Stationary bicycles, stairclimbers, and treadmills (pictured here) offer opportunities for a cardio workout. (Photos by Lisa Aciukewicz)
Winter continues. Attempts to get outside for exercise seem to be thwarted by brutally cold weather, piles of snow, and slippery surfaces, not to mention periodic storms such as this week’s one-two punch.
Where everybody knows your name
But tucked away on a side street in Ayer, not far off the rotary, is a welcoming gym “where everybody knows your name.” Nashoba Valley Fitness Center, at 83 Central Ave. in Ayer, has been serving Ayer and its surrounding communities since 1985. On a recent Tuesday morning the Press visited the gym and talked to Harvard resident Robert Moran, a member of the gym since 2001. Robert and his wife Terry work out at the club twice a week. Their regular routine includes the treadmill, elliptical trainer, circuit training machines, and free weights. “People call it ‘the Cheers’ of gyms,” said Moran, “and it’s true. It’s very welcoming, and very low pressure. You don’t have to worry about your outfit.” The gym is equipped with Wi-Fi, and Moran brings his iPad and watches NetFlix while he works out.
The mix of people in the gym at 10 a.m. included men and women of all ages, which according to manager Cindy Jeannotte, is typical, “We have members as young as 11 and as old as 90,” said Jeannotte. The percentage of members over 62 is “about 40 percent,” and the ratio of men to women is “50-50” according to Jeannotte. Added 74-year-old Moran, “You see everyone from young buff guys to elderly people.” That sort of mix in the same space works, though, due in part to the sensitivity of the management. For example, the free-weight area used to be located adjacent to the women’s locker room. “There was a lot of grunting and groaning over there,” said Jeannotte. “Women had to walk right by that area to get to the locker room. We moved the free-weight area so it would be a little less intimidating for our female members.”
The gym has a free weights section as well as areas for cardio workouts and circuit training.
Fully equipped with free instruction on its use
The gym is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day, by key card access. Staff is generally available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. The cardiovascular exercise area includes treadmills, ellipticals, bikes, stair machines, and rowing machines. TVs mounted on the ceiling help pass the time, and some treadmills come equipped with their own TVs. Circuit-training machines, free weights, and a stretching room with mats and exercise balls complete the gym. Saunas are available in both the men’s and women’s locker rooms. Instruction is provided free of charge, and staff is available to help new members set up a program. In addition, personal trainers are available for hire. Memberships are monthly with no contracts, and senior rates are available.
For more information or to sign up for a complimentary visit, visit the website at nashobavalleyfitness.vpweb.com.
