From abdominal training to Yoga, Chickasaw Nation Wellness Centers, located in Ada, Ardmore and Tishomingo, offer a wide variety of programs, services and classes all designed to improve the health of the entire community.
Now, all three Centers offer aquatic activities with the opening of pools at Ardmore and Tishomingo - just in time to meet the demand of the popular New Year's resolution to get healthier.
Both 33,500- gallon indoor pools have connecting male and female locker rooms and a pool lift chair to provide easy water access for everyone.
The water temperature is set at a tropical 86 degrees.
Pool hours and classes vary by location.
Currently water aerobics and lap swimming are offered at each location.
Tishomingo Wellness Center Manager Bill Asbery and Ardmore Manager James Lampkin said youth swimming lessons will be offered this spring.
All three wellness centers provide education, mentoring, monitoring, incentives and access to activities to promote exercise and overall improved health, free to Chickasaw citizens and employees, and available to all at a reasonable price.
Nutrition services and cooking classes are available in Ada and Ardmore.
Treadmills, weight machines, free weights, Arc trainers, and recumbent bikes are available for use, along with personal training, and evaluations and consultations.
"The equipment, Cybex, is comparable to any gym and the Cybex machines won't let you use them wrong," said Melinda Ward, Ada Wellness Center manager.
Physical assessments are available monthly.
Flexibility, Body Mass Index, measurements, grip, cardio health and overall physical fitness is assessed for both tribal employees and community members.
"We take their life history of sports and athletes and build a program for the client that is what they want," said Asbery.
"We can assess and then set a program on the assessment. The personal training is included in the membership," said Lampkin.
Qualified staff members at each Center are CPR certified and most are lifeguard certified.
Almost every staff member is certified to teach land and water aerobics.
No Excuses
As for the excuse of not enough time to exercise, the fitness experts offer this advice:
"You have to make time for yourself. Exercise helps you mentally and physically. Once you exercise, you walk away with a better feeling," said Ward.
"Don't starve yourself, take it slow and weigh yourself at the same time each day."
Aim for a two to three pound weight loss each week.
Asbery added, "I tell people if you have time to eat they have time to work out. It is a lifestyle decision. Make it a part of your everyday life.
"The health benefits are so great, even if you just walk on the treadmill. You build muscle, stop craving sweets and start craving protein that is needed for a workout."
Ardmore Wellness Center
Opened in 2007, the 9,000 square feet facility in Ardmore offers free weights and weight training machines, as well as treadmills and a variety of other cardiovascular training equipment.
The facility is located at 911 Locust SW Ardmore.
Chickasaw Wellness Center in Ardmore has almost 1,600 square feet dedicated to martial arts and aerobics classes.
To contact the Ardmore Wellness Center call 580-222-2828.
Tishomingo Wellness Center
Located at 821 E. 6th Street in Tishomingo, Okla., the Tishomingo Wellness Center opened in 2007.
The 9,365 square feet facility features a physical therapy area, an aerobics and martial arts area, along with areas designated for free weights, machine weights and cardio equipment, and now an indoor swimming.
To contact the Tishomingo Wellness Center call 580- 387-2711.
All Chickasaw Nation Wellness center hours of operation are:
Monday - Thursday 5:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Friday 5:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday 8 a.m. - Noon
Sunday Closed
For more information on aerobic class schedule and pool schedules, contact the Center in your area.
