The Gym

A Rhode Island summer paradise rips apart over what the town’s only gym should zero in on. Personal appearance or sports training? Weights versus yoga? Gloss over steroid sales? Welcome seniors or discourage them? Snacks? Coffee bar? Massage or physical therapy? Trendy versus purist? From out of town, new owners champion a health mall “third place.” Most locals, newly ignored, crave old-style fitness. Erotic and romantic tangles fracture taboos and ruin alliances. Clashes between rich and ordinary people flavor the maze-like battle that stays front and center. Will the loyal locals prevail over beautiful summer people? Will boundary-blitzing characters wreck families or just spice up the May through September season?