Gym Rats, Rejoice!

Parks employees Daniel Trautner and Christine Lafontant work out at the new COC Fitness Center. Another gym is open at a County facility and it’s getting rave reviews. The all new Fitness Center opened July 23 inside Building 5530 at the County Operations Center (COC) Campus in Kearny Mesa. The facility measures 2,802 square feet in all, including restrooms with showers and lockers and a workout area measuring 1,800 square feet.

Yes, yes, but what about the equipment? Okay, General Services Project Manager Jeff Redlitz says you’ll find Life Fitness brand commercial grade equipment and that means treadmills, universal gym, cross-trainers, upright and recumbent bikes, dumbbells and adjustable training benches. All of this in air-conditioned comfort and while watching television on flat screen monitors.

Did I mention it’s getting rave reviews? A recent Friday evening found at least a dozen people inside. Many of them were thrilled at the idea of walking a few steps from their office to the gym, working out and beating the traffic at the same time. Not to mention, that it’s all free.

“It’s great, so convenient,” said Parks District Manager Daniel Trautner. “I have two kids at home; this is the only time I get to work out.”

Some employees were checking it out for the first time. One shy Human Resources employee said he carpools with his wife so he’s working out until she finishes up at the office and then they’ll both head on home. Aging and Independence Services Office Assistant Daniel Robinson said he thought it would be a great way to miss traffic. Once he’s done hitting the weights, it should be a clear ride home to Chula Vista.

Parks Recreation Manager Christine Lafontant is so happy with the fitness center, she may cancel her current gym membership. “It’s really convenient and part of the Live Well initiative,” said Lafontant. “It fits in so well, we’re walking the talk.”

So what are you waiting for? You don’t have to be a COC employee to take advantage of the gym; you just need your County ID programmed for the Fitness Center door. Review the rules and regs, fill out an acknowledgement form and a standard release. Then send the completed forms, preferably a PDF scanned copy, to the COC Property Manager at Ralph.thielicke@sdcounty.ca.gov. And of course, you should always consult your doctor before starting any exercise program.

This is the second workout center for employees at the County. The gym at the County Administration Center was the first such facility.  

The COC fitness center is open from 5:00 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the regular work week, plenty of time to jump on the treadmill before and after work, during the lunch hour or any breaks in between. Some COC employees work weekends so there’s some talk about opening the gym those days too. Keep your fingers crossed!