YMCA’s New Gym Finishes Expansion

– The Collierville Herald –

With the new gymnasium opened a week ago, the Collierville YMCA’s expansion project is complete far ahead of schedule.

The new gym, approved in final city inspections, is used not only by members, but by area schools such as the Collierville Middle School wrestling team for practice. Collierville High School also uses the indoor swimming pool for swim team practice and swim meets.

The expansion project included the gym, a climbing wall, the teen fitness center, and locker rooms, finished about two months ago. "With everything we intended to do, we’re two years ahead of schedule," said Ric Nuber, president and CEO of the Mid-South YMCA.

Membership, which fluctuates throughout the year, is currently 3,438 units, which translates to over 10,000 individuals. That seems like a lot of people, but with members coming in at different times of the day and week, the numbers do not present a problem. "Membership has done very well, but we are nowhere near full,": said Nuber.

The rock climbing wall is located inside the gymnasium, and features beginner to advanced level climbing routes on a sculptured and painted cement wall. Staff is available for assistance with harnesses and support ropes.

The YMCA also has two racquetball courts, and a wellness center consisting of circuit training weightlifting equipment, free weights, treadmills, recumbent bikes which reduce stress on knees, and stair climbers.

As tens under 16 are not allowed to use the equipment in the wellness center, the teen fitness center was created to enable youth ages 12-16 to work out with Universal weight equipment, free weights, and treadmills. Parents are welcome to go in and work out with their teens.

A variety of aerobics classes are offered on an ongoing basis, including step aerobics, jazzercise, ab attack, cardio kickboxing, group fitness and weights, treadmill training, yoga, a class for active older adults geared for the 55 and older set, and water aerobics for all ages.

Tumbling classes are available for preschool through 5th grade. Kid Fit, an exercise class featuring games, stretching, and jump roping, is also offered to 3-5 year olds. Other ongoing classes include kickboxing for ages 4-15 and martial arts for all ages. Kid Zone, a playroom for ages 6 weeks through 12 years, is available to parents during the time they are working out at the facility.