After months of planning, organizing, and hard work, local gym owners of Champions Health and Fitness, Abdul and Moe Mouallem say they are excited to see the community begin using the facility’s new location.
“I was very overwhelmed at first. It was a lot of work, a lot of planning, organizing, and a lot of effort,” says Abdul. “But now, I’m pretty excited because maybe I can start using the facility myself rather than building the facility.”
Champions Health and Fitness has relocated to a new location beside Boston Pizza, offering many amenities for members.
The upgraded space features saunas in the change rooms, a squash court, a basketball court, racquetball court, and a second-floor fitness area equipped with yoga mats and stationary bikes.
Abdul says that plans are also underway for a refreshment station where members can relax after their workouts. The lounge area will include comfortable seating, creating a welcoming space for the gym members.
One of Abdul’s main goals for the expanded space is to attract more teenagers and provide them with a positive place to spend their time.
He says that the larger facility allows the gym to welcome teeangers and create a space where they can stay active and socialize in a healthy environment.
“We were hoping to do something exciting in the community,” Abdul says. “The idea is to build something bigger, more space, and start attracting a lot of teenagers.”
Abdul says that many local families, including his own, could benefit from having more recreational opportunities available close to home.
The new location has also made it easier for staff to enforce facility rules and maintain equipment.
Unlike the previous location, which had carpeted flooring, the new gym features rubber flooring that makes it easier to identify when dirt, rocks, or debris are tracked into the building.
Abdul explains that keeping the facility clean helps protect expensive equipment and maintain hygiene standards, especially in workout areas, courts, and saunas.
The gym provides disinfectant spray and clean towels for members and encourages everyone to wipe down equipment before and after use.
“We try to keep a healthy and clean environment,” says Abdul. “The disinfectant spray and clean towels are always available, and we ask people to always clean after they’re done.”
As the facility settles into its new home, Abdul hopes the expanded space will become a place where residents of all ages can stay active and connected.
Now that the facility is open, he is looking forward to focusing less on construction and more on serving members.
Julia Magsombol
Lakeside Leader