Lindsay Wellness Center continues to expand

LINDSAY — In the heart of Lindsay lies a facility that is gaining fans.

“I think that it is very family oriented. The equipment is nice,” said Lindsay resident Yolanda Gurrola who has been coming to the Lindsay Wellness Center for three months and uses the cardio and circuit equipment.

Marie Arroyo, director of the Lindsay Wellness Center, reported membership is near the 200 mark.

“We are the envy of our neighbors,” said Marie Arroyo. According to Arroyo, the 16,000-square-foot, two-story building, which opened in March of 2011, houses a variety of amenities including a warm water therapy pool and a heated pool. The most popular classes, added Arroyo, are the aquatic classes.

“We have five awesome aquatics instructors that bring a variety of expertise and creativity to our members. Classes range from shallow water running, aqua yoga in the therapy pool and water aerobics exercises. Members can also work out independently with lap swimming,” he said.

Arroyo said that her goal is to promote a safe and healthy environment with opportunities for physical activity and social interaction.

“I want people to feel supported in reaching their goals and empower them for a lifestyle of healthy living.”

According to Arroyo, the center offers programs like healthy heart education and diabetic classes along with classes on weight management and loss. However, these classes are scheduled for certain time frames. There is something new at the center each month as well as a free educational class.

Beginning the first week of January, Zumba and a cardio/strength class will be added to the calendar.

The center, which cost $9,337,000, was paid for by several entities and new additions include a digital sign.

“The Wellness Center building was constructed from multiple funding sources which include; a $1,000,000 grant from the Rural Communities Assistance Corporation, $1,927,000 contribution from the Lindsay District Hospital Board and city contribution via a low-interest loan from the [The United States Department of Agriculture] USDA. The Lindsay District Hospital has also contributed additional funding for the solar system, signage, and technical system upgrades as well as providing an annual contribution of $233,721 for debt service and programming,” wrote Arroyo.

According to Tamara Laken, the city finance director, the city has been approved to use up to $3 million of the USDA loan, but has only used about $1.4 million. However, Laken said more money could be spent on outside improvements, like accessibility.

The center is also home to Pro-PT Physical Therapy.

“The facility serves host to the only physical therapy facility in town saving residents gas, time and discomfort of driving out of town during a time it is usually difficult. We have surgeons from out of the area sending patients to therapy here for the advantage of having the warm water pools to aid in their rehabilitation,” said Arroyo.

Inside the workout area is gym equipment. Some of the new pieces include four treadmills, two sets of dumbbells and spin bikes.

“Our newly arrived fitness equipment was purchased through the USDA loan and have helped us complete the needs for the center. We have some unique pieces of equipment that will give every individual regardless of their goals or needs some sort of exercise,” said Arroyo.

Upstairs are spaces for classes like yoga.

Yoga practitioner Judi Kaiser, who lives in Porterville, carpools with three others to the yoga class which is held two times a week.

“I think the facility offers a lot, the machines, the pools, it’s incredible,” said Kaiser. “When you look at the class schedule and what’s available there’s something for everybody. I’ve seen people in wheelchairs doing upper body workouts.”

One new addition to the center is the solar system.

The solar system was approved in April of 2011 by the Lindsay City Council and was completed in August of 2011. A 23,000 kilowatt system, it has 115 panels that generate 200 watts and was installed by J.P. Electrical Service.

“The solar system has been a learning process. We are just coming up on one year of use, so we don’t yet have any cost analysis to determine year to year savings,” said Arroyo.

However, Arroyo said that with the use of the solar, temperatures of 78 degrees in the pool and 92 in the therapy pool are maintained.

Public events have also been held in the facility. The Canine Benefit dinner took place in October of 2012 and raised money for the purchase and training of dogs for the Lindsay Public Safety Department Canine Unit.

Other events like meetings, reunions and receptions can be held at the building as well.

“All facility rental fees or membership fees are used toward operational cost of the facility,” said Arroyo.

Though there are no future plans for the expansion of the center, Arroyo outlined some future changes.

“Our classes and programs will continue to grow. With the completion of the park, we will have no limits of potential activities. We have several exciting programs and opportunities coming. The exciting part is fitness and wellness come in all shapes and sizes. The City of Lindsay, has put in new sidewalks throughout our park and a beautiful walking path at the Wellness Center,” said Arroyo.

For more information on the Wellness Center visit http://www.lindsaywellnesscenter.com.

The Wellness Center is open to the public and is located at 860 N. Sequoia Ave. People can pay by the day or month to use the facility.

Contact Emily Shapiro at 784-5000, ext. 1050, or on Twitter @EmilyShapirogar.