Brian Lange (left) and Mike greet customers at the Gym Source in Villanova. Photo by Todd Bauders/contrastphotography.com

When you walk through the front door of Gym Source exercise and training equipment facility on Lancaster Avenue in Villanova, you are not just entering a showroom of some of the finest fitness equipment in the land, you have the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge that can improve your quality of life.

That is because this Gym Source is run by Brian Lange, a long-time fitness director, trainer and sports coach who knows his equipment inside and out.

“I sell equipment, I train people because I know that training and exercising can improve their lives and how they feel,” said Lange who has been the manager of the Villanova facility for eight of the ten years it has been open. “Being a trainer and coach allows me to meet customers’ needs and goals, not just ‘sell’ equipment.”

Lange says Gym Source carries equipment that offers “cutting edge technology, strength, cardio, functional and flexibility for your core.”

Lange, who was an All-American decathlete at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, says Gym Source hires only individuals with outstanding backgrounds in training and competition. It make customers more relaxed with their choices in fitness equipment.

“Gym Source hires people with fitness backgrounds,” Lange said. “We not just selling equipment, we are helping people make decisions that will better their health for the rest of their lives. That is what separates us from everyone else.”

Since the store is located in the heart of the Main Line, it is not unusual to see public and entertainment figures such as comedian Wanda Sykes and director Peter Jackson (Lord of the Rings Trilogy) shopping at the showroom that represents great fitness brands such as Cybex, Hoist and True.

Lange reports that Gym Source sells to players on the Eagles, Sixers, Phillies and Flyers teams as well as many other Pro and college teams..

But Lange talks about spreading the message that strength training works for a person’s entire lifetime. He urges senior citizens to strength train on a regular basis.

“I’d like to see more seniors strength train rather that just focusing on cardio,” Lange said. “Most accidents with seniors happen while grabbing a can from the kitchen cabinet and it slipping from their hand and injuring them. Strength training would help with simple daily routines like getting out of bed, getting off the toilet and opening cans.”

Lange says he enjoys selling equipment because he knows his clients need them. I am only interested in selling things people need,” Lange said. “Or else I wouldn’t do it.”

Store hours. 10-6 Monday through Saturday, Thursday 10-8, Sunday, 11-5