Sean C. Morgan
Of The New Era
Steelhead Strength and Fitness Center has moved and is ready to take the fitness business to the next level in Sweet Home, according to its owners.
Mayor Craig Fentiman cut the ribbon on Steelhead’s new building Saturday morning.
Steelhead moved to the corner of 13th and Main into the building previously occupied by Coast to Coast, Cascade Hardware and Dollar Bills after heavy remodeling throughout the year. It had been located in the old Epps building on the corner of 10th and Main.
“We’re really excited to be able to bring this to the community,” partner David Bauer said. “It was here before, but we wanted to take it to the next level.”
The old gym was more self-service, Bauer said. “We want to be a full-service gym.”
That next level means a variety of new features at the gym, including fitness classes taught by Linn-Benton Community College or instructors from the gym. The gym has a masseuse on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and members can also subscribe to a special computer program that tailors exercise routines to individual needs. The gym also has two tanning beds now instead of one.
Classes will be available through LBCC, but members will be able to attend some classes as part of their membership. Classes will also be available to the general public.
The gym also will soon be open 24 hours per day using a card lock system.
Gym owners include Dave and Desi Barringer, Dave and Vicki Bauer and Ivan Vandehei. Employees include Mike Severns and Sam Posthuma. Tiffany Makin is an instructor, and Becky Massad is the masseuse.
Steelhead opened at its new location on Oct. 16. It opened on Feb. 2 at its old location, which was in the process of being sold. Steelhead purchased the equipment from the previous occupant of the building, World Gym, but it is not associated with World Gym.
“We’re bringing in a lot more equipment, a lot more services,” Vandehei said. “We have a lot more features, services, activities and classes.”
For example, the Active Tracks computer program, operated by a separate company, is a subscription service available to members for $10 per month,
It has information on all of the gym’s equipment, he said. Users will be able to log onto the service and input information about themselves and their goals, and “it will provide a routine to help them meet their goals.”
The service is free for the first month, Vandehei said.
The gym also will offer free weights and weight machines, anaerobic workout equipment, a climbing wall, shower facilities and a juice bar.
The gym and LBCC offer 14 classes right now, Vandehei said. Five of those are free to members.
The owners also hope to add dance classes at some point, he said.
“We have a very large membership base, and we’re getting new members every day,” Vandehei said. “We see things growing and successful. I’m really excited about what we have here for the community and surrounding area. There’s so many more options, and things people can take advantage of.”
Working out the heart, lungs and cardiovascular system is important, Vandehei said. “I believe a person should exercise at least three to four times a week.”
Better health means less money spent on medical bills later, he said.
Bauer said there’s talk of holding a Steel Man triathlon event that would be held regularly.
“We really want to become a hub in the community,” he said. “We want to sponsor events. We want to become a place where people want to belong, like the chamber.”