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New Year Goals Met At Fitness Center

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By LAURA CONE

The Sun

Published: January 7, 2009

Doris Reynolds of Sun City Center said she has lowered her blood pressure, lost 10 pounds and experienced a greater sense of calm simply by working out at the Sun City Center Fitness Center.

"I know everyone," she said. "It's like family. If I'm in a bad mood, I come to the gym and I get a hug and a compliment and I go home feeling better."

Bart Main, who was president of the fitness center for eight years, helped convince the board of directors for the SCC Community Association to build a new fitness center a few years ago. Volunteers raised more than $300,000 for the fitness equipment housed inside the 6,100-square-foot facility which has become a strong selling point for the community.

"New people moving here tend to be younger and they are very much interested in fitness clubs," Main said. "WCI did a study and found 87 percent of people said they wanted a fitness center. It sells homes all the time. I would not be here if it weren't for this."

Main said the fitness center continues to improve under the leadership of Bruce Andersen, the chairman of the Fitness Center committee.

Main said his New Year resolution is to exercise his brain as well as his body.

Eighty-three-year-old Arthur Barrientos said his New Year resolution is to "get skinny."

"I've been trying that for years," joked Barrientos, who uses the rowing machine and the weights at the fitness center. He said his son, John, was impressed by the fitness center when he visited.

Gerry Harding said she has been working out at the fitness center for two years.

Originally from Queens, N.Y., Harding said her New Year's resolution is to exercise for one hour on the treadmill. She worked her way up to 45 minutes in 2008.

"I lost 15 pounds in the two years coming here," Harding said. "I have a heart problem and I want to keep strong. It's good for circulation."

Stan Juczak said she decided to start working out six years ago. He has since lost 60 pounds.

"I was having too good of a time," Juczak said. "I got overweight and lazy. I decided I didn't want to go into old age sick. I had to do something about it."

His New Year's resolution is to enjoy life.

Editor Laura Cone may be reached at lcone@mediageneral.com.

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