New Circuit Training Center Opens

The email from Simon Ababou, fitness director at the Lititz recCenter, 301 W. Maple St., Lititz, was dotted with exclamation points. "We have something to share with the community!" it read. "It's all about the fitness center renovation! Now we have a circuit training room beside the big fitness center."

Ababou's excitement was understandable. The circuit training room was first proposed by Ababou, and approved by his supervisor and the board, in spring of 2021. "The construction was supposed to happen in the summer, but with COVID everything is late," Ababou explained.

In early October, the new circuit training center in Studio 1 opened with 16 Life Fitness Machines designed to exercise upper and lower body muscles. According to Ababou, three large windows, along with glass doors offer visibility to other fitness areas. The new room provides comfortable space to exercise on machines that combine strength and cardio training and use repetition to build endurance. The equipment offers variety, but it also can be customized for intensity. "Circuit training is for everyone," said Ababou. "With circuit training, you can do upper body, lower body, cardio - all in 30 minutes if you don't stop." The room also includes access to the free weight area for more equipment, and Ababou noted that those who use free weights may want to finish their workout in the circuit training room.

Ababou noted that the new center was created by necessity, pointing out that the trend toward using free weights was causing issues. "Things were getting overcrowded in the weight room with the circuits and the free weights," said Ababou, who noted that many students exercise in the free weight area in the afternoon, at the same time active adults are often working out. "It was challenging after school," explained Ababou, who added that he was happy to have the students there but that the crowding brought safety concerns. Ababou made a plan, which culminated in the opening of the center.

For new members or members who are not familiar with circuit training, orientations are available. "We meet twice," said Ababou, who noted that the first meeting is a consultation that takes into account target heart rate and exercise history before starting with the cardio machine and maybe six or seven others. A followup appointment in the next few weeks includes instructions on the other machines. "With older adults, we can also do assessments first to know the strength level," said Ababou.

For safety reasons, no one under 12 is permitted in the fitness center. Youth ages 12 and 13 must be supervised by a parent, guardian, or coach at all times.

To schedule a free member fitness center orientation, contact simonababou@lititzrec.com or 717-626-5096, ext. 239.