If you have lived in Ithaca for any amount of time you would be aware of Island Health and Fitness (IHF) built overlooking the flood control channel. They have made a name for themselves on the health and fitness scene, but did you know that there is also a location here in Community Corners? Developers, Terry, Tim and Joe Ciaschi designed a cutting-edge facility that when partnered with Cayuga Medical Center could provide innovative fitness and lifestyle programs to enhance the quality of life for its members. What they offer is far and above the average gym, and although there seems to be more and more gyms popping up around town in the past few years, Island easily holds its own.
Island Health and Fitness is known for their partners such as Cayuga Medical Center, Rasa Spa, The Waterfront Café and others that make fitness a one stop shop, as well as for their aquatics center and their group fitness classes that are offered daily. A satellite location is just another step in that direction. Built in 2011 it is across from Cayuga Primary Care and next to Corners Gallery. What you receive in service and care downtown you receive here at this location as well. They are both owned and managed by the same people and the staff rotates back and forth between the two locations. The Village location is of course much smaller. The amenities listed above, out of space constraints, are not offered at 409 East Upland. This might seem like a big drawback but on the contrary, it is exactly what some are looking for. Stephanie Wright, the Operations and Programming Manager, wears several hats. She oversees the day-to-day operations at Community Corners, at the downtown location she does the Programing and is a personal trainer at both locations. According to Stephanie a lot of their regular members prefer the smaller scale of the gym. They enjoy the simplicity and slower pace this affords. Members at Community Corners also seem to enjoy the more personal atmosphere afforded through a gym with less than 1,000 members as opposed to over 4,000. Stephanie says members often greet each other, engage in conversation, and catch up about their lives as they workout. Although the majority of their clientele are either college students or older residents of the Village, this does not prevent friendships and acquaintances from forming. Members of both locations have access to two free sessions with a personal trainer such as Stephanie. This allows clients to learn what techniques work specifically for them, a tremendous asset to being a member of IHF. What it comes down to is that Community Corners can offer you a variety of machines, access to personal trainers, a sauna and a clean, thoughtfully laid out gym to train in.
One big difference between the two locations is the price. You have probably noticed their signs advertising a $39 a month membership fee. This is a more comfortable price and might be the nudge an individual needs to make the decision to join. Members are not limited to one location either. If say you live in the Village and like the convenience of the Community Corners location but also enjoy the aquatics center once a week you can absolutely have a membership in both locations. Or a member of the Community Corners gym is able to get a 50% off discount on a day pass for downtown which includes access to fitness classes. There are several different types of membership offered; more info on this can be found under the “Become a Member” page on their website, islandhealthfitness.com.
While other gyms might pride themselves on being affordable or accessible, Island Health and Fitness runs on the business model of service. They spend their time and energy on hiring staff that cares about fitness and whole-body wellness. For example, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Stephanie for a few minutes in between seeing clients and you can tell she is invested in what she does. What motivates her the most is seeing those she helps be successful in their goals. Everyone has their own story, and Stephanie looks forward to hearing them during her training sessions. With a smaller customer base, it is easier to make suggestions and have desires become reality. Stephanie explained that all the equipment on the floor is based on the needs of their current clientele. One great example of this is a recent upgrade to a spare room off the main floor. Someone brought it to management’s attention that there are no places with heavy bags in the area. Now, that spare room has been turned into a boxing room and it sports a couple heavy bags.
Physical Fitness is an important part of our health and wellbeing. The best part is there are so many ways to accomplish physical fitness, and one can decide the best, most convenient and fun way to get their heart rate up! For a lot of people their first choice is a membership at a gym due to convenience. Island Health and Fitness has made the gym experience that much more innovative. Stephanie along with her co-trainers and managers help to bring that personal touch to the environment. Loving what they do, they easily go the extra mile to ensure a great experience for everyone that enters the doors. Check out their website for more information or call the Community Corners location at (607)319-0149 to sign up for a membership, you won’t be disappointed.
