Triathlon combatants join forces to open Tri-City Fitness
Rick Nobregas and John Young have been friendly competitors for years, racing against each other in area triathlons.
So when the two discussed a shared dream -- opening a fitness center -- it only seemed appropriate that they go into businesses together.
"This is a passion we've always talked about," said Nobregas, who recently opened Tri-City Fitness with Young in St. Charles.
The gym, located at 1505 W. Main Street in the Valley Shopping Center, opened three weeks ago and has been welcoming new members since.
"The people we have are great," said Nobregas, who lives in Geneva and has coached Tri-City Chargers football throughout the years. "The biggest satisfaction for me is watching these people come in here and setting their goals and helping them get to a point where they feel confident. In three weeks, we haven't accomplished a lot, but you can see the satisfaction in their eyes."
The 15,000-square-foot fitness center features everything typical to a gym, such as locker rooms, showers, cardio equipment, free weights, group classes and weight machines. But, Nobregas said, it's the extras that help set Tri-City Fitness apart.
Members, for example, can find out about their metabolism through metabolic testing. The test helps show how many calories participants burn at rest and while working out.
A workout also can include weight training on functional weight machines that allow people to simulate various movements -- such as a golf swing or a baseball pitch -- on the machines, Nobregas said.
And for those who prefer to watch TV while walking on the treadmill, each cardio machine is equipped with its own television and an iPod hookup so members can watch their own videos. If biking is your thing, four bikes are equipped with TVs and a video game-like program that allows cyclists to compete in a race against other members or the game itself.
Nobregas added the gym's customer service is also an added bonus for members. Each member, for example, is given one hour of training upon joining to walk through a personalized work-out program. Members also are given a journal to log their workouts and daily eating. Members also can meet with a staff member each week to review eating habits and nutrition.
"They're very good at what they do," Nobregas said of the trainers. "They'll prescribe whatever you need (to do)."
He added that either he other staff members always are available to help members on the equipment. The gym also offers personal training for an additional fee.
Membership to the gym is $25 a month plus an initial enrollment fee of $89. Members can join on a month-to-month basis. Discounted enrollment fees are available for additional family members.
Tri-City Fitness is open 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays. It can be reached by calling (630) 513-2000 or by visiting the gym's Web site, www.tri-cityfitness.com.