Posted on January 24, 2019
By Caitlan Butler
Staff Writer
HealthWorks Fitness Center has announced several new programs that have been added to the gym’s roster, as well as new hours and renovations to the facility.
“Hot Yoga and the Rock Steady Boxing Fighting Parkinson’s are the two premiere offerings which have just begun,” said Clem Saenz, HealthWorks executive director.
Rock Steady Boxing was added to HealthWorks’ programs on Jan. 7. It is an exercise program designed for people suffering from Parkinson’s disease. The program is built from boxing drills, though it is no contact.
“This is an amazing program benefiting those in our community and their families who suffer from Parkinson’s,” instructor Terry Clark said in a newsletter.
The program conditions participants as boxers would be, building their agility, speed, muscular endurance, accuracy, hand-eye coordination, footwork and overall strength.
Clark traveled to Indiana to become a certified coach for the program. The classes are offered Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:30 a.m.
The gym has also added hot yoga this year, along with group fitness programs. According to the Mayo Clinic, hot yoga is an intense workout performed in a humid room.
The types of yoga performed in hot yoga may vary; Bikram yoga was originally the only method, but the practice has since grown to include others, including those from the Krishnamacharya tradition and modern styles.
Hot yoga is offered Mondays and Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:15 a.m. Other group fitness activities take place each day of the week except Sunday throughout those days.
HealthWorks has also extended their hours this year. Monday through Thursday, the gym will be open from 5 a.m. until 10 p.m.; on Fridays they will be open from 5 a.m. until 8 p.m.; Saturdays they will be open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.; and on Sundays they will be open from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m.
Additionally, HealthWorks has begun construction on a new area for older kids, which will include a study area, where they will offer tutoring in spring, a video game center, movie area and lounge.
At KidsWorks, the gym’s on-site child care center, the outdoor play area will be upgraded to include a half court basketball court. A new play area for children up to age 12 will also be added.
Further upgrades will include new equipment for the second-floor workout area and changes to HealthWorks’ yoga studios and outdoor patio lounge area. Saenz said those changes would take place closer to March.
This year, HealthWorks has partnered with South Arkansas Community College to offer a discounted rate for students there. Saenz said full-time SouthArk students will be able to join for only $50 this semester.
“As a college, we are consistently exploring opportunities to enrich the student experience. In doing so, we are excited to partner with HealthWorks Fitness Center to offer full-time students the benefits of a discounted membership,” said Derek Moore, SouthArk vice president of student services. “We certainly want our students to focus on healthy lifestyles, including physical fitness. And, we certainly appreciate the collaboration of our local partners.”
In March, HealthWorks will host their second annual Boomtown 5k Run and 2 Mile Walk. Last year’s inaugural event brought hundreds of runners. This year’s event will be held on March 30 and all proceeds will go toward the Rock Steady Boxing program.
“We’ve got all sorts of new stuff,” Saenz said. “We’re doing all kinds of things.”
For more information about HealthWorks Fitness Center, visit healthworksfitnesscenter.com or call 870-862-5442.
Caitlan Butler can be reached at 870-862-6611 or cbutler@eldoradonews.com.