Upper Palmetto YMCA expands its reach with Riverwalk location

Those working out at the new Riverwalk YMCA in Rock Hill will find themselves surrounded by enthusiasm.

Those in the spinning class can look out the window to see the far turn of the Giordana Velodrome where track cyclists practice and compete.

Those in the group exercise studio will likely see road cyclists preparing for the city’s new criterium course or those on their way to the Novant Health BMX Supercross track.

YMCA officials hope that cyclists and other elite athletes will use the Riverwalk location to supplement their training.

The person on an adjacent treadmill, stair stepper, exercise bike or weight bench could be a someone rehabbing an injury, a pre-diabetic who has been prescribed weight loss, or cancer survivor from Livestrong trying to improve his or her strength and quality of life.

“Riverwalk needs to be different, do things we haven’t done,” said Moe Bell, chief executive officer of the Upper Palmetto YMCA.

YMCA officials also hope Riverwalk extends their geographic reach. While they are counting on residents of Riverwalk to use their facility, they are also looking for new members from Fort Mill and the Doby’s Bridge Road area that is less than 10 minutes from Riverwalk.

They also hope the Interstate 77 commuters will take advantage of its location to stop for a before or after work workout.

Those who come will find the latest exercise equipment including Expresso computer bikes. The bike is a video game on wheels. Ride routes vary from easy to difficult. The routes are played on a computer screen and the movement of the Expresso mimics a bicycle. There is even a button on the bikes for a future game feature.

The YMCA fills the first floor of the two-story building constructed for the Assured Group, the developers of Riverwalk. The city of Rock Hill will have space on the second floor.

The YMCA is using the first floor rent-free for a year. The next year there is a $150,000 rent credit. By the third year YMCA officials hope the operations reach the break-even point.

This story was originally published December 26, 2015 at 8:26 PM with the headline "Upper Palmetto YMCA expands its reach with Riverwalk location."