-- Facility opening is anticipated in late spring 2009 --
More than 13,000 square feet of space, filled with the most modern exercise equipment available and staffed by fitness experts trained in wellness, exercise physiology, personal training, aerobic instruction and more, will be available to members when the ETMC Olympic Center in Jacksonville opens next spring.
A completely renovated building
The new Olympic Center, located in a completely renovated building that once housed Central Baptist Church’s Family Life Center, will extend the campus of ETMC Jacksonville an additional block to the north. The facility’s entrance will be located on the west side of the building, with convenient access to parking. The exterior of the building will be wrapped in brick to match ETMC Jacksonville.
“Our members will enjoy all of the latest, greatest fitness equipment, including elliptical exercise machines, treadmills and cycles with integrated TVs and iPod compatability,” noted Eddie Howard, vice president of the ETMC Rehabilitation Center. A broad selection of Life Fitness strength and cardio equipment has been purchased for the facility, in addition to several pieces of free weight equipment.
Comfortable, welcoming atmosphere
ETMC Olympic Centers provide a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere for people of all fitness levels.
“The staff at each ETMC Olympic Center is highly-trained and qualified, and always available to help our members when they need it. We maintain a high priority on customer service and personal interaction with our members,” Howard said.
The new Olympic Center in Jacksonville is a $1.8 million investment in the health and fitness of the area, and is a joint project of the East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare System and the Nan Travis Foundation.
The facility will feature:
• A 20’ by 40’ saltwater pool
• A separate exercise studio with aerobics floor
• A racquetball court
• Locker rooms with showers
• More than 4,600 square feet devoted to exercise equipment and free weights.
• Private treatment rooms for outpatient therapy, including physical and occupational therapy
• Cardiac Rehab classes
The saltwater pool will be among the first in the ETMC system, and the first newly-built pool to be equipped for saltwater. “Saltwater pools offer several advantages,” Howard noted. “Once they’ve experienced it, most people prefer saltwater over chlorine or bromine pools, because it doesn’t burn the eyes or irritate the skin. It also doesn’t damage hair or bathing suits as the others can.”
The new Olympic Center will offer a variety of exercise classes, including aerobics, water aerobics and yoga. Personal trainers will also be available to help members meet their fitness goals.
Private treatment rooms will allow people who need outpatient rehabilitation, such as physical or occupational therapy, to receive it in a comfortable environment.
“The new Olympic Center in Jacksonville will provide a perfect complement to the services at ETMC Jacksonville,” said ETMC Jacksonville Administrator Jack Endres. “In addition to the fully equipped fitness center, ETMC Jacksonville patients who need outpatient rehab services after their hospital stay can also benefit from this excellent facility."
The facility will employ approximately 10 people, staffing it Monday through Saturday. Hours are anticipated to be 5:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 5:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday; and 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.
If you are interested in having your name added to a list of potential new members, please call 903-541-5520. ETMC Olympic Center staff will follow up with you when additional membership information is available.
ETMC Jacksonville is part of the East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare System’s network of hospitals throughout East Texas.
Other ETMC facilities include hospitals in Athens, Carthage, Clarksville, Crockett, Fairfield, Gilmer, Mt. Vernon, Pittsburg, Quitman, Trinity and Tyler.
ETMC is a not-for-profit organization committed to improving the quality of life in communities throughout East Texas.
