Chances are, you didn’t spend your July 4th morning the same way that the folks at ISI Elite Training in Myrtle Beach did.
The local gym started their Independence Day the same way they start most days — filled with burpees, squats and dumbbell workouts. But, on America’s 250th birthday, they provided a little bit of a twist.
A hot-dog eating contest for several brave members who weren’t afraid of a little post-workout competiton.
“We actually got a lot of our members confused,” Claudia Allison, who owns the gym with her husband, Brad Allison, said with a laugh.
“Obviously we stand for a lot of physical health and with the way you eat… it’s everything. So, people were so confused that we were doing a hot dog eating contest. But, I think that’s what actually made it really cool. All year, we’re pushing healthy eating. But for this, well, this is the most American thing you can possibly do.”
ISI Elite Training in Myrtle Beach held a patriotic workout on the morning of July 4, 2026. The day included a fast-paced 8 a.m. workout followed by a hot dog eating contest.
The morning started with the normal routine at ISI — a fast-paced roughly 50-minute strength training workout filled with loud music and high energy.
The Myrtle Beach gym was packed for the workout, which ultimately was probably the main draw.
But Saturday morning’s contest, too, probably attracted a few more attendees than normal.
“Obviously, it’s America’s 250th birthday, which is awesome. To see all of our members come together and celebrate this, it’s amazing,” Claudia said. “We thought this was a great way to honor what America is and to celebrate our traditions.”
ISI Elite Training in Myrtle Beach held a patriotic workout on the morning of July 4, 2026. The day included a fast-paced 8 a.m. workout followed by a hot dog eating contest.
Her husband Brad nodded his head in agreement, and maybe a bit of indigestion.
He was the winner, putting down five hot dogs during the five-minute contest.
“You’ve gotta get your protein in,” he said with a laugh. “I feel great. I probably could have gotten one more down, but I didn’t want to discourage the members too much. But no, it was good. I think in an old life of mine, I could have been a hot dog eating champion.”
