Fit in Faulkner County
Indoor areas allow residents to get in shape
When the weather outside is a little on the warm side, that doesn’t mean you can’t get a great workout. From municipal fitness centers to local health clubs, there are many opportunities to work up a sweat indoors. The following is just a small sample of places to work out in Faulkner County without having to worry about the elements.
CONWAY REGIONAL HEALTH AND FITNESS CENTER
Located in Conway, the Conway Regional Health and Fitness Center is the region’s only comprehensive medically integrated health and fitness center, said Jeramie Hinojosa, director of fitness. The facility has a five-lane pool, a large fitness floor, two group fitness studios, a functional training area, a basketball court, two racquetball courts, child care and rehabilitation services. The center also offers a variety of medically integrated programs and services that focus on treatment and prevention of specific disease, such as heart disease and diabetes, he said. “The health and fitness center is truly an extension of the continuum of care for the Conway Regional Health System,” Hinojosa said. “The center allows us to expand our reach outside the realm of sick care and focus on prevention and education. This, in turn, allows us to partner with health care providers to provide better care for the community by improving patient outcomes.” For less experienced exercisers, Conway Regional Health and Fitness has personal training packages that can connect members with nationally accredited personal trainers. Group instruction is also available. Senior citizens can also get in on the fun at Conway Regional Health and Fitness. Hinojosa said there is a variety of strengt hand cardio-training equipment specifically for senior citizens and those with limited mobility. There are also many aquatic fitness programs in the warm-water pool that are helpful for individuals dealing with arthritis, as well as bone and joint issues, he said. The facility is also a participant in the Silver Sneakers and Silver and Fit exercise programs. Membership to Conway Regional Health
and Fitness costs $48 a month, he said, but there are membership options, including discounted rates for seniors and corporate discounts.
GREENBRIER FITNESS CENTER
For those in the Greenbrier area, the Greenbrier Fitness Center is a great place to get in shape. The facility has a selection of free weights, cardio-training equipment and strength-training equipment. The cost for using the facility is $1 per day or $100 per year. Family rates and payment options are available. Greenbrier also has a 1/9-mile indoor walking track that is ideal for seniors or those who want to work out without dealing with the heat. The Greenbrier Events Center also offers fitness classes such as high intensity interval training, Jazzercise, yoga and much more.
DON OWEN SPORTS COMPLEX AND THE MCGEE CENTER
Conway’s Don Owens Sports Complex, right off U.S. 65, and the McGee Center, at 3800 College Ave., are great places to work out indoors. Both facilities have large courts for basketball pickup games or volleyball, along with elevated walking/running tracks.
PRIVATE GYMS
While many of Faulkner County’s municipalities have great public facilities, there are also privately owned gyms that may be more convenient and provide other amenities. Some gyms have expert personal trainers, tanning equipment, nutrition centers and much more. Whether in Mayflower, Quitman, Vilonia or one of the county’s other cities, there is probably a private gym just a short drive from home.