YWCA partners with Peak for fitness

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

After struggling for years with declining membership in its fitness programs, the YWCA has announced a partnership with a Delphos-based organization that will provide 24-hour fitness services at the nearly 100-year-old facility.

The YWCA has signed an agreement with Peak Community Wellness of Delphos to provide management of all the YW’s land fitness and to create a 24-hour fitness facility. “This will be the first 24-hour fitness facility in the community and we are thrilled to bring it to you,” said YWCA Executive Director Stacy Looser.

Looser noted that the YWCA staff will remain in charge of all aquatic operations, while Peak owner Jeff Schwieterman and his staff will also bring a new weight-loss program — Total Fitness Solutions — to the YWCA.

The YWCA director said the decision to partner with Peak came only after years of struggling with declining membership in the program and the lack of money to invest in new fitness equipment. With the partnership, Peak Community Wellness will gain a facility in Van Wert while the YWCA will be free to concentrate on its aquatic programs.

Schwieterman and Looser called the partnership a “win-win” situation for both entities. The new 24-hour fitness program will begin in March, with new equipment to be installed soon.

YWCA members will need to pay a $21 one-time fee to obtain a swipe key that will allow them access to the fitness facility 24 hours a day. Members under age 18 are not allowed in the facility after 10 p.m. or before 6 a.m. Those wanting a Peak Community Wellness membership can call 419.238.0436 or 419.695.PEAK or email peak24hrfitness@aol.com. Memberships may also be purchased during staffed hours (Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.) or by appointment if a later time is needed.

The YW held an open house and town meetings on Monday to explain the new program and so that Schwieterman could answer questions about his Peak Community Wellness organization. Looser and Kim Keeling, president of the YWCA Board of Directors, were also on hand to answer questions.

Current Aquatic Action members will see no changes, while Health Center members will be allowed to use the fitness facility as usual. Those members will also have use of the YWCA’s sauna, steam room and whirlpool until their memberships expire.

Health Center Plus members will also be allowed regular use of the swimming pool, sauna, steam room, whirlpool and locker rooms during regular YWCA hours until their membership expires.

When current YWCA fitness memberships expire, YWCA and Peak staff members will work with members to find an option that fits their needs and budget.