The Story Behind Iron Lair in Apex, NC

Welcome to Iron Lair – Apex’s ultimate destination where old-school grit meets modern muscle. We’re not your average gym—we're a temple of iron, built for serious lifters and those chasing real results. Step inside and you'll find a rare collection of the most legendary bodybuilding equipment from the ‘90s and early 2000s, perfectly blended with today’s cutting-edge machines. We’re talking about 5-6 pieces that are considered the best ever made—equipment you won’t find anywhere else in the area. And yes, we’ve got three masterpieces by Tyler Hobson, a true icon in the industry—owning his equipment is like having a Mona Lisa in your training arsenal. This is Iron Lair. Come train where greatness lives.

Dan Hawtin is a distinguished figure in the bodybuilding and fitness community, renowned for his accomplishments as an IFBB Professional Bodybuilder and Olympian coach who has extensive experience training everyone from lifestyle clients to Olympian Bodybuilders. His journey in the realm of fitness is marked by dedication, expertise, and a profound commitment to guiding others toward achieving their personal health and bodybuilding goals.​

Dan attended Toms River High School East and pursued higher studies in Business at Monmouth University. Professionally, Dan has amassed extensive experience in coaching and bodybuilding. He has been associated with Top Caliber Muscle as a Bodybuilding Coach, where he applied his knowledge and skills to train aspiring athletes. Furthermore, Dan has coached 30 athletes to earn their professional status and he had also coached himself to his own professional status, which is an accomplishment that is rarely obtained in this field. He is the owner of Iron Lair, and Team Iron Lair, enterprises that reflect his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to advancing fitness and health solutions.

Dan's influence extends to social media, where he maintains an active presence under the handle @coachdhawtin. His Instagram profile serves as a platform for sharing insights, training tips, and motivational content related to bodybuilding and fitness.

Nikki Leonard is a passionate Health & Business Coach dedicated to helping individuals unlock their full potential—both physically and professionally. With years of experience in fitness, wellness, and entrepreneurship, Nikki empowers clients to build strong, sustainable habits that lead to long-term success.
Her journey began in the fitness industry, where she developed a deep understanding of nutrition, training, and mindset coaching. As a competitor and coach, she learned firsthand the power of discipline and consistency. Now, she combines that expertise with business mentorship, guiding aspiring entrepreneurs, fitness professionals, and wellness advocates in scaling their careers while maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
Beyond coaching, Nikki is a speaker, mentor, and advocate for holistic well-being. She helps clients bridge the gap between health and wealth, proving that success in one area fuels success in the other. With Nikki’s guidance, countless individuals have transformed their lives—gaining confidence, financial freedom, and the tools to thrive in every aspect of life.

Based in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, Natalie Ruszkowski is a multifaceted professional excelling in both fitness and real estate. Her dedication to health and wellness is evident through her active participation in bodybuilding competitions. Notably, Natalie achieved first place in both the True Novice and Open Class categories at her debut show, earning her a national qualification


Natalie’s diverse pursuits reflect her dynamic personality and drive for excellence. Whether she's showcasing her physique on stage or guiding clients through real estate transactions, she demonstrates a consistent commitment to professionalism and success.