Hightower assumes manager’s position at Lake Mills Family Fitness Center

BY BONNIE KAY BALDWIN
LAKE MILLS GRAPHIC
New to her latest job, as of July 2018, is Michelle Hightower. She is the present manager and treasurer for the Lake Mills Family Fitness Center.
Hightower resides in and is a native of Albert Lea, Minn. Her previous job was also working for a non-profit organization as a director of children’s ministry for the United Methodist Church, Albert Lea. She is familiar with budgets and what it is like providing a service to the community.
“A friend of mine is on the board of the Fitness Center, and told me about the opening after Pam Lair (the former manager) moved to Colorado,” said Hightower.
Two reasons that drew her to the job were her love of exercise and anything health-related; and the new Peloton stationary exercise bikes recently purchased for the Fitness Center.
“One of the board members and I have cycled together for years. Peleton is like having an instructor from New York or London right there with you. Our Peleton bikes actually have a video screen, so you’re watching and taking classes with people from all around the country. You just turn on the screen and put on ear buds or headphones to listen.”
The Peloton bikes are the newest of the varieties of exercise equipment available.
Although the fitness center is open 24/7 (all members purchase and own a key fob), office hours are Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and Wednesdays, 3-8 p.m. There is 24-hour surveillance and paging for 911.
There are two types of memberships. The first is the walking membership—a mile equals walking the interior of the track 16 times around or 14 times for the outside of the track. The full membership allows access to the weight and cardio rooms. Both memberships have access to private showers and bathrooms.  
“Using the track for walking, we alternate—on the even days we walk clockwise and on odd days we walk counter-clockwise,” said Hightower. “That keeps people from going stir crazy, but it’s better than walking in the snow.”  
“So far, the job has been challenging, because it always seems like there is something pressing. It’s harder for me to just come and exercise. When you work for a non-profit, there’s always something that goes wrong or needs to be done, and I was raised that you kind of do what’s in front of you—specific responsibilities. I manage the facility, but we have helpers who clean and we have a maintenance person. Then I handle all the marketing and financials as well.
Is it too much? No. The people I interact with are wonderful; they are so friendly; amazing people, very welcoming, very generous and kind.”
Hightower has one daughter, Jade, 14, in eighth grade. Hightower enjoys cycling and going to the beach, as well as other athletic endeavors.
For more information, call the Fitness Center, 641-592-7285, or you can purchase a membership at Citizen’s Community Credit Union, 106 S. Mill St., Lake Mills, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Lake Mills Graphic

204 N. Mill Street
Lake Mills, IA 50450

Office Number: (641) 592-4222
Fax Number: (641) 592-6397

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