Marshall County residents have another option in keeping up with their physical health needs.
Snap Fitness opened its doors to members Saturday, and since then business has been steady. Manager Kim Robinson said the facility began charter member registration June 1; it’s a role she said had previously been underserved in the community and one she and owners Dennis and June Smith and Harold and Debbie Beck thought would benefit residents.
“Obviously it was a need in Marshall County,” Robinson said. “That’s why we’re here. We thought up of this idea as a way to serve the community, and that’s what we really wanted to do, is really do something productive and beneficial for the community. This shopping center could have been anything. We really wanted something to help and improve the overall quality of life.”
The fitness center, located at 121 Commerce Boulevard in Benton, features a number of services to clients; at the forefront of those is up-to-date technology to help serve health and fitness needs. In addition to state-of-the-art fitness machines – which include digital rep counters on weight machines and wifi enabled cardio equipment – and a wearable “MYZONE” progress and workout monitoring system, the club also offers a fitness on demand digitally-guided workout program room. Users can enter in a specific program to be cast on a wall-sized monitor, which will guide them through their workout. The database of available virtual-guided workout programs was similar to Netflix, in that the database of offerings was continually updated.
“There will be hundreds of classes they can choose from; they select their class, and it’s anything from yoga to cycling to kickboxing,” Robinson said. “And when they select their class, there’s a video wall that’s 91 square feet … and they have their own virtual reality instructor.”
The wall, which had not yet been fully installed as of Monday, was set to be complete by the weekend, Robinson said. She also intends to host staff-guided classes as client numbers grow and customer preferences are determined.
Those technological advances extended beyond workout equipment, however. Robinson said security was also a priority at the facility. Doors open only with an activated key device issued to members. The gym is under constant surveillance, and while staff will be on site from about 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., patrons have access to panic systems, allowing those clients who use facilities in the overnight hours safety reassurance.
“After hours we do have a panic system, so our members have lanyards they can take with them, (and) as soon as they hit that button, police are called,” she said. “A lady comes over the loud system, sort of like OnStar would in your vehicle, and panic alarms go off.”
Potential members may join without the burden of a contract, as well. Robinson said payment is month-to-month, and may be canceled without penalty at any time. Rates for single memberships, senior memberships, joint memberships, military, police and fire memberships, corporate memberships and family memberships are available. Members have entry privileges to any Snap Fitness facility, as well, allowing for continued workout routines while traveling. The overall goal, Robinson said, was a healthier community.
“A lot of training has gone into this, a lot of preparation,” she said. “We started this thought process in May of last year. … What sets us apart is we’re goal oriented. When members come in we strive to get them results. You see a lot of what I call the quick start button type of gym, where people just hop on the treadmill, hit the quick start button and it’s always the same workout, everyday. My goal is to provide the hand-holding our members need to get them started. We give them an orientation; we make sure that we know what each one’s goals are, and to me, I understand that the hardest part for some members is just walking through the door.”
The Benton location is one of about 2,000 facilities open or in development in 18 countries, according to the Snap Fitness corporate website. The franchise was established in 2003.
For more information on the Benton Snap Fitness, visit snapfitness.com and search by gym location, or find it on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/snapfitnessbenton/. Those interested in joining may visit the gym during staffed hours or make an appointment by phone at 270-206-2423 or email at benton@snapfitness.com.
