exclusive interview in hometown sports

They are not just an ordinary fitness club but a family. There are big things happening at M.R. Stax. The local 24-hour health and fitness center, created by the late Bob Bradshaw, has recently moved comfortably into its new facility located on 233 East Third Street in Lewistown. M.R. Stax not only provides weight training and lifting options, but its upstairs has something special that no other local facility has — a turf field that can be used for indoor soccer, baseball practices, and it can even be rented for birthdays and other special events.

“We’ve had a couple of birthday parties up there with with different age groups, but the Mifflin County baseball team has used it more than anyone. Coach Bernie Howard has his team practicing there two days a week,” M.R. Stax manager Derek Jones said. “We also have the local soccer club using it as well. They use it Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for three hours. So, throughout the winter season, we are booked solid. We have space on the weekend where people can schedule birthday parties or if anyone wants to get together and play some dodgeball or kickball or any kind of fun event like that.” 

Taking the helm is Bradshaw’s wife, Heather. “One thing that Bob built here was a family atmosphere with every member. When the unfortunate happened a lot of members stepped up to the plate and offered their assistance however they could to help me out,” Jones said. “But I think the most appreciation goes to Heather because she has her own business to run.

She wasn’t quite sure how the operations go here, and she trusted me to get it going. She and I make a very good team. We trust each other and communicate with each other. Bob wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. Quite honestly, I appreciate everything she has done for me, and I’m proud of everything she’s done to keep it going.”

M.R. Stax is Lewistown’s only 24/7 fitness center. They have equipment for all fitness levels. Stax also provides personal training, if needed. The building has a 6000 square feet, open floor plan. The single membership costs $35 and couples are $60. For persons 65 and over, the cost is just $25 a month with no contract. 

“It’s a 24-hour, seven day a week fitness facility. We never close. We were open on Christmas, and we were open on New Years. That’s the main focus of Bob’s idea. He was told often that it wouldn’t work so he really pushed to keep it going,” said Jones. “You can find everything you need here to do a good workout. You name it. You need it. We’ve got it.” The dream of Bradshaw is in good hands, and the sky is the limit for the fitness club.

memberships

GUEST PASSES

A guest pass can only be obtained with a sponsoring member.