CPR Training and Certification

Pearce is offering a CPR training and certification course on Tuesday, March 21, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. for people 11 and older.  Training includes chest compressions, breathing, and using an AED.

The cost is $5. Register in advance at Pearce.

For more information, please call (309) 274-4209 or visit Pearce at www.pearcecc.com

We Get By With a Little Help From Our Friends

By Raquel "Rocky" Herron, Fitness Manager

You've made it through January!  Even if you don't admit it, there was probably a part of you that resolved to do something better beginning in January and for many of you, that meant health and fitness.  I understand completely.  I always tell myself I will eat less sweets and as I type this I can still taste the dark chocolate I just consumed.  It's heart healthy, right!? 

To help keep you motivated and engaged in your health efforts, I thought I'd touch on group fitness and its benefits.  Here at Pearce, we offer many different group exercise classes, each geared toward helping you reach your desired goal.  The obvious benefit of group exercise is, well...exercise, but it's more than that.  Stay with me and let's talk about the pros of group exercise.

Comradery.  Who doesn't love working out with friends?  Group exercise provides a great place for friends to meet up and get fit together.  When you're exercising in a group you work out at your own pace/intensity, but you experience it together.  A group setting provides a place of encouragement.  I've personally seen people encourage one another on several occasions to include cheering and clapping! Sometimes we don't think we can do something, but if someone else believes we can, we can surprise ourselves.   As an instructor myself, I'm always cheering my class on because I know it's tough sometimes.  Words of encouragement are powerful and are definitely needed during any lunge track!

Another benefit of group exercise is accountability!  If your friends are counting on you to be at BODYPUMP, then there's some pressure to follow through.  Over time this accountability can develop into consistency.  According to the American College of Sports Medicine, group exercise provides a "...consistent schedule."  In other words, Pearce has it mapped out for you!  We provide a consistent schedule that you can count on week after week to make sure you get your workout(s) in.  Over time you'll develop new relationships with others in class and you'll become a "regular."  FYI, if you're not in class, participants and instructors will know, and we'll more than likely check in with you next time we see you! 

And last, but not least, who doesn't love a little friendly competition?  Working out in groups definitely lends to a little competition.  It's important to keep it on the lighter side and have fun with it, but a little competition can help our workouts in more ways than one.  First of all, competition may make you try a little harder and step out of your comfort zone.  I have a particular friend in mind who brings this competition out in me!  Competition can make an average workout turn into a fun game.  It's always important to keep competition in check and try not to overdo it or injure yourself, but it sure is fun to see if you can go a little faster than your friend. 

I hope these tidbits of information regarding group exercise have helped keep the fitness flame alive.  If you're a regular group exerciser, keep it up and set some new goals if needed.  If you're new to group exercise or have never exercised, stop by class a little early and talk with your instructor.  Our instructors are always willing to help out wherever they can.  We're always happy to welcome new people.  We look forward to seeing you in class!  

SilverSneakers Instructor Training

February Senior Potluck

Pearce will host the monthly senior potluck at noon on Tuesday, February 28. All seniors are invited to bring a side dish and their own table service and join in the fun. Fried chicken and drinks are provided. This month, Chillicothe Mayor Doug Crew will present his state of the city address.

Refer a Friend!

Pearce members can earn one month free when they refer a friend to Pearce!

Priority Spring Swim Lesson Registration Begins

Priority registration for children currently enrolled in the winter swim lesson session will take place February 23 through March 2. Registration open to the public will begin March 3. 

The cost of the class is $33.75 for Pearce Foundation members; $45 for members; and $70 for non-members. Register for swim lessons at Pearce.

Swim club registration is also being accepted. Swim Club is designed to help swimmers ages 5 and older develop and improve competitive swimming abilities including a variety of strokes, strength, and speed. Participants must be able to swim the length of the pool unassisted. The winter swim club session runs concurrently with swim lessons and meets on Mondays and Wednesdays at 4:00 p.m.


The cost of swim club is $45 for Foundation members; members $60; non-members $75.


