Ritzville Fitness opens to provide healthy living option for locals

 

Last updated 12/8/2016 at Noon

RITZVILLE FITNESS is now open for local residents to join the town’s first gym. General Manager Danny Cabrillo de Becca and Owner Diane Spain display a small portion of the equipment, and are anxious to begin promoting healthy living in Ritzville. -Journal photo by Katelin Davidson

As the year draws to a close and residents turn their focus to making New Year’s resolutions, a new business in downtown Ritzville is aimed at helping locals reach their health goals through healthy living and exercise.

Ritzville Fitness is locally owned and operated by Pete and Diana Spain, and general manager Danny Cabrillo de Becca.

The gym equipment spans through multiple office spaces in the building at the corner of Washington Street and Main Avenue, which previously housed Sunny Spot Floral and Gifts.

The fitness center opened on Nov. 15 and is gearing up to host a grand opening event when the facility is complete.

With the majority of the machines in place, the owners are now working on acquiring the necessary free weights to complete the equipment supply for the business.

The Spains are focusing on providing area residents with a low impact exercise option in order to appeal to more demographics. With the wide variety of machines focused on an individual exercise, they believe there is something for everyone in the corner fitness center.

In order to respect the privacy of their members, the windows around the center have been frosted, allowing those inside to see out but preventing passersby a clear view of the individuals inside completing a work out routine.

In the first few weeks of business, Diane explained they have seen a wide variety of customers, with two of their most frequent customers being individuals in their 80s.

The center is geared towards helping adults find a healthy option for their lifestyle and encourage all adults to focus on the improvement of their wellbeing.

Nearly four months ago, Diane explained a heart attack nearly claimed her life. She realized how quickly she could lose her chance to watch her children grow up, and decided to make a lifestyle change.

Along with the help of Pete, the two began to look into the option of opening a fitness center. Since her heart attack, the couple began a workout routine, which has led to them improving their overall health.

Cabrillo de Becca is a longtime friend of Pete’s and has managed fitness centers in California. As everything began to fall into place, the three focused on finding the best location and equipment for members at the center.

The Spains found and rented the space currently being used for the center, and began work to improve the facility. As owners of Pete Spain Construction, they used their expertise to fix issues with the building and check to ensure the building was safe for use.

They referenced the mold study completed in the building earlier this year and made adjustments with the circulation of the building, as well as ensured the roof had been fixed.

The highest mold levels had been recorded in the building adjacent to their space, and the Spains said they sealed the walls between the two buildings as a precaution.

With the mold levels being safe in their facility, the Spains are now moving forward with making additional improvements to the building. They are also hoping to expand their center into all of the available rooms in the building, but are currently only using the front three spaces.

The Spains have purchased and are leasing the equipment available in the facility. Along with the low impact machines, treadmills, an elliptical and a stationary bike are also available for use.

Diane said the purpose of their mission as fitness center owners is to encourage people to invest in themselves.

As exercise continues to change and improve her life, Diane wants to reach out to others who may be struggling with health issues or are unsure of how to begin a workout routine.

Ritzville Fitness is open 24 hours a day to members, and is staffed from 5 a.m. until 8 p.m. Because the majority of the machines are low impact and the gym is not primarily free weights, Diane said members can feel safe using the facility at night, but advises members to be conscious of their workout and remain safe.

As the facility continues to expand in the upcoming months, Diane said they will begin offering classes. These could include workouts like yoga or Pilates, and they hope to bring in local instructors to teach the classes.

The $25 monthly membership fee covers the cost of the classes, and non-members will still be welcome to join the classes for a fee. Diane explained there is a $50 sign up cost, but the amount also includes the first month of membership.

For individuals who may not be able to pay the monthly fee, Cabrillo de Barea explained they are flexible and can provide members with a daily fee. Diane added they are able to work with members on payments, and are willing to do “pay as you go” plans, instead of the whole monthly fee at once.

Other components will also be added in the upcoming months, including a punching bag, speed bag, climbing rope, resistance bands, medicine balls and additional free weights.

Diane said they are accepting donations of any free weights that individuals may no longer be using in their home.

With Christmas quickly approaching, Diane said the facility does have gift certificates available. They are also hosting a special in the month of December in anticipation for New Year’s, where members can register and receive two memberships for the price of one.

Diane and Cabrillo de Becca also welcome individuals to stop in at the business and see the facility. They are also willing to help create workout routines for members who may be new to a gym environment, and assist with teaching individuals how to properly use the machines.

Cabrillo de Becca said the best part about working out is the endorphins released and the energy it brings to a person’s life. He continued to say it helps build confidence and strengthens the body both physically and mentally.

As an adult only gym, Diane said parents who want to bring their teenage children with them to workout is acceptable. All teenagers must be accompanied by an adult, and must also sign a waiver and pay a membership fee, she stated.

As services continue to expand in the next few months, Diane encourages residents to check in regularly to see what specials they have to offer.

They will publicize their classes as they become available, and encourage any local instructors who would like to host a class to contact them at the fitness center.

Ritzville Fitness is located at 202 West Main Avenue, and the business can also be found on Facebook.

 

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