MURFREESBORO – If you want to work out with the same equipment that the Tar heels and Wolfpack get beefed up with, you don’t have to travel to Chapel Hill or Raleigh to do so.

After nine months of planning and fundraising, the Southern Health and Wellness Center held their grand opening last week.

The brainchild of Terry Williams, a former professional trainer, the center extends the services being offered at the Main Street location that had previously served as headquarters to the H.P.L. Foundation, a group that awards scholarships to local students.

Williams and co-owners Herbert and Patricia Lewis were joined by Murfreesboro Town Councilman Bill Stephens and several dozen local citizens to introduce the community to the new facility that offers physical therapy, massage therapy, stress management, nutrition classes as well as personal training.

The total fitness club also features a snack bar and child-care area for members who bring their children to the center while they are using the facilities.

The childcare area doubles as an educational center that offers internet access to members.

Williams, whose wife Tasha serves as the human resources manager, said he was trying to upgrade the fitness offering in the area.

&uot;We have the highest standard of equipment and service available,&uot; Williams said. &uot;We want to enhance the community by giving them something new and beneficial.&uot;

Williams said that many companies are beginning to see the benefit of having a healthy workforce.

&uot;Businesses see that it’s cheaper to find a place to help your employees remain healthy than to have to absorb medical costs later on,&uot; Williams explained. &uot;Our programs as well as the classes and seminars we host can help any individual regardless of their current level of fitness.&uot;

On Oct. 9 the center will host a seminar featuring Kathy Roberts, which will focus on caloric intake.

The center has seven full time employees, all of whom are first aid and CPR certified.

According to Williams, everyone who becomes a member will be able to take advantage of personal trainers.

&uot;Our personal trainers will not stop working with you after one or two trips to the center,&uot; Williams said. &uot;Our mission is to allow an expert to assist you for as long as you use the facility.

The center is open from 5:15 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Monday through Thursday and closes at 9 p.m. on Friday.

Weekend hours are 8 a.m. -6 p.m. on Saturday and 6 -10 a.m. Sunday, reopening from 4 – 9 p.m.

Membership is available to individuals age 17 years and up.

Ages 14-16 are welcome with a parent.