J-Fitness Center getting into shape

Upgrades part of Dwares JCC modernization

As with our own personal health and fitness regimen, some results are visible – others not. So it is with the Alliance JCC fitness center – some upgrades, the external ones, are easily noticeable – others are “inside” and not so apparent at first. In an effort to enhance the member experience, the Alliance is taking steps to modernize the J-Fitness as the first steps of a larger building “makeover.”

The first thing you will notice at the fitness center is the new, vibrant and energizing paint scheme. The flooring throughout the strength area has been replaced along with a portion of the cardio side. New additions to the fitness center include both cardio machines and strength equipment. New ellipticals, step machines and All Motion Trainers are on the floor. Several of the old Cybex strength pieces have been replaced with new Cybex pieces. The state of the art Cybex Multi Gym takes the place of three separate machines as well as the popular cable crossover. This choice of equipment opens up floor space in the strength area for those who wish to get involved in a more dynamic workout as opposed to a stationary workout.

“The thought process is,” says Carlene Barth, Director of Health, Fitness & Aquatics, “that fitness is about movement, not sitting on a piece of equipment. We are making room for both comfort purposes and small-group training classes which we are planning on rolling out toward the end of the year.” Small group-training is a cross between personal training and group exercise. An individual gets the benefits of personal training with the motivation of being part of a team at a lower price per session than individualized personal training.  Personal Trainers are available to answer any questions that you may have regarding the new equipment

Painting the corridor and both group exercise studios will be completed soon but beauty, as the saying goes, is only skin deep. According to Alliance COO/Controller Dan Hamel, there will be other, less noticeable but, nonetheless, crucial changes to the building’s overall “health.”

The entire facility will be getting new lighting, which will put us onto the “green” path as we move forward with an energy efficient footprint. We are almost done with phase one of the HVAC work. You may have recently noticed a crane in the back of the building as the roof was prepped for the new pool unit – to be installed in mid November “ The new pool HVAC combined with a new water temperature control system will allow us to keep the air temperature 2-3 degrees above the water temperature, creating a more comfortable and energy efficient atmosphere in the pool.”

Hamel adds that other upgrades contemplated for the facility involve the locker rooms, health clubs and the elevator modernization project. One of the goals is to make the entire building more accessible – both entering and throughout – and user friendly. These plans are now being phased in as part of the overall funding and scheduling blueprint.

J-Fitness is getting fit. The entire Dwares JCC is getting fit. Isn’t it time for you to get fit?  To help you get started, the Alliance JCC is offering two personal training sessions or two swim lessons free when you sign up for an annual membership during the month of November.

For more information about J-Fitness, contact Carlene Barth (cbarth@jewishallianceri.org) or call 421-4111, ext. 210.

For more information about Alliance JCC membership, contact Nancy Desrosiers (ndesrosiers@jewishallianceri.org) or call 421-4111, ext. 115.

For more information about the Dwares JCC modernization project, contact Dan Hamel at dha-mel@jewishallianceri.org.