Fitness center opens in Nixa

St. John's Fitness Center in Nixa has only been open a few weeks, but it already has more than 700 members.

The fitness center opened on April 22 and occupies the upper level of the new Nixa Community and Aquatics Center, located at 701 N. Taylor Way. St. John's is leasing the 10,000-square-foot space, which resembles a small-scale version of the fitness center in Springfield, said Belinda Mercer, director of St. John's Fitness Center.

"Nixa residents had indicated they wanted to build a new community center that had a fitness aspect, so the city's officials ap-proached St. John's with the idea," Mercer said. "It's a good fit in many ways. St. John's wanted to expand their presence in Christian County, and the fitness center in Springfield is at capacity."

Mercer estimated that approximately 5,000 members belong to St. John's Fitness Center in Springfield. Approx-imately 400 of those members live in Nixa.

The Nixa fitness center is much smaller that the 40,000-square-foot Spring-field facility, but they both contain many of the same features and services. There's an indoor walking track, Nautilus Nitro weight-training machines and aerobic equipment including stationary bicycles, recumbent bicycles, cross trainers, stair steppers and several state-of-the-art treadmills.

Like the Springfield facility, St. John's Fitness Center in Nixa offers many free services, including: fitness evaluations, tae kwon do and aerobic classes, and child care, according to Jennifer Abdon, lead fitness instructor at the Nixa facility. The fitness center also employs two personal trainers who, for a fee, will help members customize their exercise programs.

The fitness center's size, however, has created some limitations. According to Abdon, the tae kwon do classes, aerobics classes and the child-care center all share one room. As a result, the fitness center in Nixa is unable to offer child-care services while an aerobics or tae kwon do class is in session.

Another notable difference can be seen in the free-weight section. This section doesn't contain any Cybex or Hammer Strength weight-training equipment, which can be found at the Springfield facility.

Abdon was quick to point out, however, that St. John's Fitness Center in Nixa offers several things the Springfield facility doesn't. Members have access to an indoor basketball court, which is located downstairs in the community center. The fitness center also has an elevator, which has been an asset to members with limited mobility.

Fitness center members also will be able to use the Nixa Aquatics Center's outdoor swimming pool, which is now under construction. However, they must pay a fee.

"Members of the Springfield fitness center can use this facility whenever they want, and vice versa," Abdon added. "We just need to know which St. John's Fitness Center they plan on using the most."

New Nixa facilities

Members of St. John's Fitness Center in Nixa can easily access a wide variety of programs, services and sports leagues provided through the Nixa Community and Aquatics Center, which will be offered beginning this summer.

Nixa's Community and Aquatics Center is located on a 39-acre development called McCauley Park. Once construction is complete, the development will contain soccer fields, pavilions, a playground, a walking trail and an outdoor swimming pool.

According to Shawna Flannery, superintendent of Parks and Recreation for the city of Nixa, the development project has been in the works for nearly three years and will cost approximately $5.2 million. The project is being funded through existing sales tax dollars and a $4.1 million bond that was approved by Nixa voters, she added.

"This project would have never gotten off the ground if it weren't for the support of former Mayor J.M. Wasson and Nixa's Board of Aldermen," Flannery said. "They've given the community something that was really wanted and needed. I can't believe the response we've have gotten already."

Sapp Design Associates Architects PC of Springfield designed the community center, Larkin and Associates of Kansas City designed the pool and R.E. Smith is serving as the general contractor for the project, according to Rhonda Hannah, recreation manager for the city of Nixa. Construction began in February 2001 and should be completed early this summer.

Fees and hours

Membership fees at St. John's fitness centers in Nixa and Springfield are the same, Abdon said. Currently, membership fees are $34 a month for individuals and $56 for families. Monthly rates for seniors 62 and older are $22.50 for individuals and $34 for families.

The hours at the Nixa and Springfield facilities differ. Currently, the Nixa fitness center is open 6 a.m.8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m.5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Hours at the Springfield facility are 5 a.m.11 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.5:30 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m.5 p.m. Sunday.