New equipment is in place at the Mankato Family YMCA, following a fundraising campaign to update the facility.

The nonprofit reopened its wellness center Saturday. It briefly closed to replace or add equipment to the wellness center, free weight room and Y-Fit Gym.

The YMCA in December announced it reached its campaign goal, which it set at $500,000 earlier in the year.

“These machines are not only built for performance, but they also offer the latest technology to help members customize and track their workouts like never before,” stated Andrew Burk, executive director of the Mankato Family YMCA, in a release. “We are excited to provide our community with fitness equipment that enhances every aspect of their health and wellness journey.”

The difference between old equipment and new is at least 20 years in most cases, said Zach Erickson, wellness director. Essentially all cardio machines, strength training equipment and free weights are new.

For cardio, machines include a runner, switchcycle, incline elliptical and recumbent cycle as part of Life Fitness’ Symbio line of equipment. Hammer Strength equipment is now in the free weight room and Y-Fit Gym, ranging from leg curl and extension machines, fixed-weight easy bars, a motorless treadmill and more.

Ashley Dahlman, membership director, was on site Saturday to see people use the new equipment for the first time. Within 10 minutes the facility was humming, she said.

“Everyone was itching to get back in,” she said.

Joe Ahl and Brent Friedrichs, working out on Arc Trainers beside each other, said they’ve been enjoying the upgrades. As regulars at the gym they saw its transformation.

The Y plans to hold a grand “reopening” event in the near future to celebrate completing its campaign.

Amy Viland (right) works out using a cable pulley weight system Wednesday at the Mankato Family YMCA. To the left is Andrew Loher, Wellness Coordinator at the YMCA using a dual-pulley row. The equipment is new, following a fundraising drive by the non-profit.

This story was written by Brian Arola and was originally published in the Mankato Free Press on March 12, 2025. Photos by Brian Arola