New gym and wellness center in Greenville gives life to Depot Building
By Shelagh Talbot
GREENVILLE JUNCTION — There’s new life in the Depot Building in Greenville Junction. Amanda Hunt has opened a place to get fit – Balance Gym & Wellness Center.
“I wanted to have a real gym for some time now,” said Hunt. “My goal with this was to have a complete gym set up with top quality equipment.” The spacious interior is ideal. “It doesn’t feel crowded here,” Hunt said gesturing. “Even if a lot of members are here at the same time there’s plenty of space.”
The main room of the gym is warm and appealing with natural wood beams, softly painted walls and original maple flooring. Small lights are strung throughout the ceiling, which adds to the welcoming ambiance. Exercise equipment is spaced thoughtfully throughout the large room.
Hunt has spent the last months carefully crafting her business plan in her location. In addition to lots of elbow grease in working on the interior of the Depot Building, Hunt researched the best of gym equipment. She was awarded a grant, which really helped with making choices. “I’ve got a number of Cybex pieces,” Hunt said. “They’re excellent quality.” She plans to add a Universal gym soon, as well as ab and leg machines. “I’ll also get jump ropes, bands and exercise balls.”
In her effort to appeal to members, Hunt’s gym will be open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on the weekends from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. “We will probably have staff on hand during regular business hours,” Hunt said. “But it really depends as to when we have the most people. I can tweak schedules for us to be there when members are. Plus, we have a keyless entry to work with best personal schedules, early or late.”
The Depot building has had many incarnations over its 150-year life. “Once upon a time this was also a gym,” Hunt grinned. “And the cardio room was where I took ballet lessons as a little girl.”
During the tour we walked upstairs. There was a long airy room with plenty of windows and a silver tin ceiling. Hunt noted than one of her helpers meticulously painted the ceiling with a brush. “It took them nearly a week!” She pointed to the row of machines facing the windows. “This is where we have cardio stations,” Hunt explained as we stood in front of the row of ellipticals, treadmills and a huge Stairmaster.
“When I asked people what they would choose for equipment this is what everyone said they wanted,” she said, placing her hand on the Stairmaster rail. “I had done a post on Facebook because I wanted to offer something a little different,” she smiled. The impressive Stairmaster won hands down.
“This is also where I’ll have classes,” Hunt explained. She’s planning to offer Yoga in the mornings and possibly a half hour HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) course in late afternoon. There is a beautiful grassy area out back for summertime Yoga. “Its surprisingly peaceful and private by the stream there,” Hunt observed.
Hunt’s mother, Cheryl Bouley, is a frequent visitor. “It’s really nice to have her here – we work out together,” Hunt smiled. “And the other day a number of my family members dropped in and we were all in a row on the cardio machines. It was really fun!”
Hunt is passionate about her business venture. “I’m doing this for the community and wanted to make it a really nice place to come and work out – nice for Greenville and Moosehead. I definitely wanted the ‘Wow!’ factor. That was also my goal. Everyone has been asking me how they sign up, so I’ll be open the rest of the week after Christmas to sell memberships, and the rest of the equipment will be coming Friday, December 28.”
Stop and visit the Balance Gym & Wellness Center on Friday 12/28, Monday12/31, and Tuesday, New Year’s Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and see for yourself. Learn about the options available for membership. Amanda Hunt’s phone is 695-7030 if you have questions. Visit her Facebook address: www.fb.com/balance.greenvillehym.