If you’ve ever set foot in a typical gym, you know they can be places of chaos and questionable smells. The lines to use an exercise machine are often long. Dumbbell handles are sticky with sweat. The exercise machine you thought was ready for use is out of order. Someone three feet away from you is grunting loud enough to hear over your workout playlist. And the locker rooms are an unspeakable place of their own.
Mark Stavely and Aly Gray, co-founders of Chemical Fitness, understood that gyms don’t have to be this way. They envisioned a place where taking control of your health felt luxurious, structured, and enjoyable.
“At Chemical Fitness, our goal is to give people a place with like-minded individuals who want to work on their health, wellness, and overall well-being. Our gym is more than just a place to workout – it’s a community. We offer the best exercise programming possible in a luxurious, uplifting space,” Stavely said.
Chemical Fitness elevates the fitness experience with intimate, high-energy classes built for people who are ready to push themselves and stay committed. To eliminate intimidation and encourage progress, the gym has ditched barbells entirely. Instead, every workout is designed around dumbbells, kettlebells, machines, and bodyweight exercises.
“We put you on a workout routine so that, outside of the studio, you’re fit for life. We want you to live as long as you possibly can – independent of other people’s help. We want you dancing when you’re old, playing with your grandkids, living fully and independently for as long as possible,” Stavely said.
The group fitness classes, which focus on upper, lower and full body workouts, are always different, providing a new experience each time members walk through the doors. Additionally, Sunday workouts are set aside for Hybrid Athlete Training. Although scalable and open to all members, the workouts are created with different types of athletes in mind working towards races such as an Ironman, a Hyrox, a 5K or just want to level up for a more intense training session.
“The floor layout is never the same. Mark is a master programmer. The workouts he thinks of are complex but simple in the best way. Our members never know what they will walk into but always know it will be a great workout. Our instructors take pride in delivering the kind of classes that keep people excited to show up,” Gray said.
The luxury experience extends far beyond the workout. Chemical Fitness’ signature scent welcomes members the moment they walk through the doors, setting the tone for a premium training environment. Inside, you’ll find a curated selection of amenities—including a beverage fridge stocked with protein shakes and fresh-pressed juices, top-tier supplements, a complimentary fruit and coffee bar, and an exceptional team of coaches and personal trainers ready to guide, support and elevate every session.
“We handpicked the instructors and personal trainers here at Chemical Fitness, and we are proud of the team that we built. Our roster includes Northwest Arkansas’ top coaches. They each are very intelligent, are in all walks of life, have different ways of thinking, and they provide a good mix of programming,” Stavely said.
Stavely and Gray have also worked diligently to ensure the gym’s bathrooms are always clean and stocked with the toiletries members may need.
“We wanted all of the amenities to feel like a spa. Our bathrooms have showers, they smell nice, and they give our members the feel that, after their workout, they can freshen themselves up in comfort. Unlike typical gyms, it doesn’t smell like a junior high boys' locker room,” Stavely added.
The roots of Chemical Fitness were planted just before COVID-19 struck. Stavely, a former University of Arkansas football player and lifelong fitness enthusiast, began regularly training his friends in his garage. Once COVID-19 limitations eased up, he turned his training sessions into a career with the launch of his first gym: Do Hard Stuff Fitness. One year later, Stavely’s gym evolved.
“We changed the name because ‘Do Hard Stuff’ intimidated people. Chemical Fitness was born from what actually happens when you workout – you release ‘feel-good chemicals’ like dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins. So, we built our identity around that,” Stavely said.
Stavely partnered with Gray, a seasoned bodybuilder and professional fitness instructor, to bring the new vision to life.
“I met Mark in my fitness class in Florida a few years ago. It was love at first workout, and we’ve been building together ever since. At Chemical Fitness, we get to blend our passion for fitness into something truly special,” Gray said.
Although Chemical Fitness only opened in May 2025, the response from the community is electric, according to Stavely and Gray.
“All of our members are success stories. Everyone who walks through experiences real transformation – not just physically, but in how they feel about themselves. They love the atmosphere, they do the work, and the work works. We’ll guide you every step of the way,” Stavely said.
For those who prefer a more personal touch, Chemical Fitness offers one-on-one training sessions. And for groups — sororities, run clubs, business teams, or just a big group of friends — the gym also hosts private event classes.
If you're craving an elevated workout experience or feel that other gyms in the area are holding you back from meeting your fitness goals, Chemical Fitness is ready for you at 1010 E Rolling Hills Dr #120.
“There are so many gyms in Northwest Arkansas where everything feels the same. We want Chemical Fitness to feel like home—an elevated, luxurious home that actually delivers the results you’re looking for.” Stavely said.
The floor layout is never the same. Mark is a master programmer. The workouts he thinks of are complex but simple in the best way.
All of our members are success stories. Everyone who walks through experiences real transformation – not just physically, but in how they feel about themselves.