Krista Corner
Havre Daily News
kcorner@havredailynews.com
Havreites trying to squeeze into that old pair of pants, fit into the nice swimsuit they bought on a whim, or feel better through living a healthier lifestyle will soon have a new option.
Daimon and Kristi Parrotte invite the community to “come get healthy and stay healthy,” as they open the Down Under Fitness Center in the old Northwinds building.
The couple plans to open May 31 or June 1.
A sneak peak of the renovated facility, complete with new equipment, is set for Wednesday and next Thursday. Tours will run every hour, Kristi said. People have a chance to register and get a 15 percent discount for signing up, and free day passes will be given as door prizes
“Come see what's being done and get excited to get healthy and stay healthy,” she said. The motto for the new business is “come get healthy and stay healthy.”
The Parrottes' renovation of the old Northwinds building on Second Street includes new equipment and ventilation systems, plans for better lighting in the parking lot and a new baby sitting area. Packages begin at $35 a month for a year-long membership.
Included in the membership is full use of the racquetball courts, an available personal trainer at all times and other services.
They plan to keep improving the club to meet the community's needs and continue expanding their services and workout options.
Daimon said they removed most of the old equipment. Some of it was donated to the Havre Middle School.
“Everything we kept, we are cleaning and making sure it's in good working condition,” he added.
For those who love racquetball, the Parrottes kept that option available.
“People used to love the racquetball, so we kept that,” Daimon said. “It's very popular.”
Kristi added that the building looks almost new.
“It's getting a total facelift,” she said.
The pair said they tried to address previous members' concerns with the building when they began the renovation process.
“We've met a lot of people who used to be members,” Kristi said. “(The members) fell by the wayside for various reasons, and we're trying to address the issues they had to make the club better.”
Kristi also said they would like to add a few more exercise options as well.
“We want to get a summer beach volleyball team going,” she said. There is an area behind the building that can be used, she said.
The building includes Kristi's realty office, and the bar area is now the physical therapy area, she said.
Once the center opens, Daimon will be available for questions and physical therapy Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
He said they'll add lighting to make the parking lot safer.
Kristi said they also considered hiring a full-time massage therapist for the center.
If there is something members think needs to be added, updated or changed, Kristi said a suggestion box will be available for them to use.
“We want to meet the community's needs,” she said.
The center's hours will be from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday. On Saturday and Sunday, members can exercise anytime between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. If the hours need to be adjusted, the couple added, they will certainly do that.
“If the 6 a.m. classes look to be popular, we may just open at 5 a.m.,” Daimon said.
The packages, Kristi said go up in $5 increments from there. For a six-month membership, the cost is $40, three-month packages cost $45 and members who wish to purchase a package on a month-to-month basis, she added, the cost is $50. When someone purchases a year-long package, they'll automatically be given a punch card for 15 hours of free baby-sitting at the club. People who purchase packages don't have to worry about levels of membership, Daimon said.
“Some clubs have different levels of membership, ” Daimon said. “For purchasing a basic package you might get to use the equipment only and if you purchase the next level you'll get access to the classes and the equipment ... with our club, you'll have access to all of it with one price,” he added.
With the package, members get what Kristi called a “passport to fitness,” which includes a sheet on which members can record repetitions, increases and other stats. Additionally, members receive access to the racquetball courts, two personal trainers who can answer questions and help personalize a fitness program at any time, access to the hot tub and sauna, and a locker.
Members also can monitor heart rate, blood pressure levels and pulse oximetry, which is a way to measure the saturation levels of oxygen in a person's blood.
Two trainers will be available for seven days a week.
For members, child care costs just $2.75 an hour and for non-members the cost is $3.50, Kristi said. Punch cards for baby-sitting are also available. Kristi said the cost for members is $33.75 and non-members pay $41.50. The punch cards have 15 hours of baby-sitting available. The baby sitters will care for kids during the hours of 8 a.m. and noon and they will open again from 4 to 8:30 p.m. during the week. On Saturday and Sunday, the hours are 8 a.m. to noon and 4 to 5 p.m.
The pair acknowledged the help they received with this project. Kristi said it would have been difficult at best to see their dreams come true without support.
“We couldn't do this without the community's support,” she said.
“Now we have the health club, and I'm committed to this for the next 25 to 30 years,” Daimon said. “I think that is one thing this club has always needed.”
