Center Fitness Club Celebrates 30 Years!

8/29/2025 

Center Fitness Club Celebrates 30 Years! 

This year marks a special milestone for the Center Fitness Club (CFC)—30 years of helping our community stay active, healthy and connected. Since opening in 1995, CFC has grown into more than just a fitness space. Before its creation and current iteration as a fully functional fitness center, fitness at the Wilmette Park District was more of a program area. Without a dedicated physical space for the fitness community, classes were offered at Centennial and Highcrest. Today, CFC is a place where neighbors know each other by name, families share workouts across generations, and members celebrate milestones together inside and outside the Club.

Over the years, CFC has continued to evolve. From new flooring and updated equipment to adding a Functional Training Room, every change considers member feedback and the desire to stay current with fitness trends. “We always listen to our members and use their input to guide updates and programming,” says Fitness Manager Liz Antman. “That’s how we’ve grown with the community for 30 years.”

Popular offerings like the Transformation Challenge, personal training and a robust group fitness schedule are staples, while new initiatives like monthly member challenges keep things fresh and fun.

The heart of the Club is its people. From training for your first 5K to preparing for a triathlon, members have achieved incredible goals with the support of the CFC team. One member even took every spin class offered to train for a bike ride across Scotland! Special events, like the unforgettable Billy Blanks workout in 2024 or this summer’s free International Yoga Day celebration, add even more memories to the mix. “It is so inspiring to watch members push themselves and accomplish things they never thought possible,” Liz says.

As crucial as the members, the staff and personal trainers have built the culture and atmosphere to become a comfortable, safe and enjoyable destination. One such person is Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor Marta Mandziuk, who has been with CFC since early 2012, nearly half of the club’s lifespan. Greeting people with a smile and helping to guide everyone on their fitness journey is a pillar of the Club and a guiding principle for the future.     

The community that has grown within the walls of CFC is what makes it unique. There have been countless friendships formed. Members cheer each other on in class, celebrate birthdays and even gather for dinners outside the Club. Staff and instructors know members by name and share their stories. “Our members and staff truly feel like family,” Liz says. We’ve built something here that you just don’t find at big gyms or boutique studios.”

As we celebrate 30 years, the focus remains on the future. With plans for more pop-up events, fresh programming and member challenges in 2026, there is plenty to look forward to. Above all, CFC will continue to be where everyone can find their fit and feel at home.