Sherriedale Morgan Fitness Center

Sherriedale Morgan (1934–2009) was a decorated Army veteran, championship boxing coach, and one of Wilmington’s most influential community leaders.

Born in Genesee, Michigan, Morgan began boxing in 1947 and won an Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Championship title in 1952. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1954, serving 22 years as an infantry platoon sergeant with the 82nd Airborne Division and earning the distinction of Master Paratrooper. While stationed at Fort Bragg, he won the Army Championship boxing title and later served as the Army boxing team’s coach.

Upon retiring from the military in 1974, Morgan was recruited by the City of Wilmington to develop its boxing program. He transformed the old Brooklyn Firehouse into what became the Wilmington Boxing Center, building a program known for competitive excellence, mentorship, and community impact.

Over the course of his career, Coach Morgan developed numerous champions, including North Carolina’s first female national boxing champion, 1999 U.S. Golden Gloves Champion Deidre Fabin, and professional heavyweight Donnell Holmes (31-1-2). He also led international competition teams, including the 1987 USA vs. England Olympic team and the 2000 USA Women’s Team vs. Canada.

In recognition of his extraordinary contributions, the City of Wilmington renamed the facility the Sherriedale Morgan Boxing and Fitness Center in 2002. He was inducted into the Carolina Boxing Hall of Fame, the Greater Flint African American Hall of Fame, and the Greater Wilmington Sports Hall of Fame.

Beyond boxing, Coach Morgan dedicated 26 years to working with mentally and physically challenged individuals and mentoring youth through the Summer Youth Employment Program.

His legacy continues to shape our mission today. In Wilmington, boxing — and community mentorship — cannot be mentioned without the name Coach Sherriedale Morgan.

• Fit Camp
  Tuesdays/Thursdays: 4:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.

This boot camp-style class mixes traditional callisthenic and body weight exercises with interval training and strength training.

• Sunrise Yoga
  Tuesdays/Thursdays 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.

Wake up physically, reset you mind from yesterday and get ready to tackle the day ahead of you with an hour-long yoga class.

• Saturday Yoga
  Saturdays 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

An hour-long yoga class to build strength, cultivate focus, and recharge your body for the weekend.

• Group Fit
  Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays from 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.

Your complete weekly workout in one class. Group Fit rotates through three targeted formats each week. Mondays focus on muscle tone, Wednesdays push cardio and endurance, and Fridays build strength and balance. Suitable for all fitness levels, with modifications provided for every exercise.

• Step by Step Body Jam
  Tuesdays 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Join John Hollywood in his aerobic, upbeat, line dance, hip hop fusion class where your coordination and footwork will be ested.

Classes are geared toward all fitness levels. Instructors can modify exercises to either make them easier or more difficult.
Questions? Call 910.341.7872.

Individual or buddy sessions

Work one-on-one with our experienced, certified staff to receive an individualized exercise program designed around your goals, current fitness level, and needs. Your coach will guide you through each session, ensuring proper technique, appropriate progression, and accountability.

Cost: 30 minutes: $8

Availability Notice: The Sherriedale Morgan Fitness Center is not currently accepting new personal training clients. To join the waitlist or inquire about interim program design options, please contact the Fitness Center at 910.341.7872. To ensure we can serve as many members as possible, personal training slots are available for one calendar year and allow participants to schedule up to two 30-minute sessions per week.

This option is for those who already know their way around a weightroom and are looking for additional coaching and guidance. Your monthly APT membership will get you access to schedule up to two small group sessions per week for 1 month. It will also include an individualized 4-week exercise program designed for you and your goals. During your small group sessions, a coach will be on the floor to help you with spotting, technique, and motivational support. 

*Spots in this program must be approved by Fitness Center staff after an initial consult. 

Cost: $24 per program

Receive a personalized exercise program designed by our staff based on your input and goals. Each program will include an initial thirty minute session with one of our trainers where you will go over the exercises, technique, how to progress, and ask any questions you have about the program. Each program will last 3 - 4 weeks. You must be a member of the Fitness Center in order to purchase this service.

Cost: $16 per program

Questions?  Please call 910.341.7872 or email

To view Programs, please click here.

