We offer affordable fitness and fun to the families in the Outer Banks.

Matt and Barbara Costa’s life-long passion for fitness motivated them to become business owners of The Gym and the OBX Running Company in the Outer Banks. Matt served as a Marine and Barbara grew up exercising. “Child obesity is such a serious issue,” says Barbara. “Exercise was organic for us as a couple, then we had children and we wanted to get our kids active.”

The Costas are also both trained chefs and bring their hospitality backgrounds into their fitness businesses. For 10 years they have partnered with local businesses to host well organized racing events for all ages. Supporting local charities—including Outer Banks Giving Tree, Outer Banks Women’s Club and the Water’s Edge Village School—is deeply important to them. “A lot of families run together, some for the first time, and it becomes a yearly tradition,” says Barbara.

The couple has brought the same family-friendly vibe to The Gym, providing a welcoming atmosphere that draws customers back year after year, much like the races. Along with standard memberships for residents, The Gym offers vacationers a variety of affordable, flexible passes. The Gym is a full-service fitness gym with cardio equipment, weights and even a boxing ring. It offers boxing training sessions and other exercise classes.

The Costas consider the Outer Banks a special place to raise their children and run their veteran-owned businesses, and they realize why people come back each year for vacation. “The Outer Banks doesn’t feel like other beaches,” says Barbara. “It’s a much quieter spot than some of the other vacation destinations. But even though people are enjoying some down time they don’t want to stop their regular fitness routines. We provide them with a variety of healthy lifestyle choices year round. And who doesn’t love that?”