Review: Chickasaw Nation Wellness Center in Tishomingo, Oklahoma

In my quest to be physically fit I have tried many things, such as eating well, walking, riding a bike and doing anything physically exhausting. Unfortunately I live in rural area far away from anything that supports such a life style. All hope seemed lost until Monday July 30^th, 2007, the Chickasaw Nation opened up a Wellness Center in our town.

The Chickasaw Wellness Center is located in a newly built facility on 821 E. 6^th Street in Tishomingo, OK. This new facility to me was a true blessing. For the nearest fitness center was at least 35 miles away.

The Chickasaw Nation Wellness Center is free to employees and tribal members of the Chickasaw Nation. To the general public who is not of Native American decent, it is the low cost of $45.00 a month for a family. The Chickasaw Nation states that it "hopes to help build a healthier community and reduce the health disparities faced by many Native Americans today." All members are allowed to come and go as they please any day of the week. Facility hours are from 6am to 8pm Monday through Friday and Saturday 8am to Noon.

This facility offers cardio equipment, aerobics, strength training and free weights.

The Chickasaw Nation also has plans in the near future to add a swimming pool to the facility. The Chickasaw Nation states that, "The wellness center will provide education, mentoring, monitoring, incentives and access to activities to promote exercise, nutrition and overall improved health."

The only few things I did not like about this facility is that it did not have tanning beds, a child care center, not open on Sundays and only open four hours on Saturday. Seeing as Sunday and Saturday are my only days off throughout the week, this can be a bit of a problem to work around. This facility tends to be full of people first thing in the morning, making it hard to access the equipment that you need to use.

What I did like was that the facility is very open and bright. All the equipment is high quality and in excellent condition. They keep their facility well maintained and clean. There is adequate parking and the employees are very helpful. The cost of $45 dollars a month is not bad considering the prices I have paid for other facilities in the past.

Overall I highly recommend this facility to others in this area. I think all should take advantage of this opportunity to utilize this center with its low prices and discounts, high quality equipment and friendly atmosphere.

Be sure to talk with your doctor before partaking in any physical activity. All members are required to sign a document stating they understand all policies and procedures for the facility. You are required to list any and all medical health problems that may need be addressed before using the equipment.

Sources
First Hand Experience
http://www.chickasaw.net/site06/about/261_6858.htm