By: Stephanie Lombardo
In a close-knit neighborhood like ours, staying fit isn’t just an individual goal—it’s a community effort. We believe that when one of us thrives, we all do. That’s why keeping the Commons Fitness Center accessible, welcoming, and vibrant for every resident is at the very heart of what we do.
We love offering free programs because we truly believe healthy habits are caught, not just taught. Kids learn by watching their parents, and they benefit immensely from seeing grandparents, neighbors, and local role models prioritize their well-being. When our youth see generations coming together under one roof to move, sweat, and support each other, it sets a powerful precedent for life.
The Commons Fitness Center truly believes that remaining active has a trickle-down effect: when family, friends and neighbors come together to enjoy fitness together, it creates a healthier and more connected community.
Making Your Health Journey Affordable (or Even Free!)
Aside from offering free seminars about vital topics like getting healthy sleep and eating well while aging, did you know the Commons Fitness Center also supports various programs that can make your gym membership significantly more affordable—or possibly FREE? It all starts with a simple call to your health insurance provider. Ask them if you qualify for a fitness benefit program; there are literally hundreds of options out there! Over the past year and a half during my time with the Commons, I’ve been getting to know some of these programs, and I’m constantly learning about new ones offered by various insurance companies.
Insurance Programs We Currently Support:
● Active & Fit
● Adaptive
● FitON
● One Pass
● Renew Active
● Silver & Fit
● Silver Sneakers
Have a program we don't carry yet? I’ve had folks inquire about programs I’ve never even heard of! My answer is always: "I will absolutely look into joining that!" I would love to support everyone’s specific coverage, and I’m always happy to sign up for additional programs as they arise. It is 100% worth it to me to submit spreadsheets to 20 different programs on the 1st of every month if it keeps as many of our neighbors active as possible.
How Insurance Programs Work Behind the Scenes It’s usually as simple as making quick phone call and us agreeing to submit a monthly reports of
each member’s visits so we can be reimbursed for their dues.
Every program handles visits a little differently:
Program Type | Visit Requirements | How Reimbursement Works |
|---|---|---|
Active & Fit / Silver & Fit | 1 visit / month | Generates a full monthly membership reimbursement. |
Silver Sneakers | 8 visits / month | Requires a minimum of 8 visits for the gym to receive full monthly dues. |
Renew Active | 12 visits / month | Requires a minimum of 12 visits per month for us to receive full monthly dues. |
Employer Subsidies | Varies | You pay your employer a small fraction (e.g., $8–$10), and they reimburse us for the rest ofour standard $29 membership! |
The Golden Rule: Scan That Door!
Because these programs depend on visit counts, we encourage each member to trigger that door scanner as much as possible—that’s what officially records your visits. You don’t have to do anything complicated besides making that little door button turn green and unlock! One little boop, is one visit logged for us.
More Than a Gym: A True Community of Support
The Commons Fitness Center is so much more than a place with weights and treadmills—it’s a vibrant, positive space, and I truly love coming to work here every day. When you step inside, you aren't just walking into a workout facility; you’re entering a welcoming environment where your neighbors become your friends, your gym buddies become your support systems, and every small victory is celebrated together.
Our special events showcase the incredible power of this community. For instance, our 2026 Transform Challenge (which ran from January 3rd through early March) was a deeply inspiring journey for everyone involved. Every day, participants shared their workouts, healthy meal ideas, and words of encouragement on our private group. Whether folks were traveling on vacation or busy working from home, they found creative ways to log their steps and stay moving—all while cheering each other on. Folks posted walking in snow in New York, doing yoga on Islands, their new breakfast recipes, trying new classes at the gym, sharing articles they found inspiring- anything to encourage each other.
That incredible camaraderie is what a neighborhood gym should be about. The more people we can welcome into this supportive environment, the better. We all know that building healthy habits is hard and consistency can be a struggle, but you never have to do it alone. You have an entire gym full of friends here rooting for you every step of the
way!
Ready to Take the First Step? We’re Here to Help!
If you haven’t had a chance to check out our space yet, we would love to show you around!
Schedule a Tour: Head over to Commonsfit.com to book a quick tour and see the facility for yourself.
Call Your Provider: Don't forget to call your health insurance company today to ask if they offer a benefit program that could cover or subsidize your membership!
Check In With Your Doctor: As a friendly safety reminder, always check with your physician or healthcare provider before starting any new exercise routine or fitness activity.
Need Help Knowing Where to Start?
Starting a new routine can feel overwhelming, but we have expert, personalized guidance right here at the Commons Fitness Center to set you up for long-term success:
Book a Discovery Session with our personal trainer Nick Evans: If you have physical concerns, limitations, or simply aren't sure how to build a safe, effective workout routine, set up a discovery session with our in-house personal trainer, Nick Evans. He’ll help you navigate the equipment and build confidence on the gym floor. Nick also specializes in using DNA data to help you gain insight on things like how YOUR body works to help you make a truly personalized plan based on your unique DNA. Can you imagine learning exactly how to move and eat to take all the guesswork out of workouts and diet?
Meet with Our Health & Wellness Coach Cindy Jackson: Fitness starts in the mind! Book a session with our in-house health and wellness coach Cindy to get your mindset aligned, nail down clear and achievable goals, and build a sustainable plan for your lifestyle.
No matter where you are on your fitness journey, the Commons Fitness Center is ready to welcome you with open arms. Drop by, say hello, and let’s get stronger together!
About the author: Stephanie Lombardo is the Fitness Manager at The Commons Fitness Center, where she oversees programming, instructors, and member experience. A longtime fitness professional and passionate advocate for healthy living, she is committed to helping people of all ages build sustainable habits and a stronger community.