Lending a hand

0

Noblesville Athletic Club offering free yoga classes for cancer patients and families

By Mark Ambrogi

Noblesville Athletic Club general manager Cindy Kinney recognizes the battle cancer patients face.

“Cancer is a lonely disease and to have support and people with you that are dealing with what you are dealing with (is important),” Kinney said.

The club is teaming with Cancer Support Community Central Indiana to offer free cancer services.

“We’re very community minded here,” Kinney said. “We want to do whatever we can do to help.”

The NAC, 411 S. Harbour Dr., is beginning the initiative by offering free gentle stretch yoga classes at noon on July 15, 22 and 29. The free wellness program is available for those cancer patients and their families.

“They (Cancer Support Community) suggested earlier in the day because cancer patients typically tired later in the day,” said Bobbi Maskew, the NAC’s marketing director.

Maskew had reached out to the Cancer Support Community office in Indianapolis to see if there was a way the club could supply cancer support.

“They said they were looking for a satellite location so we met and started developing this,” Maskew said. “We’re starting with the free yoga and we’re hoping to expand on that by offering education seminars about the financial needs of those dealing with cancer, what to eat when dealing with this disease and what makes you feel best.”

Club member Sharon Brimberry, a Sheridan resident, said cancer support is a great idea.

“I’m really big into Relay for Life, so I know that’s a great need in our community, and I’m glad they are doing that,” Brimberry said.

Kelsey Blood, program and outreach coordinator for Cancer Support Community, said her group is excited about the partnership.

“Our yoga classes are very well-attended at each location we have implemented them in,” Blood said. “We are marketing that to all of our cancer patients as well as those in Noblesville. It’s absolutely free and provided by Cancer Support Community.  We’re going to see how those three weeks go. If we have great attendance, we’re going to continue the class on a weekly basis.”

Maskew is trying to get the word out through the community.

“Hopefully the yoga classes are well received so we can keep doing more,” Maskew said. “We have this large meeting area. We can bring in art.”

Maskew, a Noblesville resident, had been a member for several years but became marketing director in November.

NAC has been in the community for more than 30 years. It is owned by Dr. Bob Habig, who lives in Sheridan.

Kinney, a Westfield resident, has been general manager for more than a year and an instructor for 15 years. Kinney, the NAC’s only full-time employee, joined the club about 20 years ago.

Kinney credited Maskew with doing more to involve the community.

“It’s been incredible,” Kinney said. “People know who we are.”

Maskew said since it is not a chain fitness center, it is easier for to get involved in community events without going through a lot of red tape.

The NAC offered three weeks of free camps, two for Zumba and one for yoga, for elementary-aged children this summer.

“People that have been members for a long time say they see the change and feel the change,” Kinney said.

Noblesville resident Julie Montgomery has seen progress in her eight months as a member.

“For me, it’s a non-threatening environment,” Montgomery said. “You can go in there super fit or go in never having gone into a club before. It’s a really comfortable environment. I like the variety of classes. You can go in there and try any class. It’s a family environment which you don’t find in all the gyms.”

Montgomery’s 9-year-old daughter Eva took the free Zumba classes.

“It was a great introduction for her and it was a lot of fun,” she said.

Lisa Lent, a Noblesville resident who has been a member for about seven years, has seen several positive changes under new management.

“My sons (8 and 10 years old) went to the free Zumba classes,” Lent said.  “I don’t feel like it’s a big box gym where I have to look pretty when I walk in there. I definitely feel comfortable when I walk in. They are trying to pull the community in.”

Noblesville Athletic Club

Where: 411 S. Harbour Dr., Noblesville

Info: The club, which also offers racquetball and kickboxing, along with yoga, step aerobics and Zumba classes, has about 800 members. The club has an esthetician, who does facials and electrolysis.

Hours: Monday through Thursday, 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Childcare hours are 8:30 a.m. to noon, Monday through Saturday and 5 to 7:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday

Cost: $28 per month (includes all classes) and $308 a year for membership. Guest passes are $5 per day.

Website: nacfitness.com

Phone: 317-776-0222


Current Morning Briefing Logo

Stay CURRENT with our daily newsletter (M-F) and breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox for free!

Select list(s) to subscribe to



By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact
Share.

Current Morning Briefing Logo

Stay CURRENT with our daily newsletter (M-F) and breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox for free!

Select list(s) to subscribe to



By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact