When owners of Emporia Fitness moved from a 2,400 square foot office to a 21,000-square foot building in December 2007, they could not have predicted how quickly those new quarters would be filled.
“I’m obviously very happy with the response we’ve had to opening this facility,” said co-owner Greg Bachman. “It’s been very good.”
Emporia Fitness turned 10 years old the first part of July, and is managed by Ali Schneider. The company also has locations in Manhattan, Junction City, Liberal and Chanute.
Bachman said they’d considered using part of the new Emporia quarters, formerly the Pepsi Cola Bottling plant, for a climate-controlled storage business. Now, they’re delighted they didn’t.
“We’re looking for space. We’re trying to re-arrange things,” he said.
A storage area has turned into an “ab” room, for members and also for clients who use personal trainers. The supplies that had been stored there are piling up toward the ceiling in a smaller area.
Bachman believes the boom at Emporia Fitness can be attributed in large part to a better attitude toward health.
“The trend is towards taking better care of our health, and we’re trying to give that opportunity here,” he said. “It’s a place for old people, it’s a place for young people. It’s just rounded out.”
Emporia Fitness has kept to its basic intent to provide a good variety and supply of high-tech exercise machines, new weight equipment and exercise classes, but the range of activities and ages has developed beyond original plans.
Exercise classes, which usually number about 25 people, are a good example. It is not unusual for the Zumba class to draw in 50 or more people, causing it to move to the gymnasium.
“We built it for 30 — added 20 percent more,” Bachman said of the classroom space allocation. “It’s not big enough.”
Child care is available, but it is primarily the pre-schoolers who use it. The older kids are exercising.
“What’s really taken off are the 5-, 6-year-olds probably through grades 3 or 4. That has just gone crazy,” he said. “When you come here for child care, you’re going to exercise. That’s just gone over so much more than we anticipated.”
The exercise, of course, is intended as fun for the kids.
Youngsters in recreational leagues, such as soccer and MAYB basketball, also come in with their coaches to use the weights, exercise equipment, and gymnasium facilities. Team members from Northern Heights High School and Olpe High School have gotten together, too, as have others who do not have access to gymnasiums.
“They can actually get some gym time, do some of their summer workouts together,” he said.
The gym also has a basketball court and batting cages, and occasionally has been used for pitching lessons, when a coach is available.
In addition to the stationary bicycles, elliptical machines, rowing machines and treadmills, Emporia Fitness has added a “Cardiowave” machine.
“It’s almost like you’re roller-blading,” employee Shasin Spaht said, as she swiveled along in place.
Senior citizens can exercise on their own, or take part in the “Golden Gear” classes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
People who want to take part in organized exercise can come to classes in Zumba, turbo kick, pilates, body sculpting cardio step and piyo, a blend of pilates and yoga.
A large group comes in for exercise on their noon hours. Some shower before going back to work, and many drink a fruit smoothie or protein drink as lunch.
The good feelings that many derive from exercise can be almost addictive, and spur many people to come in regularly and exercise long-term. Bachman understands that. Addictions are born from a desire to feel better.
“Well, people feel better when they exercise,” Bachman said. “It’s just a ‘positive’ addiction.”
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Posted by navywife (anonymous) on July 19, 2008 at 1:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i am addicted to Amy and her Zumba classes. im disappointed if i have to miss even one class. kudos to Emporia Fitness!!!
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