August 3, 2011, Marianna, FL. Jackson Hospital unveils Chipola Fitness Center to the community after partnering with Integras Wellness Center to combine individual strengths of health and fitness to benefit the community. The gym takes a new name, Chipola Fitness Center, and remains at its central location, 4230 Lafayette Street, Marianna, which has 7,500 square feet of space containing cardiovascular conditioning equipment, circuit strength training, free weights, group exercise studio, racquetball court, and child care center.

Larry Meese, CEO, Jackson Hospital says, “This is an exciting first step into the prevention piece of healthcare as we stay true to our strategy of growing a healthier community.”

The Florida Department of Health CHARTS data indicates over half of the adult population in Jackson County is reported overweight. Providing a newly re-designed space and new equipment will be an attractive fitness option for those struggling with keeping a healthy weight and for those committed to a healthier, fit lifestyle.

Lee Windsor, Chipola Fitness Center manager, wants the community to know that the gym will have a new floor plan, décor, and fitness equipment; yet has the same friendly, helpful staff. Mr. Windsor says, “I’m excited about our new partnership with Jackson Hospital which enables us to update the facility so we can better serve our community.”

Chipola Fitness Center offers a variety of 3-, 6-, and 12-month membership packages, and offers family member discounts, and special membership packages for the Young-at-Heart 55+, Student, and Military Personnel. Gym hours are Monday-Thursday 5:00am-9:00pm, Fridays 5:00am-7:00pm, Saturdays 8:00am-12noon, and Sundays 2:00pm-5:00pm. Contact Chipola Fitness Center at (850) 482-6221.

The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce will have an official ribbon cutting Monday, August 29^th, 3:30pm sharp, at Chipola Fitness Center, 4230 Lafayette Street, Marianna. The public is invited to attend this exciting Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening event with free giveaways, light refreshments, and a demonstration aerobics class starting at 4pm. Windsor invites the community to meet the staff and see the new facility.

Jackson Hospital’s mission is to provide exceptional healthcare to every patient, every day. The hospital is growing with its $7.5M renovation and ER Expansion construction project, the development of its Outpatient Center, partnership producing Chipola Fitness Center, and by bringing new physicians to the community. The Hospital now has 32 physicians on its Active Staff, and offers new specialties such as Cardiology, Hematology/Medical Oncology, OB/GYN, Orthopedics/Sports Medicine, General Surgery, and Urology.