Marla Ballard
While visiting a gym or fitness center can be done all year long, January typically sees the highest gym membership of any month in the year. Typically, New Year’s resolutions play a key role in this surge; for those who choose to stick-with-it the benefits are considerable.
Better mental health is not a common reason people begin an exercise regimen, but according to healthline.com, – “Exercise can help to regulate stress hormones and trigger the release of mood-boosting neurotransmitters. When combined with other treatments, exercise can help with symptoms of several mental health conditions, including depression and ADHD.”
Additionally, exercise benefits a person’s overall health, boosts energy, enhances physical abilities, and produces better balance. While some choose to become fit with in-home fitness routines a work-out place allows for connections with other like-minded people and offers a wide-range of equipment and options along with professional guidance.
Fitness centers are not one-size-fits-all, so taking a tour and asking questions before signing-up is the sensible route for long-term commitment. Here is a sampling of fitness centers inside Jackson County.
Anytime Fitness offers all of the typical exercise equipment found in most gyms, however they also offer InBody Scans, this equipment uses bioelectrical analysis to measure body fat percentage, muscle mass, water distribution, and visceral fat. This gives more actionable data than a traditional scale. InBody scans are non-invasive and quick. Currently Anytime Fitness has fitness classes three days weekly, open 24/7. Call 256-575-8450 or go to www.anytimefitness.com.
Bender’s Gym has been open since 2016 and offers the unique experience of a dry hydro massage. A dry hydro massage allows users to remain dressed and dry while water pressure is applied to soothe sore muscles. According to healthline.com – “A meta-analysis of studies published 2004–2024, reported a positive correlation between hydrotherapy use and a reduction in depression and anxiety scores. A study in 2012 found people with arthritis benefited from less pain after using hydro-massage.” Bender’s Gym has a wide range of workout equipment for both cardio and muscle building. Call 256-999-0393.
Scottsboro Rec Com provides cardio and weight equipment as well as aquatic aerobic classes. Water aerobics classes with instructor are held Mon. – Wed. – Fri. at 8 a.m. When the pool is open for what is classified as “open swim” and when there is no water aerobics instructor teaching, guests may ask for a video to be played for water aerobics instruction. Additionally, the Rec Com has pickle ball, racquetball, basketball, and an indoor walking track. For more details go to cityofscottsboro.com under Rec*Com or call 256-259-0999.
Shacky’s Women’s Fitness Center has a 5.0 google review, has 9,000 square footage of exercise space, 24-hour access, full gym, tanning, and fitness classes. For more information follow on Facebook or call 256-599-7797.
Kramer’s Gym has been the recipient of the Daily Sentinel Newspaper’s People’s Choice for Best Gym and Best Personal Trainer award multiple times. Kramer’s Gym has been in the fitness business for 40 years and has an excellent website with video at kramersgyms.com or call 256-594-1056. In addition to gyms with weight lifting equipment Scottsboro hosts Koryu Martial Arts and Black Lion Studios (Karate).
The town of Section offers Mountain Strong Fitness.
“We are a women’s only/fitness class only center with classes all throughout the day to fit busy schedules,” said owner Desiree Clark. “First class is free to check us out.” Clark said she offers her clients an app to keep track of class schedules and instructors. “We have different types of classes and eight instructors to allow people to choose what fits their needs best, with classes beginning at 5 a.m. and into the evening,” Clark said.
A variety of pay options are available. Call 256-333-1998/follow on Facebook or go to mountainstrongfitness.com.
One option for fitness in Bridgeport is Next Level Fitness. The gym is open 24/7.
“I feel our gym has a friendly and inviting environment,” said owner Adam Smith. “We are always adding new things, we are currently working on an outdoor training area.” The 10,000 sq. ft. space offers yoga, Pilates, and jiu jitsu classes along with cardio and weight lifting equipment. An unmonitored children’s area is available for parents to utilized while working out. Follow on Facebook or call 423-488-4627. An Internet search for more fitness centers by towns inside the county offers a wider selection of fitness options.
