A national gym and fitness program started by a former NFL player has opened in Bellaire on Aug. 16.

The details

D1 Training was originally founded in 2001 by Will Bartholomew, a former NFL player for the Denver Broncos, who suffered a career-ending injury during a non-contact drill, according to the gym's website. After retiring from professional football, Bartholomew realized there wasn't a training facility that could train elite athletes, leading him to create D1 Training.

The company has since expanded into a franchise with over 100 locations across the United States, with a significant expansion planned in 2025 focused on Texas, Florida and Tennessee.

What they offer


D1 Training is a membership-based athletic training facility that offers programs for various age groups and skill levels, from beginners to collegiate professional athletes. It's known for what is called its signature 5-Star Training Program, which focuses on athletic-based training principles.

Each session covers the following key elements:
  • Dynamic warm-up
  • Performance
  • Strength
  • Core and conditioning
  • Cool down and stretch
The training facility offers multilayered turf and customized equipment found in D1 universities, as well as on-site therapy, weight rooms, retails centers and more.

Did you know?

NCAA Division I is the highest level of intercollegiate athletics in the United States and is often known for having the largest and most well-known universities. Examples of D1 colleges in Texas include Baylor University, Rice University, Texas A&M and the University of Texas.