More Than a Gym: How the Petersen Family Wellness Center Builds Community Through Wellness

Where Exercise Meets Connection in the Heart of Harlan

When you step into the Petersen Family Wellness Center, you might expect to find the typical scene of a fitness facility – people focused intently on their workouts, headphones in, minimal interaction. Instead, you'll discover something quite different: a vibrant community hub where exercise and social connection blend seamlessly, creating an atmosphere that's uniquely Harlan.

A Foundation Built on Community Support

The story of the Petersen Family Wellness Center began with a vision shared by the community and Myrtue Medical Center. Opening its doors in August 2010, the facility represented a remarkable achievement in community fundraising, with local residents contributing approximately $5 million toward its construction. The project was anchored by significant donations from two local families – the Petersens (Randy and Mary Louise) and the Lewises (Jackie and Bill) – whose contributions are honored in the facility's name.

Beyond the Traditional Gym Experience

"Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care," shares Todd B. Alberti, who has served as the facility's director since its opening. This philosophy shapes every aspect of the center's operations, from the layout of equipment to the training of staff.

The 44,439-square-foot facility offers an impressive array of amenities: 35 pieces of cardiovascular equipment, free weights, a three-lane walking track (11 laps make a mile), racquetball courts, and a comprehensive aquatic center featuring lap swimming, a resistance channel, and both hot and cool tubs. But it's the way these amenities are utilized that sets the center apart.

Creating Connections That Last

The center has become particularly known for its vibrant senior fitness programs. "What I'm most impressed about with the Wellness Center is the number of older crowd that comes and does the class, and then it's their socialization for the morning," notes Jani Sorfonden from the facility's marketing team. "They often sit around the table and have coffee and drinks."

This social aspect isn't accidental – it's core to the center's mission. "It's a lot harder to quit a relationship than it is to quit a membership," Alberti explains, describing how staff members are encouraged to build genuine connections with members. The approach has proven remarkably successful, with the facility maintaining around 1,349 memberships representing over 3,600 people – an impressive feat in a town of approximately 4,880 residents.

Breaking Down Barriers to Wellness

One common misconception the center actively works to dispel is that fitness facilities are intimidating. "A lot of these types of facilities are intimidating to people, and I would say that this facility is one of the least intimidating facilities I've ever been around," Alberti proudly notes. The center achieves this through thoughtful design, strategic equipment placement, and most importantly, a welcoming staff and membership base.

The facility also bridges the gap between medical care and ongoing wellness through its innovative LiveWell program, a physician-referred initiative that helps patients transition from physical therapy to independent exercise. With a remarkable 75% continuation rate, the program exemplifies the center's commitment to sustainable health outcomes.

Looking to the Future

As the center continues to evolve, it's expanding its offerings to meet community needs. Pickleball has emerged as a growing attraction, with courts active three days a week and players ranging from beginners to skilled competitors in their seventies. The facility is also actively seeking certified instructors to expand its group fitness offerings, with support available for certification costs and continuing education.

Visit the Petersen Family Wellness Center at 1213 Chatburn Ave, Suite 101, Harlan, IA 51537. Open Monday-Friday 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM, Saturday 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM, and Sunday 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM. Learn more on their website or follow them on Facebook. For membership information or to learn about becoming a certified instructor, call their front desk at 712-755-4342.