Published October 22, 2024
Like many people at the beginning of a new year, Kendra Rosa wanted to find a new workout routine in January 2024. A friend recommended a gym not far from Rosa’s home in north County Durham.
Rosa, program director at Duke University NC-PAL, attended the BodyGame Center and immediately loved the structured strength and conditioning classes and supportive atmosphere that helped her focus on herself.
“Being able to take time and space for myself and my health means so much to me,” Rosa said. “And having a community of support. Everyone in the gym is really nice and supports each other. It feels really good to be in that space.”
When BodyGames was added to Duke Fitness Club’s offering a few months ago, Rosa immediately signed up for a membership through LIVE FOR LIFE, Duke’s employee wellness program. LIVE FOR LIFE manages the registration process and coordinates payroll deductions for membership fees for facilities that are part of the Duke Fitness Club.
Kendra Rosa says that joining The BodyGames Center was “really rewarding because it allowed me to carve out time and space for myself.” Photo by Kendra Rosa
In addition to The BodyGames Center, three other gyms have been added to Duke Fitness Club, bringing the total number of facilities to 15 and available to approximately 5,000 people who have registered through Duke, said LIVE FOR LIFE Fitness Manager. LeAnna Johnson said. Other new Duke Fitness Club facilities include Clubworks in Fuqua-Varina, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in Durham and two Durham locations of the Orangetheory Fitness franchise.
Each facility offers reduced membership fees and is available to Duke University and Health System employees and faculty, retirees and their spouses, same-sex partners and dependents.
For Rosa, being able to take her children, ages 8 and 5, to the facility’s daycare makes attending BodyGames classes easier. She especially loves attending Zumba classes on the weekends. She says it’s because it’s “joy.”
“Exercising regularly and making it a part of my life has improved my overall mental health and well-being in a very tangible way,” Rosa said. “I really fell in love with it. I stuck with it and it was a huge force in changing my life.”
Here’s a breakdown of the new gym:
Gracie Jiu Jitsu
4908 Hillsborough Road, Durham
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu offers classes in Jiu-Jitsu, a type of martial arts, for adults and children. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes are offered for men, women, and children, from beginner to advanced.
Special class packages include Gracie Bullyproof, aimed at ages 3 to 12 and designed to teach children “how to protect yourself from bullies without being a bully.” The purpose is Other special programs include “Women Empowered,” where female participants learn self-defense techniques.
Fuquay – Clubworx in Varina is a locally owned facility offering a variety of fitness opportunities. Photo courtesy of Club Works
club works
100 Fitness Drive, Fuquay – Varina
The locally owned 55,000 square foot facility features indoor basketball and volleyball courts, a yoga and cycling studio, group fitness classes, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and traditional gym services such as dumbbells and free weights.
The Child Center provides paid child care for members from 6 weeks to 12 years of age while using the fitness center.
body game center
5120 N. Roxboro St., Suite 4, Durham
Community workout classes held six times a day include metabolic conditioning, agility and speed training, high-intensity interval training, Tabata training, spinning, and more. Other weekend classes include yoga and Zumba. Membership also includes 24/7 gym access.
orange theory fitness
Durham – South Point
202 W. North Carolina 54 #503, Durham, NC
Durham – Southwest
1843 Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, Durham
Heart rate-based workouts include strength training and aerobic exercise on a row or treadmill. Aim to keep your heart rate in the “orange zone” for 12 to 20 minutes each workout to boost your metabolism and burn fat and calories.
The Duke Fitness Club partnership is specifically with the Orangetheory franchise’s Durham South Point and Southwest locations. Members have access to other locations, but additional fees may apply.
Visit the Duke Fitness Club website for all facilities and more information.
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