First-rate fitness: Jumpstart your health at new City-run rec center

single-meta-cal March 22, 2021

Note: This article appeared in the February 2021 edition of Initiatives, a magazine by the Huntsville/Madison County of Chamber. Click here to read the issue.

Johnson Legacy Center is not your average rec center.

The 41,695-square-foot facility of firsts is the City’s only fee-based recreation center in North Huntsville. With the first City-run indoor rock climbing wall and courts for both volleyball and futsal, Johnson Legacy Center truly offers something for everyone.

Despite opening in the middle of a pandemic, JLC Fitness Center Supervisor Kevin Ready said his goal is to continue spreading the word and inspiring more citizens to commit to their fitness this year.

“I definitely look forward to more people learning about the facility and more people coming by to use it,” he said. “We’re here to serve the citizens of Huntsville and we want them to see this great asset – this great resource – that’s available to them.”

JLC features

From the Jaguar Community Room that features memorabilia from Johnson High School’s storied past to the hues of blue and gold that don the facility, the Jaguar spirit is strong throughout the state-of-the-art rec center.

The JLC features group exercise classes and a cardio and strength training room with machines spaced at least 6 feet apart to promote social distancing. Crews clean high-touch areas frequently, monitor room capacity closely and ensure COVID-19 health signage is widely accessible.

Need a meeting space for your business or a personal gathering? Anyone can rent a court for just $30 per hour. Both small and extra-large rooms are also available and range from $15 to $30 an hour.

Want to practice COVID-safe team-building with your staff? JLC has that, too.

“Any group or organization that wants to improve communication and improve their team dynamic, our class will be the right fit for them,” Ready said.

Fitness membership begins at $15 per month with options to include indoor rock climbing at just $30 per month. Info on amenities and membership options is available at HuntsvilleAL.gov/JohnsonLegacyCenter.

Bargain pricing

Compared to other fitness centers, JLC offers an incredible bargain for anyone looking to make their health a priority this year.

“Our prices are very inexpensive,” Ready said. “They allow anyone in the community to get nice equipment and nice facilities at a very reasonable cost. That’s important because people want nice, clean, well-kept facilities with good customer service and that’s what we do here.”

Since before the very first shovel of dirt, leaders have called the JLC “transformational” for North Huntsville.

“We are so proud to have this facility here,” said Mayor Tommy Battle. “It not only honors the incredible legacy of the J.O. Johnson Jaguars, it creates a quality-of-life draw that spurs economic development in this area for many years to come.”

Try before you buy

Located on 6000 Cecil Fain Drive, the JLC’s mission is to help residents achieve, elevate and recharge. By engaging in regular exercise and movement, Ready said JLC members can enjoy decreased anxiety, improved mood and better long-term health.

Certified staff are also eager to help members start or continue their fitness journey in a professional, non-judgmental manner.

“If they have no experience, there is no worry,” Ready said. “We offer an orientation appointment for people to get started so they’re not on their own. They’re going to get a good start here.”

Ready to get started? We believe you’ll love the JLC so much, your first visit is on us.

This is the perfect opportunity for you and your family to give the rock climbing wall a chance, attend one of our group exercise classes or get in a few reps at the fitness center before committing to a membership. Call 256-213-4JLC to start your journey today.