GRIC Wellness Center Reopens with Upgrades to Floor and Fitness Equipment

April 1, 2022

Kyle Knox

Gila River Indian News

After a five-month closure, the Gila River Indian Community Wellness Center reopened in March with a new look.  The center used this time for enhancements to the building and fitness equipment, including the installation of new flooring throughout the center and new fitness machines and equipment. 

“We definitely wanted to try and meet the participants’ needs,” said Ryan Brown, lead fitness instructor. “[We] heard their input and tried to build a commercial fitness center, and I feel like we’ve done that.” Brown began working at the center just before the pandemic and has remained eager to keep the Community active. Over the last two years, he and the staff shifted to online fitness instruction and are now excited to see the clientele build on that foundation in person at the center.  

The most noticeable addition is the rubberized, padded floor, which replaces the original cement flooring that was chipping and uneven in some areas. This provides a level walking surface and absorbs weight during high-intensity cardio.

Also, the new equipment puts the wellness center on par with commercial gyms. It includes cable machines, TRX (Total Resistance Exercise) system, power racks, a hack squat machine, Smith machine and cardio machines. New treadmills and a Stairmaster machine—the first for the center—also are popular additions. 

As the fitness center reopens, they are considering expanding hours, including continuing noon fitness classes. Brown said, “We’re here to help the community to learn and adapt to new activities [and] health and fitness innovations and improve the quality of life for the community members here in a fun way.” 

To see all of the upgrades, schedule a workout time from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 90-minute designated workout times are available from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., followed by a 30-minute cleaning period, and this repeats throughout the day. The center allows a maximum of 20 people for every workout time, so staff urges clients to reserve times as soon as possible.

And the center continues to abide by all GRIC COVID-19 protocols. Before entering, everyone must complete a COVID-19 safety screening, and face masks are required during the workout. 

Call the Wellness Center at (520) 562-2026 to sign up for a 90-minute workout block.