Clement and Marilyn Jones, the husband-and-wife team that serve as co-owners of the new Anytime Fitness center in Hickory Hills, believed it was time to greet the community.
“We have been open for a couple of months,” Clement said. “But today I have had some people come through who said they didn’t know we were here. So, I was like, I’m glad we have done this. The grand opening is an official way to meet everyone.”
The official grand opening for Anytime Fitness, which is located at 8701 W. 95th St. in the Hills Creek Shopping Center, took place on Saturday, Sept. 26. Some visitors arrived for the first time at the state-of-the-art facility, while others have already become members and ready to take part in a workout.
“I’m glad we did have a soft opening first though,” Clement said. “It gave us time to work on some things that needed adjustments. Now, we are ready to go.”
Walking through Anytime Fitness initially leaves an impression on visitors.
And the general consensus is that this is not your dad’s workout gym.
Marilyn provided a tour of the expansive facility for visitors. Besides working out with free weights, Anytime Fitness also has resistance machines to provide a thorough training experience. This includes free consultations and sessions with a trainer to focus on specific needs.
Members can sign up for individual sessions or take part in monthly plans during the year. The center is open 24 hours for members who want to take part in sessions any time, day or night.
Marilyn said members will be provided with a special key that will allow them access to the facility.
“Security and cleanliness are non-negotiable,” said Marilyn, adding that cameras are located throughout the building with the exception of the restrooms and showers. “Security is of the utmost importance here.”
Marilyn reiterated that the center is cleaned extensively throughout the day. Marilyn provided visitors with a look at the hydro massage chair that allows first-time guests and members a massage through vibrating motors that extend from the neck down through the legs in the recovering room
After a thorough workout, members can also relax in a sauna. Two separate rooms equipped with showers are also available for members after workouts. Marilyn also emphasized that along with exercise and training method plans, members are also provided with suggestions on better nutrition and dietary changes.
A locker area is also provided for members who want to store anything from keys, purses, and clothing, Marilyn said. She said that working in tandem with her husband provides the best advice for members due to their separate skills.
“I don’t know anything about the equipment,” Marilyn said. “I don’t know the difference between Torque or Matrix, but my husband does. But I know the marketing and the business side and I have had experience in this and other businesses.”
Both Marilyn and Clement have worked in the fitness industry, but this is their first full-time effort together. Originally from Chicago’s West Side, the couple have lived for years in Lynnwood.
Attending the grand opening and ribbon cutting were members of the Hickory Hills City Council, including aldermen Brian Waight (1st), Deb Ferrero (2nd), Henry Kman (3rd), and Scott Zimmerman (4th), and City Clerk Joseph Stachnik. The Hills Chamber of Commerce assisted in organizing the grand opening.
Visitors were able to tour the facility and enjoy some tacos outside in the parking lot, which included a bounce house for kids and prizes.
Both Clement and Marilyn said they would like to make their imprint in this community.
“We would like to get established here in Hickory Hills,” Marilyn said. “But we would like to open more facilities in the future. But I don’t want to get ahead of myself. We want to lay the groundwork here first. We like it here.”
Anytime Fitness is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday; and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Sessions on Sunday are by appointment only.
More information can be obtained by calling 708-295-3700 or visit anytimefitness.com.
