Waukon Wellness Center celebrating its second anniversary this week
The Waukon Wellness Center has a variety of "cardio" machines to help work the cardiovascular system. Besides the cardio machines, the center also offers weight machines, free weights, and body-weight machines. Standard photo by Bob Beach.
by Jennyanne Hager
For the past two years, the community of Waukon has had a place where people can come to work on improving themselves. The main draw is to work out their bodies, but people are also building relationships in the process. Where are these people going? They’re going to the Waukon Wellness Center. Opened in November of 2007, the Waukon Wellness Center provides a number of exercise options under one roof. Dominating the center is a four-lane walking/jogging track. The track encompasses a large playing area that can accommodate two basketball or tennis courts, or up to three volleyball courts. Located on the west end of the track “infield” is the cardio equipment, which includes several treadmills, elliptical machines, and stationary bikes. On the east end of the court is a batting cage and a golf cage. Also located in the main room is a strength equipment area. FreeMotion machines are grouped together near the west entrance, while free weights and body weight areas are found in the eastern corners. Just off the main area, also on the east end of the building, are two racquetball courts, a teen center, and an exercise room. Fitness classes meet in the exercise room, although it is open for anyone when classes are not in session. Junior high and high school students can use the teen center, which features a TV and sitting area, as well as a pool table.
A COMMUNITY ATTRACTION
Wellness Center Director Danielle Bucknell says the first two years have been great. “We are hearing a lot of good things from the community. All the time we hear people say that they wished this had been around 20 years ago,” she mentioned. “I think it’s a good recruiting tool for families moving into the area, and it’s also a draw for people who might be considering retiring to the area.” Bucknell noted that the Wellness Center is more than a bunch of exercise machines. “This is a place for everybody, and there are many other things to do besides getting on a cardio machine. Everybody has a little different idea of what wellness is, so we encourage people to just come down and see what we’re all about. There will be something for everyone to do.” For many people, the term “wellness” encompasses the entire well-being of a person, including the social aspect of life. Users of the Wellness Center are also getting a social workout when they step through the doors. “It’s great to see everyone talking and socializing when they come here,” Bucknell noted. Everyone has their own routines, she mentioned, and for a number of members that includes chatting and building relationships with others who share their routine, further strengthening the feeling of community within the center.
WWC IS FOR EVERYONE
People of every age group are using the Wellness Center on a daily basis, including seniors. Bucknell noted that a number of seniors stop by the center, and walking the track is a favorite activity for many of them. “For several of them, it is their only time out for the day. They’ll walk and then have some coffee together here, too.” Bucknell added that there are also group exercise classes open only to seniors, while the no-impact NuStep machines offer yet another alternative exercise activity. Also housed in the same building is Waukon’s Senior Center. The center is also the town’s meal site Monday through Friday, and card players can play a few hands during weekly card games held Monday night at 6 p.m.
SCHOOL TIES
The Wellness Center’s close proximity to the Waukon Junior High and High School buildings has resulted in many opportunities for district students. Volleyball and basketball teams use the courts for practice after school during the fall and winter months, and some high school physical education students visit the center for classes. “There are probably about 145 students using the Wellness Center for PE class, and we will also have Bright Beginnings in sometimes,” Bucknell said. The center is also adding more kid-friendly events to its schedule. “We’re trying to offer more youth-oriented things. Gymnastics and archery are a couple things that are coming,” she added.
GROUP EXERCISE
A number of group exercise classes are offered throughout the week at the center. Classes range from high-intensity cardio classes - like the Latin-dance inspired Zumba, to relaxation and flexibility-based courses in yoga and pilates. Bucknell noted that the center tries to give so many options in order to meet the needs of its diverse group of members. Classes offered may vary and change throughout the year, depending on the response from members. She also added that non-members are welcome to participate in the classes.
DON’T HAVE TO BE A MEMBER
One common misconception about the Waukon Wellness Center is that it is a “members only” club. While many users do have memberships, the Wellness Center is easily accessible for everyone, and non-members are encouraged to use the facilities. Day passes or punch passes (which do not expire and are transferable) can be purchased to use any of the equipment. Group exercise classes are also open to the public. The Wellness Center also hosts a number of activities throughout the year in which non-members can participate. A duathlon is held annually in the fall, while new events like a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, “Midnight Streak” run, and indoor garage sale will be added to the calendar in 2010. “We are constantly trying to evolve what we offer. Our goal is to help each individual who comes in, and do the best we can to help them succeed,” Bucknell stated. “We want to improve in whatever way we can. We have a suggestion box at the center, and there is a suggestion form on our website. Listening to these suggestions is the best way to keep people coming.” With anniversary activities in full swing through this Friday, non-members are encouraged to visit the Wellness Center this week. Day passes will be half price through November 20, providing an affordable way to check out the facilities. Also in conjunction with the second anniversary, the Wellness Center will be holding a number of contests, as well as drawings for prizes and a member appreciation breakfast Wednesday morning. The Waukon Wellness Center is open Monday through Friday, 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. (Hours subject to change.) For additional information, including usage fees, visit the center online at www.waukonwellness.com, call 563-568-0074, or stop by the Wellness Center front desk.
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