Veteran, women-owned fitness center celebrates grand opening

By Janell Williams

Muscogee County proved that, rain or shine, there’s always time to work out. Many residents gathered last Saturday for the grand opening of Transformations Mind Body and Soul Fitness Inc., a non-profit, women and veteran-owned gym. 

Founder Cheryl Harrison, with her best friends Delonda Ramsey and Sheikela Ford, opened Transformations Fitness with the goal of bridging the gap between healthcare and fitness in Columbus. All three women share a passion for fitness and community service.

“Just because things like high cholesterol and high blood pressure are hereditary, doesn’t mean we can’t get a handle on them by taking care of ourselves,” said Harrison.

The fitness center features equipment such as treadmills, a squat rack and other standard fitness equipment. Though some of the equipment cost the team between $500- $800 per machine, most of it was purchased secondhand from other gyms in the area. 

Saturday’s grand opening included local health-conscious vendors such as  Southern Nutrition and Weight Loss. Vendor consultants helped provide guests with a wide array of workout and weight loss supplements. The founders also gave out complimentary water bottles and wristbands with the gym’s logo.

“What makes us stand out from other gyms in the area is our personal approach and transparency. We don’t see our members as just a number,” said Ford and Ramsey.

Transformations Mind Body N Soul Fitness Inc. has a three-step membership registration process. After filling out the fitness and medical history questionnaires, a staff member will reach out to help interested parties get started on a workout plan. Interested individuals can attend a free workout session on Thursday, Feb. 29, from 6 p.m.- 8 p.m. 

More information about joining Transformations Mind Body and Sould Fitness Inc. can be found on their website.