Plainfield YMCA Unveils New Fitness Center

Earlier this month, the C.W. Avery YMCA completed renovations to its Wellness Center, removing walls and relocating the cycling studio to add more than 2,000 additional square feet of space.

• Read: Plainfield YMCA Fitness Center Gets Overhaul
• Related: Watch sports instructors Jordan Cabrera and Michael Taylor demonstrate some of the Plainfield YMCA’s new equipment 

The expanded fitness center, which includes new equipment, a seating area and a larger free weights section, is a response to growth at the YMCA.

Membership Director Ashley Rowden said the seven-year-old facility now has more than 13,500 members. 

New equipment includes rowing machines — which have become so popular that members are already requesting that more be installed — along with a new circuit line that caters to seniors and members who are new to exercise.

Another new piece of equipment is the multi-purpose LifeFitness Synrgy 360. Fitness instructor Lisa Behounek said the equipment is perfect for personal training and small group training.

“You can do a limitless total-body workout,” she said.

The remodeled Wellness Center also offers equipment that is accessible to handicapped patrons and active seniors, and allows members to choose an upper-body workout, a lower-body workout or a workout that combines both. Rowden said it’s the YMCA’s goal to provide fitness opportunities for members regardless of their level of ability.

Whether you’re to working out or you just need a tutorial on the new equipment, Behounek said the Y offers free fitness orientations. Members can make appointments online or at the membership desk. 

Rowden said one of her favorite new features isn’t exercise equipment — it’s a new water fountain that allows patrons to fill up their water bottles with ease. The fountain also keeps a count of how many plastic bottles it’s helped to keep out of landfills. As of Wednesday, the tally was at nearly 3,000.

During a Sept. 3 unveiling, Rowden said the new Wellness Center attracted 1,200 visitors — that’s more than that YMCA recorded immediately following after New Year’s Day, a time that typically attracts a large segment of the “New Year’s resolutions” crowd. 

To celebrate the remodeled fitness center, the YMCA is having a membership sale from Saturday, Sept. 14 to Monday, Sept. 16. For those three days, all joining fees will be waived. Depending upon the type of membership patrons choose, they can save up to $120, Vice President of Marketing and Membership Carolyn Hamilton said.

For tours of the YMCA or more information on membership, visit the Plainfield location or check it out online. You can also follow the C.W. Avery Family YMCA on Facebook.

Watch sports instructors Jordan Cabrera and Michael Taylor demonstrate some of the Plainfield YMCA’s new equipment