LAPLACE – Combining fun, family and fitness is at the heart of Shannon’s Health and Fitness Center.

Summer at Shannon’s means water aerobics, summer camp, and shorter-term memberships for students, couples and families. “Many families go their separate ways during the rest of the year” says membership coordinator JB Blocker, “but starting Memorial Day it’s a family fun fest. Summer at Shannon’s brings the family physically closer while establishing the importance of a healthy lifestyle.”

Approaching its 10-year anniversary, Shannon’s has become something of a landmark. With its large sky blue buildings visible from Airline Dr., it’s easy to see why. Shannon’s has three buildings, with one housing a co-ed workout area with a cardio room, Jacuzzi and steam room, another a 3200 square foot aerobics room and ladies only workout are with a cardio room. The third building is the activity center used for karate, boxing and Sum-R-Camp. The activity center is also available as a rental hall. At the center of it all is the outdoor swimming pool where members gather to catch some sun, swim laps or watch the kids splash in the kiddie pool

“Size isn’t everything,” states General Manager Rachel Heltz, “but when you offer such an enormous variety of services and classes to fit the diverse needs of our large community, it helps. Joan Arceneaux, who also heads Shannon’s Sum-R-Camp says “It is the expectation of fun-filled days led by a professionally trained staff that makes Sum-R-Camp so successful but it is the family atmosphere that keeps them coming back year after year.”

Shannon’s really is ‘more than just a gym’! According to Blocker, accommodating the needs of all members and not a select few is the key to Shannon’s success. Karen Coburn, who heads the aerobic and exercise program, in addition to being fitness director, agrees. “We are unique in that we’re not the typical health club. We cater to all shapes and sizes” says Coburn, adding “Its not magic – exercise makes the quality of life better.”