Fitness club turns 30

The Sportscenter Fitness and Athletic Club recently celebrated its 30th anniversary.

Owner Bruce Burchfield recalls the day the facility opened.

“Thirty years ago, that was a big deal. Had a big ribbon cutting ceremony with the mayor and the alderman. It was huge,” Burchfield said.

With so many gyms opening every year, it can be hard to maintain a health business for even a couple years. Burchfield says his facility has survived by being diverse.

“We have 60,000 square foot of workout space under roof and are situated on 11 acres. We are the largest sports facility in the county,” he said. “We have five racquetball courts. No one has that. We have nine (five clay, four hard) tennis courts. . .

“We are able to provide services of the sports area as well as the largest fitness facility. We have beach volleyball in the summer. We converted a sixth racquetball court into a Pilate’s studio... We also transformed one of our indoor basketball courts into a Crossfit area. ... So diversity has helped us.”

Along with the exercise and sports offerings, the club has also started to diversify again. Members now have the option of getting a medical massage through Stress Medic and chiropractic work by Dr. Ted Bullock. Memberships cost $66 a month.

“We try to integrate, with sports and fitness, the wellness aspect,” Burchfield said.

Burchfield says many people who come in have old nagging injuries.

“We really believe in the whole health and wellness lifestyle. So before you start, lets get you assessed by two people who are talking to our trainers. Who are on the same page with you,” he said. “Then, let’s handcraft an individual program that will help you heal and prevent any injuries so you can get in your best health and shape. And it has worked so far.”

That since of caring and community has also been another reason for the clubs longevity. Coupled with the fact they have reinvested $1.3 million into improvements, members feel less like being at a gym, and more of a community center.