Cailey Moore
Staff Writer
The new year has begun, resolutions are getting underway and for those with fitness in mind, there is no better time than the present – nor is there a better place than Marlinton’s own Community Wellness Center – to start.
While the wellness center’s gymnasium is unavailable to the public during school hours, the fitness room is available all day for those interested in cardio and strength training. In addition to the climbing wall mounted on the far side of the fitness room, treadmills line the back wall, while a variety of exercise equipment – from bench presses and ellipticals to a universal work out bench designed for strength training – are situated throughout the rest of the room.
Members of the community must either hold a gym membership or pay a daily $3 fee to use the equipment. For those interested in becoming a member, a monthly fee of $25 is required for individuals. Family memberships cost $35 a month, and for students unassociated with a family membership, the cost is $15 a month. For children between the ages of 12 and 14, adult supervision is required.
Instruction from the center’s exercise physiologist, Paula Zorn, is included in the gym membership, as well.
“She’s available Wednesday mornings beginning at 8:30 a.m. or by appointment,” Pocahontas County Parks and Recreation Director Lauren Bennett said. “She can sit down with you and help you come up with a workout regimen to help you get started. She’ll talk to you about your goal – whether you are looking to strengthen a specific area on your body, lose weight or increase mobility – and will work with you.”
The Marlinton Wellness Center works alongside insurance companies – such as Humana and PEIA – to provide cardholders with access to the center’s fitness room and different classes.
“Humana has a program called Silver Sneakers where cardholders can come in, show us their card and utilize the fitness room and classes without having to pay,” Bennett explained. “The center gets reimbursed by the insurance company. PEIA has a similar program, but it focuses more on weight management. There are several people involved in that.”
At 3:15 p.m., the gymnasium opens up to the public and is set up as an open gym where community members can come to shoot baskets, play dodgeball, or throw a football. However, Monday evenings are reserved for indoor soccer, beginning at 7:30 p.m., while adult basketball begins at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday evenings.
A racquet ball court is available on a first come, first served basis. However, one hour reservations can be made for $3 should someone wish to play at a certain time.
In addition to the fitness room, the center offers a wide variety of classes – from exercise to art – for all ages to participate in throughout the week.
Tumbling with Tiffany Fisher, a six week class, takes place on Monday evenings at 4:45 p.m., with T.O.P.S [Taking Off Pounds Sensibly] classes beginning shortly afterwards at 5 p.m. Circuit Training with Paula Zorn and the Aerobics Dance Class with Phyllis Lubin-Tyler take place on Monday and Wednesday evenings. Circuit Training begins at 5 p.m. followed by Aerobics at 6 p.m.
Tuesday mornings begin at 9 a.m. with Good Morning Yoga led by Kristen LeCroy, followed by a virtual spin class at 10 a.m. A second yoga class takes place later in the week on Thursdays at 4 p.m. followed by another spin class at 4:30 p.m. Instructor Kelly Shifflett rounds out Tuesday and Thursday evenings with Zumba at 5:30 p.m. Insanity Workouts with instructor Zane Wells will take place January 30 and 31 at 9 a.m.
For the younger gym-goers, classes such as Jiggle, Wiggle and Giggle, Snow Sew and Yoga are available. Jiggle, Wiggle and Giggle is scheduled on Mondays at 10:30 a.m. A four week sewing series led by Cherri Hankins is set for Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
“Moving Stories Yoga and Art” – a yoga series for students K-8th grades scheduled during or after school at Green Bank Elementary Middle School, Hillsboro Elementary School, and Marlinton Elementary School – is led by LeCroy.
When not in use for programs, the multi-purpose rooms are available for rentals for birthday parties, baby and weddings showers, and more.
The Marlinton Community Wellness Center is located at the corner of Ninth Street and Fifth Avenue and is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.; and closed Sundays. The center may be reached via phone at 304-799-7386. For more information on additional programs and wellness center locations throughout the county, please visit www.pocahontasparksandrec.com.
