JCC Announces Naming Gift Donation to Create New Fitness Studio

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (May 10, 2024) – The Arthur M. Glick Jewish Community Center (JCC) Indianapolis has received a naming gift donation from Marcia and Bruce Sklare of Indianapolis, Ind. to support the creation of a new functional fitness studio. The new space will be named the Marcia and Bruce Sklare JFIT Studio.

“It is with immense gratitude that I recognize the incredible impact this generous gift from the Sklare family will have on the member experience at the Jewish Community Center. Bruce and Marcia have been such loyal advocates for many community initiatives, and this lead gift will help ensure the success of the JFIT Studio now and for years to come,” said Nicole Hagemeyer, General Manager of Fitness and Membership at the JCC. “The renovation of two of our long-standing and underutilized racquetball courts addresses the need for additional space for dynamic functional fitness programming for our members and guests, as well as a space to serve unique populations such as those with Parkinson’s, which is prevalent in the Jewish community.”

“The JCC has always served to help people improve the quality of their life,” Bruce said. “I use the Mordoh Fitness Center almost every morning and it’s become clear that while there is currently a lot of different equipment and people staffing, there is a growing need for a more specialized type of fitness availability.”

“As the population is aging, more and more people want to stay fit and exercise,” Marcia added. “There’s also the portion of the population with chronic physical conditions, and they want to stay fit and exercise. I can see that there is a need for more appropriate equipment, classes and rehab for all these people.”

Bruce and Marcia have been JCC members almost all their lives and have fond memories of spending time at the JCC with their children and other family members – in fact, it was on the racquetball courts where Bruce introduced Marcia’s sister to her future husband. Bruce is a real estate developer who has spearheaded JCC initiatives like the former Kosher Deli at the Indiana State Fair and Earth Day at the J (now on its 12^th year), and Marcia is a retiree who formerly worked as a bookkeeper for several nonprofits, most recently the ALS Association.

The JCC racquetball courts had their heyday a few decades ago, but are now used much less often than they used to be. Renovating two of the three courts will make the space more functional for today’s users, while still preserving one court for those who continue to enjoy the sport.

“With the dynamics and needs of our community always continually shifting and changing, the addition of the JFIT Studio space will greatly enhance the JCC’s resources and programming opportunities,” said Cathleen Hamilton, JCC Director of Fitness and Recreation. “The JFIT Studio will give the JCC an increased opportunity to offer new programming to the unique populations within our community while continuing to offer dynamic programming to members and visitors, extending and enhancing the daily fitness and wellness activities of all members, visitors and staff. We are extremely grateful to the Sklare family and their generosity and commitment to the JCC and community as whole.”

Programming in the JFIT Studio will focus on functional fitness for all levels and abilities. The PowerSystems equipment including a rubber/turf floor with sleds to push, TRX straps, boxing bags, self-motivated cardio equipment, battle ropes, and Bosu balls will serve a wide variety of populations, and the studio lights will change colors based on the intensity of the program currently using the space.

Classes held in the JFIT Studio will be broken out into three categories:

• JFIT Thrive low-impact programming, including Rock Steady Boxing (for those with Parkinson’s and other neuromotor diseases) and other resistance-based strength and gait/balance classes to build bone density and confidence
• JFIT Strive focused, lower-commitment training, including small group HIIT, mat-based core and cardio boxing classes
• JFIT Drive eight-week strength or cardiac conditioning programs, with logged baselines and incremental metric progressions

About JCC Indianapolis
Via pre-school, school age, fitness and arts programming, the JCC of Indianapolis provides inclusive experiences that lead to personal growth and community building, all guided by Jewish values and traditions. Together, we inspire all people to become the best versions of themselves. Established in Indianapolis in 1914, the JCC is located on the north side of Indianapolis at Arthur M. Glick JCC, 6701 Hoover Road. It is a beneficiary agency of the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis and United Way of Central Indiana, and an affiliate member of the JCC Association of North America.

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