The building, previously owned by Roger Covey and located at 15930 Ski Hill Circle — behind the Ninilchik General Store, as locals describe it — offers a 30-foot-by-40-foot workout room; a yoga room; showers; areas for a massage therapist, a personal trainer and a Rolfer; a lounge area and a reception area.

"(Ninilchik Traditional Council) has had a goal for a long time to have their own building," said Terri Leman, club director, of the move from the club's original location, rental space in a Kenai Peninsula State Fair building.

The club got its start in June 2005, funded with a diabetes prevention grant.

"With that, we purchased a few pieces of home equipment, got a rowing machine, a bike and a couple of treadmills that didn't last through the winter," said Leman.

It was a start, although a slow start.

By collaborating with the fair, the club's services were free to the community and it was open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Leman was hired as the director and staff from the Ninilchik Community Health Clinic, operated by NTC, offered their on-site expertise.

A grant from Southcentral Foundation allowed the club to expand, with the purchase of commercial-grade treadmills, ellipticals and stationary bikes. Then came the purchase of a universal gym and the growing use by residents in the Ninilchik area.

"But it wasn't the ideal spot," said Leman of the rental location. "There weren't any windows, so it was dark and we had to close down and move everything out for the fair every year. That became really difficult and was hard on the equipment."

That all changed with the club's official opening and open house Jan. 4. Daylight pours through windows; artwork is going up on the walls. The hustle and bustle of people working out charges the atmosphere. Leman answers questions and assures equipment is installed and used properly. Risa Jackinsky, personal trainer and fitness instructor from Homer, leads orientation classes and has an expanding calendar of one-on-one sessions. Katy Pankoski, a Rolfer from Soldotna, also has joined the wellness team and meets with individuals by appointment.

"We had a lot of really good feedback from the intro classes. People got a lot out of it and stayed and exercised," Leman said of the community's response to the club's expanded offerings at the new location.

Purchase of the building means services are no longer free, but that hasn't appeared to dampen the community's response.

"The tribe wanted to keep it free, but as expenses got more and more, it wasn't possible," Leman said.

Rates for locals —any Kenai Peninsula resident — are $25 a month with $10 a month per dependent; no sign-up fee; $70 a quarter; $275 annually. Student and senior rates are $20 a month plus $10 per dependent; no sign-up fee; $55 quarterly; $220 annually. It is slightly more for people outside the peninsula. Day passes also are available.

Brie Leman, temporary office manager, has unraveled the how-to of a new computer software program that tracks membership. She also is putting her graphic design skills to work, developing advertising, signage and creating a newsletter for members. In addition, development of a Web site is on her to-do list.

"We're getting lots of good response. It was packed at the open house. There were lots of people and it was all positive feedback," Brie Leman said of the club's first month in its new location. "No one is too torn up about us charging. Obviously. We had 80 new members in a week."

In addition to the club director and office manager, staff includes Naoma Bragg, an office assistant hired through the state of Alaska's MASST —Mature Alaskans Seeking Skills Training — program. The program is administered through the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Employment and Security Division.

Yoga classes are offered every day and a schedule of other classes is in the making, with the club director keeping her ear open to what members want. A new piece of equipment that has been added is the Noblerex K1 exercise machine, a whole-body vibrating machine designed to offer maximum benefits for minimum of 10 minutes of use per day.

Club hours remain 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

"It's a whole new deal," said Leman. "We've come a long way, beginning with just those few pieces of home equipment. It's full blown. We're a club."

For more information, call the Ninilchik Health and Wellness Club at (907) 567-3455.

McKibben Jackinsky can be reached at mckibben.jackinsky.@homernews.com.