50 years of fitness: The Center for Fitness marks milestone with celebration

The Center for Fitness, which has been at its permanent location at 1407 Water St. since 1999, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The center will host an open house from 6 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 26, offering tours, free day passes, raffle prizes and refreshments served at noon.

What began in the 1970s as an exercise class instructed by Gail Sears for 12 of her friends at the Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kerrville has grown into a community asset for all ages over the years.

By the end of the ’70s, Sears was teaching aerobics classes sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Department at what is now the Cailloux City Center for the Performing Arts. Enrollment started to grow, more instructors were trained, and water aerobic classes were incorporated into the schedule at the Riverhill and municipal pools.

In 1993, Gail’s Aerobic Lifestyle found a home at 623 Myrta St. The new space allowed for the addition of exercise equipment, and a total of 22 classes a week were offered.

The Center for Fitness officially opened at its location on Water Street on Aug. 2, 1999. The 10,000-square-foot facility offers a full line of aerobic and strengthening equipment, as well as an indoor lap pool and warm therapy pool.

More than 50 group exercise classes taught by certified instructors are offered each week, both on land and in the water.

In 2004, a yoga and Pilates studio opened next door to the center after Sears developed a passion for Pilates.

When Sears was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2007, her daughter, Kathy Sears Hall, began the process of transitioning into a leadership role for the center by working toward getting her own certifications and licensing to become an instructor.

“She always inspired me to incorporate fitness into my life,” Hall said.

Gail Sears died in 2010, leaving behind a legacy of living with strength and wellness at all stages of life.

“Many of the folks that were with my mother throughout the years are still here, and they have been a big part of maintaining our vibe,” Hall said. “We pride ourselves on being a very welcoming facility.”

The Center for Fitness offers a complete line of aerobic and strengthening equipment, a yoga and Pilates studio, a variety of group and private fitness classes taught by certified instructors and an indoor pool for all ages.

SilverSneakers, an exercise program designed specifically for older adults, is one of the center’s most popular attractions. The classes allow participants to build on their overall strength and increase their range of movement.

“It’s a group strength class done with the aid of a chair. It concentrates on balance, agility, strength and stretch,” Hall said.

Line dancing classes were added to the center schedule in the past year and have also proven to be quite popular.

“Everyone comes out of that class with a smile on their face, so I know they’re having fun,” Hall said.

Since they provide low- impact exercise and a low risk of injury, aquatic classes are frequently well-attended in the indoor pool.

“We have people who have joint issues, and the land is not as kind to their bodies, but the water feels great,” she said.

The Center for Fitness also serves as a satellite location for Peterson Health’s physical therapy program, partners with Kerrville’s C3 Swim Team for lessons and practice in the indoor pool and offers fitness classes through the Dietert Center.

“Community is very important to us and being a part of what Kerrville has to offer,” Hall said.

A variety of other classes — including Zumba, tai chi and qigong — are also offered throughout the week.

Hall said that the key to motivation when it comes to health is discovering your “why.”

“About a year and a half ago, we started to see a steady increase of new members every month,” she said. “It’s been exciting for us that people seem to be caring about their health and wellness in a new way.”

While individuals come to the center and exercise for a variety of reasons, the main impact it has is on their quality of life.

“Seeing the changes that it makes in people, it’s not weight loss specific,” she said. “People are able to keep up on vacations again, improve their balance or play with their grandkids on the floor.”

To learn more about The Center for Fitness, call 830-257-7070 or visit www.thecenterforfitness.com.

AUGUST FUNDRAISER

The Center for Fitness is hosting a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society from now until Aug 26. Customers who purchase from the Pampered Chef catalog will have 30% of their purchase go toward the American Cancer Society.

To view the catalog, visit https://www.pamperedchef.com/party/kathysears0805

This article was originally published in the Aug. 22, 2024 edition of The Kerrville Daily TImes.