New is the word at the Simon Family JCC Fitness Center. “We’ve got new equipment, new weights, new paint, new flooring, new practically everything,” says Howard Roesen, chair Simon Family JCC fitness and wellness committee.
Among the many improvements, the fitness center boasts 17 new select weight Precor equipment stations, which include five new elliptical machines and nine treadmills. For those who want to experience a body alignment more similar to running, three new ATM Precor machines have also been added to the mix. Some of these new running machines offer a greater range of motion with incline and decline options.
Two elliptical machines, five treadmills and two recumbent bikes all have state-of-the-art TV touch screens with headphone and caption features. Want to watch the History Channel, The Food Network, Bravo or Espn-2 while exercising? The TV station availability is now increased from six to 12 on these new Precor machines.
For those who enjoy a bit of coaching, each new machine has a QR code to make it possible to pull up a short instructional video on a smart phone, offering guidance on how to get the most out of the workout.
In the back of the fitness center, all the old free weights have been replaced with shiny new Precor equipment. The racks, benches, dumbbells, squat and smith machines are brand new.
For hydration, new water fountains have been installed, including smaller bottle fountains. All are equipped with filtered water systems.
The dream to renovate the 12-year-old Simon Family JCC Fitness Center began two and one half years ago. Vendors were carefully researched and with strategic planning, the Sandler Family Campus completed the entire renovation and installation of new flooring, equipment and two workout-inspiring murals in just under a week.
The second floor fitness area is open and bright with a new paint color theme of soft grey and blue and is soon to be dotted with inspirational quotes to help with any workout blues. The fitness floor is now covered in 3/8 inch thick shock absorbent material and the vinyl tile composite that once covered the downstairs entrance to the pool is now carpeted.
Two murals, one on the second floor and one in the aquatic area, depict cheerful and upbeat workout images. Jonathan Muhlendorf, a long-time JCC member walked in during the final renovations of the new fitness center and said, “That’s awesome, who did this? It smells like a shiny new car! It is bright and energizing!”
“Sometimes the idea of walking into any gym can be daunting,” says Tom Purcell, fitness director, “but I wake up each day to help people change their lives and take care of their bodies. I want the fitness center to feel like a family, surrounded by friendly staff to help our clients reach their fitness goals— we are not breaking rocks here, we are having fun!”
– Sherri Wisoff