As the new year kicks off, many people tend to set new goals. One popular goal is to get healthy or work on fitness. However, sometimes maintaining those goals is not an easy task. Luckily the Marshall County Wellness Center is ready to help you create goals and stick to them.
The Marshall County Wellness Center recently celebrated their 20th year of helping people reach
their fitness goals, along with the center being used for physical therapy, occupational therapy and cardiac rehab. It is a part of the Marshall County Healthcare Center.
The 8500 square foot, $1.65 million dollar project, a significant hospital renovation two decades ago, has turned into a pillar of the community for helping people with their overall wellness
journeys. Over the years, the Wellness Center updated all their cardio equipment, including treadmills, cross trainers and the ‘Nu-Step’ which was originally purchased to help clients who experience joint pain to work out more easily. All have been updated to newer, more user-friendly versions.
Ashley Hagen, the Marshall County Wellness Manager, took over the position in 2023 and has
enrolled over 75 people since then.
“I really see an uptick in memberships around December and heading into the new year” Hagen states. “I also try to run specials on membership fees during that time as well, just to boost the incentive and help people who are ready to start their fitness journey.” She also does challenges throughout the year for members to join in if they so choose.
A new addition to the workout area are the midsize weights. Before, the weight rack held 5, 10 and 15 lb. weight increments, but now they have added in weights of 17.5 lbs and 12.5 lbs, etc which can really help get you to the next level of lifting heavy. Another exciting addition is the ‘Rogue Rack.’ This rack allows you to lift with bar bells and can accommodate for lifting both lower and upper extremity. The Center even added in several seated weight machines, which can be used by anyone, but really aims to help the older generation of fitness enthusiasts.
One of Hagen’s biggest goals was to get bariatric machines into the center, and this past spring, they arrived. “These machines can hold up to 500lbs, where most machines are capped at 350lbs only. This really gives more options for people and provides inclusiveness for all who want to be well,” Hagen stated. “One of my main goals is to make sure the Wellness Center is a place for anyone to work out, no matter the age or skill level.” When asked what age the oldest member of the center is, Hagen replied, “Our youngest is 17 and our oldest is 93.”
Hagen notices the biggest downfall for some people is how daunting a ‘fitness gym’ can look. “I know a lot of people are nervous to use the equipment, or may feel embarrassed while working out around others, but really they shouldn’t be, everyone has the same goal in mind, to get healthy!” Hagen also stated that she is available by appointment to help teach anyone how to use the equipment if they are unsure.
Another fun perk of the Wellness Center is the Studio sweat On Demand App for various pieces of equipment. For instance, if you want to try a workout routine on one of the Cycle Bikes, simply turn on the TV above you and choose your workout set. The program will walk through a timed workout with step-by-step instructions. This app has several options including workouts for the TRX, dumbbells and even aerobics. This perk comes along with your membership to the Wellness Center.
For anyone interested in just trying out the Center, the daily pass is $5, which includes all machines, a separate woman’s and men’s locker room with showers and bathrooms. A 20-day pass is $54, while a monthly membership is $25. However, if you belong to EMS/Fire or Law Enforcement or are age 60+, they offer a monthly membership of $18.
The Center is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day. The nurses who are on staff can buzz you in and you simply sign into the iPad at the counter. Hagen also wants everyone to know that some health insurances even cover membership fees or have a reimbursement program for how often you work out. Simply give the Center a call at 605-448-1121 and she can help you to learn more.
Temperature: 16°F Town: Britton, SD
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