Nov. 25, 2024
This paid piece is sponsored by GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness.
GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness is getting ready to become the manager of the longtime Avera McKennan Fitness Center and preparing to offer members new and expanded options there.
The transition happens Dec. 1, when the fitness center at 3400 S. Southeastern Ave. will be closed and then reopen the next day as GreatLIFE at Avera McKennan Fitness Center.
“I would say since we announced the change it’s been overwhelmingly positive,” said Randall Hill, GreatLIFE’s vice president of fitness.
“I’ve talked to a lot of people who are founding members here, so we recognize that longevity and loyalty and the relationships that have been built here. We’re very much a relationship-based company. We think it’s important in everything we do. So we want to see as many current members remain as possible who have formed those relationships, and we want to recognize how invested many of these members are in the experience they receive here.”
For current Avera McKennan Fitness Center members, the change to GreatLIFE will bring multiple new options.
“Our goal is to expand on what’s here — not take things away,” Hill said. “Becoming part of GreatLIFE allows members access to all 17 other GreatLIFE fitness centers, many with 24-hour access, and it expands their offerings at this fitness center for classes and personal training, in addition to all the other benefits of GreatLIFE membership.”
GreatLIFE will expand hours at the fitness center to mirror what’s offered at Woodlake Athletic Club: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.
“This is going to allow a lot more options,” Hill said. “We anticipate some special family swim and gym times in the evenings, along with additional activities for families during times the fitness center used to be closed.”
GreatLIFE and Avera “share a key focus on wellness,” said Dr. Ron Place, president and CEO of Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center.
“Working together to positively impact the health of our community is something we’re both very excited about. We look forward to a great collaborative relationship.”
For current GreatLIFE members, expanded access to Avera McKennan Fitness Center means adding the second-largest fitness center within GreatLIFE and the largest on the east side.
“Our members are excited about features like the full-length lap swimming pool and the walking track,” Hill said. “Plus, it gives more options for group fitness classes and a full-service wellness facility, especially for those who live on the growing east side.”
A steam room is another new addition for GreatLIFE, plus there’s a whirlpool in each locker room and a dedicated yoga studio.
GreatLIFE will continue to make lap swimming available for reservation, will offer towels and will not offer child care — although it’s still an option at Woodlake and Performance Center.
The cafe, CNC Food Factory, will operate as it usually has, and Avera will continue to offer physical therapy in the building.
“Those are some of the more common questions we’ve received,” Hill said. “We’ve been spending a lot of time there answering questions, and we’re going to continue to be there and help guide members through this transition.”
All GreatLIFE members also will receive two free guest passes each year and can bring kids 12 and younger for a $5 day pass.
“We’ve heard from many people excited to bring their grandkids here,” Hill said. “It’s a great option for families, but we’re mindful of structuring times so that there’s dedicated hours for children, and members are still able to have plenty of access to lap swimming.”
Want to try before you commit to membership? Enjoy a seven-day free trial beginning in December.
“That’s an easy to way to take a look at everything we have to offer, both at this new fitness center addition and the broader GreatLIFE community,” Hill said.
Member appreciation party
Members of GreatLIFE at Avera McKennan Fitness Center and all GreatLIFE members are invited to the annual appreciation party from 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 7 at Woodlake Athletic Club. Enjoy food, beverages, prizes and get to know your fellow members, plus all the benefits of GreatLIFE!
If you’ve thought about joining GreatLIFE, this is the time! You’ll enjoy unlimited access to all fitness centers, including the new Avera McKennan location, plus an option for unlimited golf and savings on things you already love every day in the Sioux Falls area and beyond. Click here to get started.
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