The public is invited to join Emily Points, Aquatics Coordinator, and Pearce swim instructors on Tuesday, March 7 for our FREE youth swim lesson preview. Meet the instructors and see how we teach children to swim and be safe in and around water. Children must be age four and over and should come prepared to get in the water.


The swim lessons preview is free; however, advance registration is required in the 4:30 to 5:00 p.m. time slot or the 5:30 to 6:00 p.m. time slot. Register at the front desk by March 2. The free preview can only accommodate 20 children per time slot so don't delay. Reserve your spot today.

School’s Out Day Camp Offered at Pearce

Pearce Community Center will host School’s Out Day Camp for students in grades K-6 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, February 20, 2017. Before camp care is also available beginning at 6:30 a.m.

Campers will spend the day enjoying a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, swimming in the pool, and local field trips. Bring a daily sack lunch that does not require refrigeration but can contain microwaveable items and a drink, swimsuit and towel, gym shoes, and a book. An afternoon snack will be provided.

Register in advance at Pearce. Foundation members pay only $31.50 per child per day; Members $35; and non-members $55.

Junior Fitness Certification

Pearce Community Center is offering Junior Fit Certification on Monday, February 20, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. for members ages 13 and 14. After successfully completing the class and receiving certification, young members will be allowed access to the cardiovascular room, Selectorized equipment area, and group exercise classes.

Participants will learn how to use the equipment in a safe, productive manner. Additionally, they will learn fitness etiquette, and rules.  

Pearce Foundation members pay only $9; members $12. Advance registration is required. 

Spring Youth Soccer League Registration Begins

Registration has begun for Pearce Community Center’s Spring YouthSoccer league. Soccer is open to children age 4 to 8. All games and practices will be held outdoors at South School in Chillicothe, weather permitting.

The League is designed to provide fun recreational soccer practice and play during which participants will learn basic skills and rules of the game in a structured environment. Every child will play, regardless of their soccer experience and skill.

The league uses a smaller field and teams (about 5 to 6 children per team), and no goalies, setting a faster pace for the games, higher scores, and giving each child the opportunity to touch the ball more often. Players will be grouped by age: 4-6 will play 3 on 3, 7-8 will play 4 on 4, and 9-10 will play 4 on 4. All teams will be coed. IVC Boys Varsity Head Soccer Coach Nolan Wilson will assist in instruction, skill development, and coaching.

Pearce Foundation members pay only $33.75. Members pay $45, and the fee for non-members is $60.

Registration ends Sunday, March 5. Practice will begin the week of March 27. Games will be played each Saturday April 8 - May 13.   

For more information, call Gavin Sullivan at Pearce at (309) 274-4209, extension 106 or email gsullivan@pearcecc.com. 

Babysitting Class Offered at Pearce

Pearce Community Center is offering the Safe Sitter® babysitting class on Saturday, March 4 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for ages 11 to 17. Students should bring a sack lunch.

The class will develop knowledge of first aid, rescue skills, and behavior management techniques as well as provide the experience to handle medical, behavioral, or household emergencies. Participants will also learn how to feed and diaper small children and create their own personalized toolkit of activities, crafts, and games to take with them to babysitting jobs.

The cost of the class is $30 for Foundation members; $40 for members; and $50 for non-members. Register in advance for the Safe Sitter® program at Pearce.

For more information on the class, or to learn how to become a member of Pearce Community Center, call (309) 274-4209 or visit Pearce at www.pearcecc.com.

Youth Volleyball League Registration Begins

Registration for Pearce Community Center’s Spring Youth Volleyball league has begun and will continue until Sunday, March 5. Volleyball is open to children in third through eighth grade. All games and practices will be held indoors at Pearce Community Center in Chillicothe. Practice will begin the week of March 27. The six-week series of games will be played April 8 through May 13.

The League is designed to provide fun recreational volleyball practice and play during which participants will learn basic skills and rules of the game in a structured environment. Every child will play, regardless of their volleyball experience and skill. Two leagues will be available: third through fifth grade and sixth through eighth grade.

Pearce Foundation members pay only $33.75. Members pay $45, and the fee for non-members is $60.

For more information, call Gavin Sullivan at Pearce at (309) 274-4209, extension 106 or email gsullivan@pearcecc.com.