November 9, 2006

BIGFORK VALLEY NEWS RELEASE

Bigfork Valley Fitness Center opens to public

Looking for a way to keep in shape this winter? The new Fitness Center at Bigfork Valley opens to the public the week of Nov. 13.

While designing the newly remodeled facility, Bigfork Valley decided to join its new Rehab Department space with a community health goal. "Our physical therapy patients will be able to use these top of the line Nautilus exercise machines to target muscle groups for therapy," said Randy Herme, manager of the Rehab Department, "but community members can also use them to work on their own fitness programs."

The Fitness Center includes a variety of machines to isolate and condition major muscle groups as well as treadmills, recumbent bike and arm exerciser, upper body exerciser and elliptical trainer. Equipment purchase was made possible through the Bigfork Valley Endowment administered by the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation.

"We are excited to offer this wellness opportunity to our area residents," said Dan Odegaard, CEO. "It's a meaningful way we can give back to our community while encouraging health and fitness."

There is a monthly membership fee to use the Fitness Center, discounted for residents of the Northern Itasca Hospital District. The center is open to ages 14 and over, and an orientation must be completed with Bigfork Valley's certified personal trainer before using the equipment.

Public use hours are 6 - 9:30 a.m. and 2 - 8:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Sunday.

To schedule an orientation or for more information, call the Rehab Department at Bigfork Valley, (218) 743-4133.