Rudi Hahn of Midland often visits Greater Midland North-End Fitness Center.
“Steve Harrington (left) helped me first. Years ago. I was just hitting my fifties, and I was starting to really go downhill with the MS, and he helped train me. I trained with Steve for a number of years. Generally, we still talk. He still makes sure I'm toeing the line. He helped me with a lot of things, the proper way to lift. I know personal training isn't maybe for everybody, but I really believe that when you're starting out, it's good to get a trainer, at least even for a couple of months just to get the technique down.” -Rudi Hahn
Originally published April 2021.
For member Rudi Hahn, having the facilities closed for a stretch of 2020 really weighed on him.
“It killed me last year. It really did. It really raised my stress level, but I got it. I get why it was done,” Hahn said. “Working out is a big part of my routine. It’s the biggest part of my day, actually. It keeps me limber. It keeps me focused.”
Even though Hahn is considered to be in a higher risk group with his age over 60 and Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis, he feels safe at the Greater Midland North-End Fitness Center.
“The staff is always busy cleaning,” Hahn said. “We have to make a reservation now, which is a good thing...and is wearing a mask ideal for working out? Honestly, no, it’s not. But, to me, it outweighs the negativity of not working out.”
For many members, the center is a home away from home. They come to work out but they also come to socialize and cheer for each other when reaching new personal milestones.
“I enjoy coming in here because the staff at the front desk, no matter what the day is like, whatever issues they’re having, or if they had somebody who gave them a hard time, they’re always friendly. They’re always like, “Hi, Rudi. How are you?” To me, it’s a nice way to start my day. It’s nice to be recognized. We all like to be known.”
