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Free Access to Local Gyms to Start 2016

LIVE FOR LIFE provides free gym passes through Duke Fitness Club program

By Bryan Roth

Getting into a fitness routine to start 2016 will be a little easier for some in January.

From Jan. 11 to Feb. 7, Duke employees will be able to choose from more than 30 local gyms and recreation facilities to visit as part of a free, three-day trial through the Duke Fitness Club. Spread across the Triangle, faculty and staff can choose from club facilities like local YMCAs and the Wilson and Brodie recreation centers on Duke’s campuses.

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Three visits can be made with each pass and employees can request access to up to three different gyms. Passes are free of charge through LIVE FOR LIFE, Duke’s employee wellness program. A pass can used by a Duke employee only. Faculty and staff can find a list of gyms and sign up to try one with this online form.

Katie MacEachern, fitness program manager with LIVE FOR LIFE, noted the timing of the Fitness Club promotion coincides with the Get Moving Challenge, Duke’s team-based health competition, to make it easy for faculty and staff to start 2016 healthy.

“It’s a good excuse to get yourself in a gym to rack up points for your team,” she said.

After trying one of the participating gyms, employees can join with discounts provided through the Duke Fitness Club program, which partners with local businesses to offer discounted memberships, waived fees and more. There are 33 member facilities spread from Raleigh as far north as Roxboro.

Joining a gym through the Duke Fitness Club requires at least a three-month commitment, but after that period, participation is available on a month-to-month basis. Sign-up for facilities can be done online or with the help of LIVE FOR LIFE staff. Membership dues are arranged through payroll deduction for eiligible employees. Visit the Fitness Club website or call (919) 684-3136 and select option 1. 

Nearly 3,000 Duke staff, faculty and family members are enrolled in the Duke Fitness Club, which is open to all Duke employees and their spouses and dependents.

“The New Year is a good time to start something fresh, but it’s also good motivation to work out,” MacEachern said. “You can stay indoors while it’s cold outside and feel better for it.”