If you’re anything like me, you probably don’t look forward to going to the gym. Of course I want to be fit, but it takes effort, it hurts the next day, and driving somewhere to get on a machine that I’ve forgotten how to adjust to my five-foot stature can be intimidating. At the end of the day, a good meal is much more appealing than working out!
So visiting the new Jewish Community Center’s (JCC) Benderson Building Fitness Center recently was amazing. I thought it was truly the Disneyland of gyms, with something happening everywhere and people actually enjoying themselves. Jim Morgan, Senior Director of Facilities Operations and Patty Simonson, Assistant Executive, explained that the six million dollar renovation project includes state-of-the-art equipment valued at over $500,000.
The cardio equipment includes touch screen televisions connected to the Internet. Stationery cycles with realistic shift gears and steer handlebars emulate real bikes. They also include stunning graphics, realistic rides, and in-ride games on over 30 virtual courses. Riders can experience the California coast, Peruvian mountains, or outer space! Members almost forget they’re exercising as they steer to stay on course, shift along with ups and downs of the terrain, and pedal hard to chase targets. One game offers strategies to improve while watching for tricky dragons that push you into water. One member says, “It’s cardio, only way cooler.”
The renovation includes rooms for spinning, yoga, Pilates, and personal training. A rocket circuit offers free weight training and education for women. Ongoing classes include Whittle Your Middle, Body Pump, Osteo-Fit, Hi and Low Aerobics, Zumba, and more. Members in the pool can Aqua Boogie, Aqua Zumba, Aqua Kick and Flexorcise. And then there’s the final reward – beautiful dressing rooms, equipped with showers, a steam room and sauna.
Kids young and old can have a blast at the sport wall, which looks like a space station with blinking lights. It provides specific skill and functional fitness training for individuals or groups up to 20. A high-impact modular system, it has 21 targets, two score boards, and a time clock, with hundreds of remote control driven games and drills for individuals, two-players or two teams.
Simonson says, “The JCC is fortunate to have equipment unavailable elsewhere in Western New York that will raise the standards for other facilities in the area. There are only 400 machines in the whole country like ours, and we have 40 of them.” The machines, which are smaller and more comfortable, are ergonomically designed to accommodate those with physical challenges. Patty says, “The JCC is all about diversity. We have recumbent bikes that can accommodate those who need to remain in a wheelchair, and elliptical machines for those who can’t stand, but want to exercise their upper body. “
The JCC is paying attention to everyone—from the youngest to the oldest and those in between. They also know that there are many who are struggling in our challenging Buffalo economy, so offer scholarships when necessary. The emphasis is on total fitness and wellness for all, and with many insurances that assist with gym memberships, and monthly prices that are lower than just about anywhere else that’s a bargain.
WNY Resource
CC Benderson Family Building, 2640 N. Forest Rd., Getzville 716-886-3145
JCC Holland Family Building, 787 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo 716-886-3145
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