GRAVETTE -- The Gravette Gym has a new manager and he has big plans for the business on Main Street.
Frankie Valdez took over as manager in August, and he has already taken steps to enhance the facility and instituted programs to help increase membership.
Valdez, a Wichita, Kan., native, moved to Gravette in 2010 from Grove, Okla. He had been assistant manager for Arby's in Grove and in Siloam Springs and was working at the Walmart Express in Gravette when he became the gym's manager.
The Gravette Gym opened in 2011. Owners of the business are Thomas and Ashley Little of Fayetteville, who opened the gym to meet a need in the community and managed the business themselves when it first opened. Valdez first became associated with the Littles when he signed up for a membership in 2012.
Frankie confessed he was overweight, was beginning to have health problems because of his weight and it was beginning to interfere with one of his great loves, singing. He once weighed 508 pounds but was around 360-365 pounds when he became a Gravette Gym member. Dr. Poemoceah at the Gravette OCH Clinic recommended working out on a treadmill as a good way to help shed the pounds.
Frankie began an exercise program and stuck with it and, combined with an emphasis on healthy eating (lots of Subway and Arby's sandwiches, he says), his attempt to lose weight was very successful. He said the Littles and other gym members, even members of the community, were all very supportive and encouraging.
"Guys were coming in all the time, telling me, 'Way to go, Frankie,' and giving me tips to improve my workout." Today he is down to 226 pounds. "I even surprised myself," he said.
As Valdez progressed with his exercise regimen, the Littles continued offering their friendship and support. They soon gave him the opportunity to move into the upstairs apartment where he and his young son, Darin, 11, now live. They also offered him a job as janitor for the gym. He accepted that job, did it well and gradually took on more and more responsibility.
The gym is conveniently located at 109 Main Street and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It houses a good variety of exercise equipment. Patrons can work out on the bench press, leg press, Smith machine, ab machine, treadmill or stationary bike. Some of the bikes are elliptical bikes which exercise both the arms and legs. There are a wide range of free weights. Would-be boxers can use a regular punching bag or a spring-loaded stand-up model. Tanning services are also offered to all gym members at a cost of only $5 a month. A new treadmill will be installed soon, and the tanning bed is scheduled for replacement before the end of this month.
Gym memberships are offered for one-month, three-month, six-month, 12-month or 24-month periods. Rates vary according to the length of membership and the type of membership. Single, family and student memberships are available. Prospective members under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign them up and- if they are under 16- they must have a parent or other family member over 18 accompany them to their workouts.
Valdez has tried to make the Gravette Gym very family-friendly. An attractive lounge area at the front of the building offers a comfortable sofa, a TV set, toys and books for children. Frankie's friendly manner draws patrons of all ages and he encourages customers to bring their families when they come in. No one under 11 is allowed in the workout area, however.
Valdez said his goal is to continue to interest people in Gravette and the area in focusing on physical fitness and taking good care of their bodies. In appreciation for the positive influence of the area schools, he has recently instituted a program for school employees. Any employee of Gravette School District or Decatur School District, whether teacher, administrator, janitor, bus driver, cafeteria worker or other staff member, can get 30 percent off gym membership through the month of October. If enough people are interested, a group rate can be set up.
Anyone interested in applying for a gym membership or having questions should call Frankie at 479-212-2679. He is hoping to gain new gym members and will be happy to help anyone desiring to join.
General News on 10/08/2014