Ashford Smith, Cherokee Fitness Complex business program supervisor, demonstrates the QR Code capabilities of the new fitness equipment. Users can get information and tutorials on how to properly use the machines. (AMBLE SMOKER/One Feather photos)
By AMBLE SMOKER
ONE FEATHER STAFF
The Cherokee Fitness Complex, located inside the Ginger Lynn Welch Complex on Acquoni Road, is currently in the midst of a major overhaul to renovate the venue with new and improved fitness equipment. A few of the major improvements customers will immediately notice is the recently upgraded weight room with all new strength training machines and free weight stations. The use and availability of technology is also on display as the complex receives a major facelift going forward.
“We are currently going through a transition phase,” said Damian Solis, Fitness Center manager. “The primary focus is upgrading the cardio and strength equipment. The cardio equipment will have touchscreen monitors and Wi-Fi capabilities. We’re using technology more in the new setup, that’s the big thing we want to take advantage of. We are about 75 percent complete with this project and in the process of ordering more equipment. The project should be completed by the end of January.”
The new fitness equipment will be the main attraction to the updated facility, but new amenities will also be coming online as the Cherokee Fitness Complex looks to expand the current product offering. A new fitness store is in the plans to accompany the upgrades where patrons will have the ability to purchase convenient items before, during, or after their workout session.
Langston Wood and Vanessa Grant test the new equipment.
“The next step is developing a fitness store,” said Ashford Smith, business program supervisor. “The store will sell some supplements such as protein, creatinine, Gatorade, and will also include apparel such as shirts and shorts. Basically, all that does is make everything convenient for the person who wants to work out where they can get everything in one place. You can get a pre-work out snack, work out, take a shower here, and a get protein shake after you’re done with the workout. Afterwards, you can go to work and/or enjoy the rest of your day. We want to make it as convenient as possible to everybody who enters this building.”
In addition to the new amenities coming to the Cherokee Fitness Complex in the upcoming months, fitness classes such as spinning, kick-boxing, step, and total body conditioning circuit are currently offered with more classes to be offered in the upcoming months. The equipment upgrades will also afford the ability to offer more classes to a wider array of people, such as those with orthopedic issues and senior citizens looking to live an active lifestyle.
“Our weekly class schedule is on Facebook right now, as well as any urgent news such as closures or cancellations,” said Smith. “If anyone is interested, they can always come to the facility and we’d be happy to consult with them and give tours of the facility. If they need to learn how to use the equipment, we have fitness assistants to show them how to use it. We’re open to suggestions, so if you have any suggestions, please let us know. The best ideas come from customers.”
The Cherokee Fitness Center currently offers extended hours Monday through Thursday from 5am – 10pm, Friday 5am – 6:30pm, and Saturday 9am – 2pm.
The Cherokee Fitness Complex recently updated the free weight stations to include new dumbbells.
