In the News

Valley Baptist Forms Partnership With Athletix Gym; Moves Forward on Wellness Center at Treasure Hills Country Club

Valley Baptist Health System is moving forward on a major new wellness center which will open at the Treasure Hills Country Club next year by forming a partnership with Athletix Gym of Harlingen.

Plans call for the new fitness center to open at the Treasure Hills Country Club in the spring of 2006. Valley Baptist has believed from the beginning that it would be best to partner with a local fitness club to operate this new center and identified Athletix Gym as a leading fitness center in Harlingen and the most viable partner.

Therefore, Valley Baptist’s recent acquisition of Athletix Gym will help enhance the services offered by the new Treasure Hills Country Club wellness center. Wendy Brons, the founder of Athletix Gym, and the existing Athletix staff will remain and continue contributing their expertise in meeting the fitness and exercise needs of the community.

“Valley Baptist Health System and Athletix Gym have come together to provide a new health and fitness experience for Harlingen,” said James Springfield, FACHE, President and CEO for Valley Baptist Health System.

“As a part of its overall mission, Valley Baptist is committed to providing quality preventive health and wellness programs and services to the residents of South Texas,” Mr. Springfield added. “Our goal is to address the fitness needs of all men, women and children regardless of exercise experience, physical condition or age.”

Programs currently offered by Athletix include beginner and step aerobics; kick boxing; yoga; weight lifting; cardiovascular machines; “spinning,” an indoor stationary cycling class that emulates road riding; and “sculpting,” a workout which utilizes weights to strengthen and tone the body.

In addition, Athletix’ instructors also teach several special classes, including “Pilates,” a training class designed to strengthen the abdominal area, back, hamstrings, and other parts of the body through a combination of ballet principles mixed with yoga stretching; and “Boot Camp,” which uses medicine balls, jump rope, and other equipment to maximize athletic performance and improve strength, agility, power and balance.

As for the new wellness center at Treasure Hills Country Club, Valley Baptist has completed architectural drawings and is planning to break ground this spring.

The Treasure Hills Country Club became part of Valley Baptist Health System through a donation and partial acquisition in 2003. The property includes a total of 273 acres, including 56 acres of undeveloped land, 22 developed lots, and a golf course, which Valley Baptist is leasing to professional golf pros.

In addition to the wellness center, Valley Baptist’s future plans for the property include developing additional meeting facilities to serve the needs of the health system and the community. Access to the Treasure Hills property will be increased through the City of Harlingen’s plans to extend Treasure Hills Boulevard out to FM 509.