Membership & Access

1. Members Only: All participants must have a current membership to use the facility. Memberships are non-transferable.
2. Check-In: All members must swipe their cards at the front desk. If lost, membership cards are $6 to replace.
3. Age Restrictions: Must be 12 years or older to use the facility.
4. Minors: A parent, guardian or authorized responsible adult (age 25+) must accompany all members aged 12-15.  The parent or guardian must provide a signed authorization form to allow supervision by an authorized responsible adult.  All members under the age of 18 must have their membership form signed by a parent or legal guardian. 

Safety & Attire

1. Appropriate Attire: Appropriate athletic attire must be worn at all times, including closed-toe athletic shoes, shorts, pants, and shirts.
2. Lifting Safety: Weights must not be dropped or thrown onto the ground. Collars/clips must be used on all barbell lifts.
3. Personal Belongings: The center is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Daily lockers are provided; please bring your own lock. Remove all personal belongs after each use. Locks left overnight will be cut, and contents will be placed in the lost and found.

Facility Etiquette

1. Food & Drink: Food is not allowed in the facility or in programs. Closed beverage containers are permitted. No glass containers are allowed.
2. Audio & Devices: Headphones must be worn while listening to audio. Phone calls on speakerphone and recording others without permission are prohibited.
3. Equipment Use: Equipment is for active use. Please step off machines between sets to rest or use your phone and allow others to 'work in' during peak hours.
4. Cleanliness: Be respectful of other gym patrons and staff. Re-rack your weights and wipe down all equipment when you are finished using it.

Code of Conduct

1. Prohibited Items: Tobacco, smoking, vaping, drugs, alcohol, and weapons are strictly prohibited in the facility and on City of Wilmington property. Anyone suspected of being under the influence will be asked to leave.
2. Language & Behavior: Respect the personal space and boundaries of others. Abusive, profane, or threatening language, as well as any form of harassment, intimidation, or inappropriate conduct toward patrons or staff, is strictly prohibited.
3. Solicitation & Training: No solicitation or unauthorized personal training is allowed. Instruction may only be provided by center staff or contractors hired by the City.
4. Staff Authority: The staff reserves the right to remove any individual(s) whom they believe are in violation of the center’s regulations or may be endangering other patrons.

"Great vibes here. Staff is always welcoming, nice, and ready to help. Price is the chef’s kiss." Anonymous

"We’ve been coming to the Sherriedale Morgan Fitness Center for more than 10 years. It has always been a good value, and since Steve started as manager, he has made it great. Now we have a variety of well-maintained equipment. The gym is consistently clean, and the staff is always willing to offer advice, suggest new exercises, and be welcoming to all. Steve, Jake, and Tyler are absolutely assets to the gym and to the City of Wilmington!" Patricia L

"Sherriedale Morgan Fitness Center was the perfect spot for me when I moved to Wilmington. The staff is amazing and always ready to help. Members are friendly and build our community. I’m so thankful for the staff, teachers, and members" Jaclyn Bouma

"I am grateful for this space. It really is a hidden gem. I appreciate all of you and the affordable programs. Best gym in Wilmington!" Emily

"This gym has been a very important part of my life. I was 315lbs and dropped down to 240lbs. I gained a few pounds back, but for good health. It’s a place where I can find peace and gather my mind together. I am forever grateful for this gym!" Anonymous

"I love our gym! It feels like the little gym that could. It can and it does!" Tiffany

"This is the best kept secret in town. Great staff, clean facility, simply the best!" Anonymous

How do I apply for a membership?

Membership applications are accepted in person at the Sherriedale Morgan Fitness Center, located at 302 S. 10th St., Wilmington, NC 28401. Upon arrival, you will complete an application, provide a valid photo ID along with proof of address, and submit your payment.

How do I qualify for the resident rate?

To receive the resident rate, you must reside within the Wilmington city limits. If you are unsure whether your address qualifies, you can verify your address here.

What documents can I use for proof of residency if my ID does not show my current address?

Acceptable forms of address verification include:

Utility bills (water, gas, electric)

Current lease agreements

Mortgage statements

Vehicle registration

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, checks, and all major credit cards. Contactless payment options (tap-to-pay) are also available.

I have never worked out in a gym before. Is the Sherriedale Morgan Fitness Center right for me?

Absolutely. We welcome individuals of all fitness and experience levels. Our community is supportive, and our knowledgeable staff is always available to help you get started comfortably and safely.