Lisa Russell is a familiar name to the fitness enthusiasts in the area. That is why Bryce Davis, Eagle Grove city administrator, is excited to announce that she has been hired as the director of fitness programming for the new Eagle Grove Recreation and Wellness Center. The addition of the recreation facility to the existing Wellness Center is set to break ground in May, if all goes according to plan.
“Lisa checks all the checkmarks. She has a lot of certifications as an instructor, she has a lot of clientele base, and she’s an out-of-the-box thinker that we need and want in the Eagle Grove Rec and Wellness Center,” said Davis. “We were fortunate to be able to offer her the position.”
Russell’s first day will be Tuesday, April 13. Her first task at hand, according to Davis, is to create a buzz and excitement about the center. Apparently, there are still people in the community who think this is only a dream, and not a reality. Davis assures us, it’s happening.
“We have enough funds to construct the facility and get the basic amenities inside the building, but obviously, there’s always more money that can be used to offer more amenities, and that’s kind of where we’re at. More equipment and more amenities mean more opportunities,” Davis elaborated.
“I’m super excited to be back in Eagle Grove,” said Russell.
In addition to creating a buzz, Russell will spend construction time building her own list of classes, schedules, and additional instructors for when the facility opens later this year, (anticipated to be November or December). When it does open, men and women of all ages will have a variety of fitness classes to choose from. Although the specifics have not yet been determined, you’re likely to see some of her most popular Slay classes including boxing, yoga/pilates, full-body fusion, and pound with drumsticks. The center will also be the new home of Rock Steady Boxing Wright County for Parkinson's patients.
If you can’t wait to get into a fitness routine, Russell will be offering classes throughout the construction process either at Memorial Hall or on her acreage. More information will be made available on that at a later date.
Russell also hopes to bring some new classes to the Rec and Wellness Center. Some of the options could include CrossFit, Barre (ballet-inspired exercises), aqua aerobics, and strength training. She wants to offer classes specifically for senior citizens and wants to start something for school-age kids after school and during the summer. As progress continues, she also hopes to bring in educational speakers on topics like nutrition and autoimmune seminars.
“We want to offer people the opportunity to get into an active and healthy lifestyle,” said Davis.
Russell said that all of the classes and seminars will be available to both center members and nonmembers, but of course, members of the Rec and Wellness Center will be able to take advantage of better pricing.
The Wellness Center as it is now will remain open during the construction phase of adding the recreational center onto the building. Davis is proud to say that they have some people with hometown connections doing some of the work on the expansion. Joe Cooper will be handling the flooring for the basketball court and the track, and Luke Reiland is taking care of the weight room floor and equipment.
Davis and Russell agree that other people with ties to Eagle Grove can also have a hand in building this facility. They don’t have to build it, but they can come and be a member. They can also make a one-time contribution to the extra amenities. Or you can make a five-year pledge. You can contact Russell for more information on any of these.
“We’ve had a lot of good small business and corporate sponsors supporting this project,” said Davis.
“I look forward to bringing Slay Fitness classes back to Eagle Grove and bringing with it my new position,” said Russell. “This facility is going to open doors for bigger and better things in Eagle Grove.”
For more information, you can reach Russell at rise.slay365@gmail.com
