time, John White, grew up in the same area as Carol and had her phone number. This was a few days later so when he was finally able to call her she was relieved as she said “it took you long enough.” They got married less than a year later.

In 1998, Carl and Carol founded The Workout Company with a vision: to create a welcoming, community-driven, and judgment-free health club. At the time, Central Illinois was lacking in state-of-the-art health clubs, and they saw an opportunity to fill that gap. From the start, they focused on offering top-of-the-line equipment, expert trainers, and, most importantly, a supportive environment for every member. More than 25 years later, The Workout Company has grown into a cornerstone of Central Illinois, helping thousands of people transform their health and fitness while providing jobs and opportunities for local trainers, instructors, and staff.

Before the Workout Company was located at 419 Kays Drive in Normal, this space was home to Jumping Jacks—a beloved indoor playhouse for kids, filled with trampolines, jungle gyms, and endless fun.

When Carl and Carol Clover saw the potential in the space, they knew it could be transformed into something new—a place where the community could come together to build strength, health, and confidence. After purchasing the building, they completely renovated it, turning it from a children’s play zone into a state-of-the-art fitness facility.

Carl and Carol made sure to get only the best and most reliable equipment of the era, Featuring Icarian (now Precore), Strive, nautilus, Free Motion, and Cybex Machines along with Iron Grip Dumbbells. Besides the cardio equipment, almost all the original machines and weights are still in use to this day.

In 2004, The Workout Company made an addition to the building adding an upstairs with offices, Studio A, the babysitting room, and a private training room. With this new addition came our new logo introducing our signature running man with a less retro more clean design.

We have always have had fitness classes but now having two studios made The Workout Company much more capable of holding larger classes. Also around this time is when we started teaching Les Mills classes which we still have available today.