As Americans navigate through one of the worst economic times in our nation’s history, picking a health club may not be on the top of the priority list. But it should be, and Fitness First Plus Heath Club at 849 Avenue of the Cities in East Moline has made some changes in the last few months to show that they are evolving with the times as they continue to provide a safe and diverse place to get in better shape mentally and physically.
The main thing you will notice as you enter the facility is the diversity of people working out as well as working there, and that is something the clubs staff takes much pride in. “The health club is hispanically owned and operated by Debbie Diaz and Tony Williams.” explained Director of Hispanic Relations, John Cerda. “We want our members to know that this is your house and we have staff to help in all aspects of the club. We want all of our members to feel comfortable whatever language you speak.”
Not only do they keep all their equipment up to date such as treadmills, ellipticals, free weights and machines, but they also provide an assortment of classes that come free with your membership. Pilates, Yoga, Team Cycling and the Shake and Sway are just a few of the classes Fitness First offers. One class that is gaining popularity quickly is the boxing class. The main reason for the spike in interest is most likely because its newest instructor is Professional boxer, Gilbert Venegas. He leads a boxing class twice a day and in just a few months is getting great positive feedback. “It’s more like an aerobic boxing class for everyone not just for hardcore boxers.” said Venegas. “I’ve got people of all ages coming up to me saying that they are losing weight and inches off their waist from my class and I want more people to come and be able to enjoy the same things.”
No one has seen the progression and growth of Fitness First Plus Health Club better than Moline Police Officer Eddie Alaniz. Having been a member since 1990 he notices the changes the club has made over time. “I’ve seen a big change lately with the Hispanic community not just with the members but with the staff.” Officer Alaniz said. “As not everyone speaks English, at Fitness First they have people to help with that to make them feel more comfortable.” “Sometimes people are hesitant to come and talk to me being a Police Officer but seeing me there makes them more comfortable when they see me outside of the gym.” stated Officer Alaniz.
The biggest addition to Fitness First Plus Health Club is the opening of Evolution. The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) superstar, Spencer Fisher teaches Muay Thai, Jui Jitsu, and MMA type of training in the new wing of the gym. Emily Fisher, Spencer’s wife, also is an instructor for the classes and she is currently in the process of getting certified to be a personal trainer. MMA is growing in popularity, so Fitness First Plus Health Club remodeled part of the club to equip fighters with whatever resources they need. Fitness First Plus Health Club also offers an assortment of Personal Trainers ready to work with clients individually to meet their own personal goals. Head Personal Trainer, Ryan Jensen is not only able to help English speaking clients. He is fluent in Spanish thus being able to help Spanish speaking members feel more at home.
General Manager, Jose Cerda, who is also certified as a personal trainer and is bilingual, noticed about 5 years ago that the club was missing out on the opportunity to target the Hispanic population. “We have got a lot of positive feedback to catering to the Hispanic culture by hiring bilingual staff so as to be able to communicate better health and nutrition values.” said Mr. Cerda.
Whatever background you are, one thing we all have in common is the goal to be healthy and happy. The staff at Fitness First Plus Health Club wants to invite you to come in and see for yourself all the changes they have made so that even though as times are tough now, there is a place to go where you can feel like you are amongst friends and family, while getting the most out of your workout.
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