ALPENA — Alpena’s local fitness centers are stepping forward to offer opportunities for community engagement and healthy living, catering to all athletic abilities. Multiple fitness center owners across Alpena are taking unique approaches to fitness, providing diverse choices for individuals looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Cristi ‘Skella’ Johnson, the owner of SkellaFit, developed a passion for various types of fitness while training for roller derby. Eventually pivoting to weightlifting, she founded SkellaFit to provide a supportive environment for clients to explore different exercises.
“I decided I wanted to spread that love with everyone else I knew,” Johnson expressed. “People would have a place where they could explore and try out different types of exercises.” Johnson’s philosophy centers on a personal approach to fitness, emphasizing individual needs rather than a one-size-fits-all model.
She also noted a concerning trend in fitness culture, stating: “Marketing has been making people feel they are not good enough, so they have to go to fitness.” In establishing SkellaFit, Johnson aimed to empower clients to prioritize their health and well-being. “People don’t think they deserve it,” she pointed out.
Another local fitness center, Zen 24 Hour Fitness, owned by Zane Kipfmiller, caters specifically to powerlifters and recognizes the importance of providing a community space for younger residents. Kipfmiller remarked: “Best thing about Zen is that it is a space for younger folks … Zen really gives them a place.” Zen Fitness collaborates with SkellaFit to enhance the community of powerlifting in Alpena, with plans for a powerlifting club and competitions.
Trina Gray, owner of the Bay Athletic Club, shared that her father’s heart health journey inspired her to create a welcoming fitness space. “The doctor said you have to work out,” she recalled. Gray believes BAC offers members a vibrant community, especially for working parents and retirees looking to maintain social connections while focusing on health.
Joanna Cooper, owner of The Joshua Tree Studio and Spa, fosters community through her unique cooperative model for yoga instructors. “I wanted this to be an opportunity for instructors to have a space that they didn’t have to pay for,” Cooper stated. The studio collaborates with local organizations to promote community movement and meditation.
Alpena also offers additional facilities like the APlex, which includes a fitness center, tennis courts, and more, alongside the ACC Wellness Center located on the Alpena Community College campus. With such a variety of options available, Alpena’s citizens are well-equipped to pursue health and wellness while engaging with their community.
Comments are closed