Jerry Katz: Sportsplex worth taking advantage of

Been to the Opelika Sportsplex & Aquatics Center yet? I hadn’t made it out since early in the construction process.

But with an invitation from Mayor Gary Fuller in hand, I got the grand tour with Opelika Parks & Recreation’s Barbara Kent. I used to always kid Barbara in the old WJHO days about how she could do anything with paper plates at events for kids. So, true to form, she had fashioned a nametag for herself from paper plates.

More than a few folks asked about them on the tour.

First impressions are that the Sportsplex is as nice as you’ve heard, but at closer look, it’s even better than that. Here’s a place that you can swim all year round. There was a morning water aerobics class underway as I did the tour. Well heck, you can do most anything all year round.

My recent investment in a pedometer iPod, new running/walking shoes is well timed with the opening of the Sportsplex. I’m back in the “I’ve got to lose some weight” mode. My work schedule allows flexibility to even take a longer lunch to improve my health, and just work a little later each day. And since the city considers me a senior at a youthful 55, I can train as much as I want each month for just $21.

I’m always big to talk the diet and exercise, but slow to act, so hopefully some public ridicule for lack of performance on my part the next few months will be enough to push me thru the process. I can’t do this without you! Please feel free to shout at me in the street. It would be crazy not to take advantage of the training equipment, which is the best you’ll find anywhere.

I suspect I’ll begin my training in the EAMC Cardiovascular Area. With a place for my iPod and a TV monitor on each treadmill, I can do this. And unlike the treadmill I used to have at home, there probably won’t be clothes hanging on it. If I can get some weight off, maybe a move to the Cal James Weight Room, where I can get help on what I need to do next. The indoor track looks to be good to burn a few more calories, or venture to the outdoor trail.

I don’t think I’m ready for racquetball yet, but the two courts will probably wait for me. Then there’s a gym, a group fitness room, heated pool, jacuzzi and steam rooms. Moms can even take the young ones and while they work out, the Tot Watch will entertain the kids. Friends Hiro, Phil and Robert will find new challenges with the indoor cycling studio. These aren’t your daddy’s stationary bikes.

There’s lots of stuff, for lots of folks. It’s quite a place!

Unfortunately I won’t see the mayor those three days a week he’s there. I have a rule about getting up before 5 a.m. There’s a Web site of course, so check it out, then go out! www.opelikasportsplex.com

Jerry Katz lives in Opelika and writes a column for the Opelika-Auburn News.