Morris gym welcomes new treadmills
The Morris Wellness Centre is thriving.
Started as a bare bones community initiative in 2008, the non-profit has done well for itself.
Housed in and rented from the Morris Multiplex, the gym sees a variety of fitness enthusiasts use the 40+ pieces of equipment, multiple free weight stations, and studio area.
With an active membership of 200 users and desire to encourage use of the space, the board continually aims to improve the facility and equipment.
“In 2023 we managed to pay off our CERB loan, we’ve been saving and have been meticulous,” said Reba Krahn, vice-chair of the volunteer board, of the continuous facility upgrades. “The Multiplex gave us a two-year rent reprieve following COVID-19. We also now have a renter in our space, PhysiGO Services, who is wonderful to work with.”
These combined factors have allowed for numerous upgrades in the past couple years. A new water fountain was installed in early 2023.
Since then, the gym has installed a new security system, replacing most physical fobs with mobile versions, procured a digital management program, and brought in a stair master.
An ongoing project continues to be re-upholstering of the many workout benches.
Earlier this month, new signage was hung at the front entrance and four new treadmills installed. A 2023 Morris Area Foundation grant allowed for the purchase of a hip thruster.
Krahn was excited to show off several pieces of the newer equipment recently.
“Not many gyms have a sled. It is good to help strengthen the knees.”
A user is able to drag a heavy weight backwards or push it forward, working different targeted muscles in the legs and back.
Kaden Friesen, gym member for the last 11 years, was eager to learn about the new StarTrac treadmills that boast Bluetooth, workout video visuals and trail simulator, along with fans for upper body cooling and the ability to connect with users’ personal Netflix and Youtube accounts.
“We call them our ‘bougie treadmills,’” Friesen laughed.
Krahn and Friesen took a moment to exchange thoughts on further improvements for the space.
“It’s nice to hear the voices [of members by the board],” Friesen noted, as he shared his thoughts for upgrades to the men’s change room with Krahn. “I have everything I could possibility need, but a vending machine would be nice.”
Krahn encourages members to send in their gym wish list so the board can discuss desired items during board meetings.
“We continue to upgrade our current machines; the leg extension machine and new bikes are things we are excited about. [The gym] has a new and invigorated board and it is important we stay current.”
All ages make use of the workout space, including students from the Morris School aged 16+. Last year the gym class created workout instructions for all the machines, accessible online by scanning a QR code attached to each piece of equipment.
Although elevator accessibility to the space is available only during regular Multiplex hours, the gym is open 24/7 via the front entrance.
A full list of membership plans can be found at morriswellnesscentre.pushpress.com/landing/plans.
