By Ainsley Walters, Staff reporter
Johanna Ulett, manager, Spartan Health Club.
DRIVEN by the current fitness craze, an internationally-aware clientele and the need to maintain its status as one of Jamaica's top gyms, Spartan Health Club has an ambitious two-year improvement plan on its agenda, varying from additional parking to enhanced services.
Established in 1976 by Mickey Haughton-James and Cindy Breakspere, who afterwards went on to win the Miss Jamaica Body Beautiful, Miss Universe Bikini and Miss World Pageant within the first six months of the club's operations, the 11,000-square foot Spartan gym is now being managed by Johanna Ulett, Miss Jamaica World 1994.
Ulett, who only last month collected Spartan's small business job creation award from the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica's (PSOJ), said plans are afoot to add a pro shop and massage area, among other improvements, to its 9 Lady Musgrave Road home.
Additional parking is set to be established opposite the gym - on property Haughton-James had acquired previously.
Spartan is pressing to maintain its dynamism by having what Ulett described as "the best facilities". The health club recently installed air conditioning to its cardio and weights room in addition to acquiring new machinery.
A visit to Spartan will show fitness buffs working out on treadmills, step machines and the latest North American fad, spinning cycles, which simulate mountain bike riding, while either watching one of four cable channels or listening to music via a personalised cardio theatre system.
Recognising the general public has become more aware of the benefits of keeping fit, Spartan also has plans to add mid-morning aerobic classes and 'dancercise' to its usual schedule, targeting groups such as self-employed persons and housewives, who would find it more convenient to be at the gym at that time.
"We not only want to stay ahead of the competition but also to make our members happy," said Ulett, who taught Language Arts at Northen Caribbean University before she started managing the club two months ago.
Adding a pro shop, Ulett said, has always been a dream of Haughton-James.
"Most gyms abroad have pro shops selling equipment, gym wear, gloves, water bottles, supplements, health drinks and so on," she explained. These are things our members have asked for. They're used to that type of stuff when they travel and we have to ensure that they are comfortable.
"A pro shop increases revenue," Ulett added. "Instead of going elsewhere to get these things, our members will have them right here."
As for parking, the 34 lots at 9 Lady Musgrave Road "gets filled pretty quick", according to Ulett.
Haughton-James is looking at an additional 40 across the road to meet increased business when his plans come on stream.
And recognising the need to facilitate its clientele, Spartan has a variety of financing arrangements to allow for ease of payment.
"Let's face it, we're dealing with a clientele which has become more exposed," Ulett pointed out. "Everybody has cable these days plus they travel and see what is happening abroad. They return with suggestions, which we accept and implement once they are within our means."
