Laura Ahnert, foreground, and Corryn Short recently used the exercise bikes in the new fitness room at Wawasee High School. (Photo by Tim Ashley)

Tearing down and rebuilding have been the norm the last few years at Wawasee High School, which originally opened in the late 1960s. A new cafeteria, kitchen and culinary arts room were formed through renovations earlier in the academic year and more recently a fitness room was created.

As of Jan. 7, a new fitness room became available for staff members of the school corporation, as well as high school physical education students and athletes. It is located upstairs in the southwest corner of the annex gym.

When the weight room was moved to the newest wing of the high school, space became available so the old weight room next to the wrestling room was renovated.

A grant of approximately $50,000 from the K21 Health Foundation paid for much of the exercise equipment. Treadmills, elliptical machines, stair climbers, stationary bikes and aerobic weight machines make up the equipment. There are also three television sets mounted on a wall and the room is air conditioned, as is the wrestling room next door.

The fitness room is open from 5:30 a.m. to 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. school days for staff members to use. From 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., athletes have priority.

WHS Principal Don Harman noted PE classes have also been using the room. Athletes needing rehabilitation is another possibility being considered for the fitness room.
Improving the overall health of staff members is a goal, though there is no intent to compete with nearby fitness facilities.

“We wanted staff members to have this as an option,” said Dr. Tom Edington, Wawasee Community School Corp. superintendent.

If health is improved, hopefully insurance costs will be lowered as a result. The weight room and pool are other fitness opportunities available for staff members. Use of the fitness room will be monitored before other decisions are made. “We will take a wait and see attitude,” Edington said.

Opening the room to the public may eventually be considered as an option, but Edington noted since the weight room and pool are not in the immediate area it could create security concerns.

All three areas are staffed and there is a certified lifeguard in the pool.