Ironton Physical Therapy will be moving later this year to expand its facilities to offer new programs to the community.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held at the former Burger King building Friday.Expansion is the reason for the move, according to Joe Isaac, co-owner of the Ironton Physical Therapy center.

The owners want to expand its fitness and physical therapy centers because the current building, located at 706 Park Ave., has limited space, Isaac explained.

Isaac said that the expansion of the fitness center is "to provide for all ages, have more equipment and more programs."

In the new location, the physical therapy and fitness centers will be split into two separate departments.

"The new center will take rehabilitation to the next level and be like a fitness continuum where you can join the fitness center after you have completed therapy. It will be like a wellness program," Isaac said.

If construction goes as planned, the center will open no later than Oct. 1, he said.

Ironton Physical Therapy will introduce new programs once in the new facility.

These programs will be more specific for customers such as senior citizens and women, and will also include food nutrition programs.

"The center will be a more holistic place and not just a place to lift weights," Isaac said.

Construction for the building will result in a 2,500 square foot addition to the back of the building for the therapy center.

The former Burger King portion of the building will be used for the fitness center.

Mayor Bob Cleary attended the groundbreaking ceremony.

"The move is really good for Ironton because they are taking unused, vacant property and making it twice its previous size to accommodate a good service to the community," Cleary said.

Cleary said he is also pleased it is moving closer to his own business, B.C. Tool Rental, which is about a block away.

"For 10 years, I walked across the street to get fat. Now, I can walk across the street to get thin again," Cleary joked.

The Ironton Physical Therapy center is one of four centers in the area. Centers are also in Ashland, Ky., Louisa, Ky., and West Moreland, Ky.

The membership to the fitness center in Ironton can be used at any of the four centers. Plans for the Ironton Physical Therapy's current building have not been determined yet.