Chickasaw Nation Breaks Ground for Ada Wellness Center

ADA, Oklahoma -- Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby was joined by a host of dignitaries, Chickasaw citizens and community members, Thursday, Feb. 8, in a ground breaking ceremony to begin construction on a state-of-the-art Chickasaw Nation Wellness Center.

Located at 228 Seabrook Road, adjacent from the Chickasaw Nation Family Life Center, the new Wellness Center is designed to meet the needs of Chickasaws and other community members for wellness facilities and services centered on improved health.

The new facility will be almost double the size of the existing center, which was built in 2004.

Gov. Anoatubby said both facilities represent an investment in the health of Chickasaw citizens and the community.

"We invested in this wellness center because we are committed to an awareness and emphasis on a healthy lifestyle," Gov. Anoatubby said. "Perhaps more importantly, Chickasaws and others in our community are increasingly making the decision to invest in a healthy lifestyle.

"These people are taking the time and making the effort to live a more active lifestyle. They are also investing in better nutrition because they understand these investments offer great returns, from more energy and healthier weight to better sleep. A more active lifestyle and better nutrition may even reduce the chance of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and chronic illness."

The 25,350-square-foot Wellness Center will feature a free weight area, aerobic studio, large cardio room, separate exercise areas for adults and children, a hydration area, men's and women's locker rooms, an elevated walking track, a conference room and office space.

In addition, a state-of-the-art interactive Prama studio, which is on the cutting edge in the health and fitness industry, will be featured in the new Wellness Center. This interactive system, created by Pavigym, combines lights and music to create an immersive and fun experience.

Interactive workouts can be programmed for beginners to elite athletes.

Only two other facilities in the United States feature this system and the Ada Wellness Center will be the first in Oklahoma.

"We believe this is another way to motivate and excite people to exercise and maintain a healthy lifestyle," Gov. Anoatubby said.

The Wellness Center exercise areas will be fully-equipped with treadmills, elliptical and rowing machines, free weights and strength equipment. In addition, the Wellness Center will continue to offer numerous exercise classes.

The new Wellness Center will be located across the street from the Family Life Center, which serves as the current Ada Wellness Center. Opened in 2004, the Family Life Center marked a major milestone in the tribe's efforts to promote healthy lifestyles and preventive health care services.

Also located in Ardmore, Purcell and Tishomingo, the Chickasaw Nation Wellness Centers provide education, mentoring, monitoring, incentives and access to activities to promote exercise, nutrition and overall improved health.

By providing access to equipment and services offered at the three wellness centers, the Chickasaw Nation helps build a healthier community and reduce the health disparities faced by many Native Americans.

Membership to the facilities is free for tribal citizens and employees and is also open to community members at a small fee.

For more information, please visit chickasaw.net/wellnesscenters.