Emma B. Howe YMCA Coon Rapids, MN

At the Emma B. Howe YMCA, a deeper understanding of the community helped create a fitness space designed for every exerciser. With Life Fitness / Hammer Strength equipment and connected technology, the upgraded floor gives members more ways to train, track progress and feel confident reaching their goals.

A Space Built for Every Level THE VISION

The goal was simple: to create a fitness space where every member could feel comfortable lifting, whether they were walking into the gym for the first time or already training at a higher level.

The YMCA team wanted to create a more inclusive and versatile fitness experience that could appeal to a broader range of members and strengthen the YMCA’s connection with its community. That meant offering more variety on the fitness floor, with equipment and training options that could support different interests, goals, and experience levels.

We wanted our members to walk into a space where they felt comfortable lifting, not only those who are beginners, but those who are also experienced lifters.

Michelle Lunde, Product Executive - Wellbeing

Built Around the Community THE PARTNERSHIP

The right fitness experience starts with understanding the people who use it. By looking closely at its community needs and demographics, the Emma B. Howe YMCA worked with Life Fitness/Hammer Strength to make more informed decisions about its fitness environment and equipment mix.

That approach helped create a floor with something for every type of exerciser – from Selectorized and plated-loaded equipment to cable systems, racks and platforms.

More Ways to Train. More Reasons to Return. THE FLOOR EXPERIENCE

The upgraded fitness floor gives members more choice in how they train. Selectorized equipment, cable systems, racks, platforms, plate loaded equipment create a versatile environment where members can find the right tools for their individual goals.

The investment has also helped the YMCA reconnect with members who had previously left because they were looking for a different equipment experience.

We’ve been able to reconnect with members that maybe decided to leave for equipment purposes, and we’ve made a targeted effort to those members to reach out ad say, hey, come see what we got now for you.

Ernest Kaehler, Senior Operations Director

Confidence You Can Track. THE RESULTS

After upgrading its fitness spaces and equipment to create a more welcoming experience for a broader range of members, what was the next step? Giving members the ability to personalize that experience to fit their own goals.

With the Life Fitness Connect app, members can track workouts, view their progress history, and pick up where they left off, creating an experience that can evolve with them. Whether they’re new to fitness or have been training for years, each member can use the tools in a way that works for them.

The result is a more personalized fitness experience that meets members where they are and gives them the flexibility to make the most of their time at the YMCA.