New Chickasaw Nation Wellness Center dedicated in Ada

This article appeared in the November 2019 edition of the Chickasaw Times

ADA, Okla. – A new era in wellness opportunities for the community was ushered in Oct. 16 as Governor Bill Anoatubby, along with dozens of Chickasaw citizens, community members and dignitaries, dedicated the new Chickasaw Nation Wellness Center in Ada.

The state-of-the-art facility, at 228 Seabrook Road, is designed to meet the needs of Chickasaw families and other community members by providing wellness amenities and programs focused on improved health.

Chickasaw Nation Wellness Center is almost twice as large as its predecessor, the Chickasaw Nation Family Life Center, which is adjacent to the new facility.

Gov. Anoatubby said the new facility was a direct result of the increase in awareness of the link between physical activity and overall well-being.

“Over recent years, more and more Chickasaws and employees have recognized the importance and benefits of exercise, leading to this new wellness center today, he said.

“The building houses the cutting edge in fitness technology and will usher in a new approach to how we exercise. It will help Chickasaws, and others, reach new heights of physical fitness, as well as overall health and well-being.

“Physical fitness is the foundation for our total wellness. It is fundamental to our mission, to enhance the overall life of the Chickasaw people.”

Designed for all generations and with an emphasis on families, the Wellness Center offers cutting-edge amenities to encourage healthy habits for young people.

 “It is exciting to see the future of fitness for our citizens and employees. A future in which fitness is fun and our exercise is supported by the latest science and cutting-edge technology. A future that involves the whole family,” Gov. Anoatubby said.

The expansive Chickasaw Nation Wellness Center features a free weight area and weight machine area; a large studio for fitness classes; an open cardio room, a children’s exercise area, men’s and women’s locker rooms, an elevated walking track, and a hydration station.

The 25,350-square-foot facility also features a state-of-the-art interactive PRAMA studio, a circuit-based, group training system that combines three dimensional movements with cardio intervals.

The cutting-edge system combines lights and music to create an immersive and fun experience. Interactive workouts can be programmed for athletes from beginners to elite.

Only three other facilities in the U.S. feature this system and the Ada Wellness Center is the first in Oklahoma.

The Wellness Center exercise areas are fully-equipped with state-of-the-art treadmills and elliptical machines, rowing and targeted muscle group machines, free weights and strength-training equipment.

In addition, the Wellness Center will continue to offer numerous exercise classes, from abdominal training to Zumba.

The new Wellness Center is across the street from the Family Life Center, which will remain open for swimming pool and sauna access.

The Family Life Center was opened in 2004. It marked a major milestone in the tribe’s efforts to promote healthy lifestyles and preventive health care services.

Chickasaw Nation Wellness Centers are also located in Ardmore, Purcell and Tishomingo. The 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 four wellness centers, the Chickasaw Nation helps build healthier communities 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 reasonable price.

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