Writer: Lynn Leissler / Photos: Superior Athletic Club
While focus on physical fitness is nothing new—ancient cultures required their young men to train before going into battle, and the Olympics date back centuries—things have changed in modern times. Around the 1970s, the idea of everyone working out gained popularity, with an aerobic focus. Many turned on their TVs or popped a video in the VCR to work out with celebrity So-and-So. Or they signed up for aerobics classes. Today, gyms offer a diverse, technology-driven approach with a wide array of options. Personal trainers are no longer just for professional athletes. And the emphasis on functional movement and overall health has gained serious traction.
In 1978, Superior Athletic Club opened under the name of Medford Superior Courts, with its primary focus on racquetball. At that time there were few other such facilities in the area. The original building had eight racquetball courts and two weight rooms—women’s only and men’s-only. Within a few years, all areas opened to both men and women, although today there is a women’s only area. Over the next years, they rearranged space to allow new Cybex weight-training equipment, early versions of stair climbing machines, plus more cardio equipment.
In 1989, an addition doubled the size of the building, allowing the inclusion of a pool, gym, and free weight area, with another addition ten years later. Club II (in south Medford) was constructed in 1994, offering weight machines, free weights, group fitness room, stretching area, and a Kinesis Studio. As the concept of personal fitness continued to take hold and the small community northeast of Medford grew, a third location opened in Eagle Point in 2005, Superior Fitness. Today, there are fewer than half the original number of racquetball courts in the main club, as the sport is no longer as popular.
This athletic club declares itself “superior” due to its vast array of options and ever-present opportunities to learn, to up your game, with equipment always available. Classes include Zumba, spin, yoga, water exercise, strength training, cardio, circuit training, dance-related exercise, martial arts, and much more. A new boxing studio is open to individuals, youth, seniors, couples, and families. There are 60+ free classes per week for members.
Youth activities are available in the various sections of the club. The website gives details, such as age restrictions and the need of an accompanying adult. The pool is home to an active USA Swimming Team that travels throughout the state. Numerous top swim team athletes have progressed to significant achievements at state, national, and Olympic levels. The career of Siouxha Tokman, one of Superior Aquatics coaches, spans 53 years. He holds a distinguished National and International American Swim Coaches Association Level 5 ranking, one of only five Level 5 coaches in the state, and the only one in Southern Oregon. He devotes five-six hours daily to coaching athletes ages six to 20, and easily transitions from entertainer for the young swimmers, to being a trusted mentor for the older ones. He does what he does because, “There is nothing more important to me than fostering the character of a young adult into becoming an exemplary human being. To instill passion, perseverance, and a commitment to opportunity and hope in themselves and others are skills that will transform their future and others around them. … It is an honor, and I am humbled by this path for my life.”
My first impression when I entered the main club was lack of intimidation; no row upon row of super buff men and women making me feel inadequate. Oh, the truly buff were there, but it didn’t seem a display, just people “doing their thing”—alongside those not at the same level.
Operations Manager Joe Keith, with Superior for over three years, offered a tour. He is retired Navy, and formerly served 20 years at Million Air in Medford, where he was president before it sold. As we walked through the two-story building, Joe tidied up if he saw something out of place and greeted people by name as they worked out or walked by. The variety and volume of equipment was impressive.
Superior is a place for doctor-ordered physical therapy, with physical therapists and a nurse practitioner available at Club II. Massage therapy is available at all three locations.
Joe’s eyes brightened when he talked about hosting onsite Rock Steady Boxing for those with Parkinson’s disease. The program’s evidence-based exercise regimen is not the usual aggressive sport, but a specifically designed curriculum created to impact the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Rock Steady thinks of itself as “a worldwide community fighting back together.” Such training can have multiple benefits; agility, endurance, accuracy, balance, coordination, and strength.
Superior also hosts The Pedaling for Parkinson’s™ program, whose research indicates that concentrated exercise on a bicycle can reduce symptoms of Parkinson’s. Utilizing the program’s specifications, participants ride stationary bikes.
The main focus of a health club/gym is to help people be healthy and fit. According to Joe, however, Superior is also about relationships. He delights as he witnesses developing friendships. If someone doesn’t show up for a class or when a group normally works out together, there are phone calls – Are you okay? Can we help? Do you need food? Joe brags that “No other gym in Medford is like that.” It’s a family affair as well—the original members, then their kids, then the grandkids. The atmosphere is great for families, with precautions such as outdoor lighting and cameras so members will feel safe, especially after dark. Childcare is available, and there’s a snack bar. Not having to worry about the kids and food can make a big difference to a young family’s busy life. Superior Athletic Club is locally owned and operated, here to serve valley residents. They are like a neighborhood gym, where they know your name.
For many, often the older crowd and those with physical limitations, water aerobics is the ticket. Superior boasts a large clientele. This is another group that fosters friendships. Women in particular will share tips and suggestions for dealing with the inconveniences and challenges of aging.
“I think we are the best gym in the valley because we meet people where they are, and we have the top personal trainers of any gym in the valley. Ditto for group fitness instructors.” This pride shows throughout the facility.
The clientele, though, is only part of Joe’s concerns. He hears from members, “The people here are so kind.” That is no coincidence. It’s a job requirement, and he works hard to instill such values in his employees. He urges them to be the best versions of themselves. Most of the jobs are entry level, but there is career potential, and he wants to increase that area of development with staff. He lives out the philosophy that the company cares for them. Borrowing from baseball terminology, he coaches his people and sees Superior Athletic Club as a farm team for Life.
For some, the mere thought of “going to the gym” sends them running in the opposite direction. You might think you are too out of shape and would be embarrassed. But if you have the right class/equipment/trainer, fitted to your individual ability and personality, and a place where they will treat you with respect, Superior Athletic Club is for you.
Not everything described above is available at all three facilities. Please check the website for each individual site and its calendar of classes. Membership options and pricing can also be found on the website.
www.superiorathletic.com
Superior Athletic – Main club
727 Cardley Ave, Medford
541-779-7529
Superior Athletic – Club II
2500 E Barnett Rd, Medford
541-779-7640
Superior Fitness
111 Alta Vista Rd, Eagle Point
541-826-1901
