The Symons Family Fitness Center. Photo by Michael Yatsko Photography.
A new gym in Harrisburg offers something for everyone.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg recently opened its new Symons Family Fitness Center at its Alexander Grass Campus for Jewish Life.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg moved into the Alexander Grass Campus at 2986 N. 2nd St. in October 2023 and has been expanding its services at this location ever since. The federation’s former location on N. Front St. included a fitness center, which inspired the organization to update the new campus with the same amenity, according to federation officials.
The 11,750-square-foot space includes brand new bikes, treadmills, ellipticals, free weights and weight machines with access to personal trainers. It features two locker rooms with saunas, family and gender-neutral changing rooms and studio spaces for group and personal training sessions. Class offerings include yoga, spin, strength training and dance exercise.
“In this new space, we are able to offer a completely different facility that I think now better represents who this community is on the outside and who we’ve always been on the inside,” said Abby Smith, chair of the board of directors. “It’s a testament to the way the Jewish community has evolved and the way the greater Harrisburg community has evolved to different needs.”
The Symons Family Fitness Center. Photo by Michael Yatsko Photography.
The gym, which opened on Monday, is located on the second floor of the Grass Center Building, which is the most central building on the campus.
Memberships start at $35 a month for an individual membership, and the gym is open to people of all faiths, backgrounds and abilities.
“We have something for all people, whether you’re a fitness guru or fitness novice, at any age,” Smith said.
The fitness center also offers programs for specific target groups, such as classes for young children, seniors and people with Parkinson’s.
“Within these walls, we have everything you need to reach your health and wellness goals, regardless of age or ability,” said Susannah Gillespie, newly-appointed health and wellness director. “But this fitness center is more than just weights and treadmills – it’s a place to build friendships, to challenge yourself and to find support in your wellness journey.”
The gym was named in honor of Adam Symons, who passed away in 2009, and his father Stephen Symons, who passed away at the end of 2023. Adam and Stephen, active members of the Jewish community in Harrisburg, were both avid fitness and wellness enthusiasts.
“Having a space that will always be connected to their name felt really exciting,” Smith said. “It’s a space that Adam’s mother stepped into and said, ‘this is a space Adam would have loved.’ It’s a new chapter for Harrisburg in a way that honors the past while figuring out what the future looks like.”
For more information about the gym’s amenities and membership packages, visit The Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg’s website.
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