By Andrew Edwards
Elmore/Autauga News Staff Writer
“I never dreamed that it would be this nice,” said Grandview YMCA Executive Director Bill Meyers.
Those words rang true on Wednesday afternoon as Meyers couldn’t suppress a smile while he looked around the lobby of their new $2.5 Million building.
The new building space brought several additions that will help Grandview YMCA continue to grow, such as a 3600 sq ft equipment center, aerobics room, playroom for children, lobby space, additional extra showers and bathrooms.
Moreover, the YMCA now has more available parking space, and underwent a total overhaul of the pre-existing indoor volleyball/basketball court. Meyers said the indoor venue is soon expected to receive six new goals and a new gym curtain. The new backboards will be able to raise and lower themselves to fit the height of appropriate age groups.
“There’s not a single part of this Y that has not either been expanded or renovated as part of this project,” Meyers said. “We’ve done a full renovation of the old space and a big expansion of the new space. The new fitness center floor is twice the size of the old space, so that allows us to have more equipment and more options for people.”
Meyers explained that they are the first YMCA in the area to implement E-Gym, which is a new line of equipment that uses smart technology to help members see results.
“A member may get on the treadmill for 30 minutes, and that’s their workout. They might be intimidated, a lot of times, by strength training. This E-Gym takes the intimidation out of strength training,” Meyers said.
“There’s so many things to remember for each piece of equipment. With E-Gym, after going through a 30-minute orientation, you get a wristband and the machine adjusts to you. It knows who you are, where your starting position is, and how much weight you lift. Then you watch the display and do what it tells you to do.”
The new use of E-gym, along with the extra space for members to enjoy has culminated to an extremely high level of excitement for Meyers.
“I’m so pleased with the new additions. I think the Millbrook community is going to love what they see when they come in. It’s a big, more open space, and on top of that, it’s a beautiful building that people are really going to be proud of,” Meyers said. See more photos below.
