Gruber Fitness Center - Patrons offered variety of programs, extended hours, child-care co-op

by Tisha Johnson, Staff Writer
Published: Friday, October 5, 2007 10:19 AM CDT
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From aerobics to free weights, Gruber Fitness Center has a lot to offer its patrons.

To fit in that workout, Gruber now offers extended hours and a child-care cooperative.

Gruber will now be open until 10 p.m. weekdays, a two-hour extension of the previous hours. The weekend hours will remain the same.

We are extending our hours for the patrons," Sports/Fitness Director Jeff Honey said. "There's a need for the patrons that can't get in here before 8 p.m."

During the extended hours, the cardiovascular equipment, weight training, circuit training, basketball court, racquetball court, sauna and martial arts room are available. There are no aerobics classes scheduled during the extended hours.

Aerobics classes are scheduled earlier in the day, and there are many to choose from, Honey said. Current offerings include Jazzercise, Pilates, yoga and spinning. Classes can be paid for individually at $3.50 each session or a book of 10 passes can be purchased for $30.

The center also offers jujitsu and judo classes, massage and certified personal trainers. Honey said there are plenty of fitness choices at Gruber and the staff is working on adding more.

Honey also said a rock climbing wall is scheduled for installation soon.

For information about Gruber Fitness Center or any of the programs offered call 684-5120/5130.

Child-care Co-op

The child-care co-op began Sept. 17 and organizer Kathy Mead said the program is off to a great start.

While the program is free, participants must take a six-hour class through Child and Youth Services and their children have to be registered at Central Enrollment in the Child Development Center.

After that, Mead puts the volunteers on the schedule to watch children in the Martial Arts Room at Gruber. Mead said volunteers are scheduled about once a week.

"But the more people we have, the less time they will have to volunteer in the room," Mead said.

Participants can come in anytime the co-op is open, drop their children off and go work out. Mead stressed the participants do not have to be taking a class - they can be using the gym or sauna - but they have to stay within the facility.

Mead said some of the aerobics instructors came up with the idea last year to increase the number of people taking their classes.

"I guess it has worked on other posts before," Mead said.

The program currently has eight participants but Mead said she is sure the numbers will increase as the temperature drops and more people come inside to exercise.

Co-op volunteer Beki Varicak said she has heard a lot of positive comments from the other participants.

"I just feel that it is very clean and well organized," Varicak said. "The kids like to be here."

The co-op is open from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday through Wednesday and Friday. The program is closed on Thursdays, holidays and when school is not in session.

The next training session is from 6-9 p.m. Oct. 23 and 25 at Patch Center for School-Age Services.

For information about the co-op call Child and Youth Services at 684-5135 or 684-5137 or call Mead at (913) 250-5422.