Staying fit should be easier for Jones County Junior College students and Ellisville residents with the grand opening of the Bobcat Fitness Center. Partnering with South Central Regional Medical Center, JCJC is offering a modern exercise facility.

“This goes beyond our dreams,” said JCJC President Dr. Jesse Smith. “This is adding days to our lives….Our students can be in an environment where it’s easy to be healthy.”

Partnerships enable JCJC to be successful.

Executive Director of SCRMC, Doug Higginbotham explained, “This is a joint effort. It’s great to be able to take 5000 students and help them understand that health matters for the rest of their lives.”

The new Bobcat Fitness Center, located in the D.O. Thoms Physical Education building, features a cardio room with three treadmills, three elliptical machines, two Stairmasters, one step mill, two recumbent bikes, and two upright bikes. The main workout room has 17 pieces of equipment as well as free weights and benches. The equipment, partly funded by SCRMC, is user-friendly and color coded bright yellow to indicate it is adjustable.

The two full-time and one part time exercise physiologists from South Central Regional Medical Center are available to help members figure out how to use the equipment.

JCJC Fitness Center Director Dolores Deasley said, “A qualified staff member gives orientations to help members learn how to properly use each piece of equipment and advises members on the correct techniques for using the equipment. Depending on the workout goal of each individual, our Exercise Physiologists can also design a training program to meet all needs.”

The Bobcat Fitness Center is also open to the public. For more information about the Bobcat Fitness Center, call 601-477-5416.