NEW HAMPTON -- The No. 1 excuse for not exercising is lack of time. Early risers find a way.

"Members are waiting at the door when we open at 5 a.m.," said Angie Huffman, director of Chickasaw Wellness Complex, New Hampton.

Before going to work or getting kids off to school, members are working up a sweat running the track, lifting weights or speed walking on the treadmill.

Myrtle Rosonke, 77, of New Hampton lives a more leisurely lifestyle.

"Before I leave home, I listen to the undertaker news on the Oelwein station," she said. "I want to know if anyone I know has died."

Her interest in the news lightens up when she comes to the Chickasaw Wellness Center five days a week. Rosonke arrives at 9 a.m. and speed walks on the treadmill, wearing a headset to watch the morning talk shows.

"To cool down, I walk around the track five times after an hour on the treadmill," she said.

The Chickasaw Wellness Complex opened in November 2003. Community volunteers linked arms with the city, Chickasaw County and schools to build the $2.25 million facility.

The school district was in need of an eight-lane rubberized latex track. And the community was in need of a recreational fitness center.

A seven-member board, including representatives from the booster club, school board, county board of supervisors and city park and recreation department, oversees the complex.

"No tax money was used. We did get some federal grant money, but most of the money came from the Chickasaw County Booster Club, alumni and businesses," Huffman said.

The largest individual donation of $60,000 came from Walt Schilling of Alaska, a New Hampton High School alumnus.

"After I retire, I have not discounted the possibility of returning home to make my rounds on the indoor track," Schilling said.

Some like the cost and convenience of the facility.

"The price is extremely reasonable for this type of facility. Prices every family can afford," said Jenny Ewert, a marathon runner."When I am training on the treadmill, my kids are in the day care room. They love it here."

When Rich and Gayle Christiansen were looking to move back to his hometown, the CWC facility was an attractive incentive. Gayle Christiansen is a world-class athlete who trained for the Olympics in 1984 and 1988. Her coach was Bob Kersee, husband of Olympic gold medallist Jackie Joyner Kersee.

"I have trained in world-class facilities. They have everything here. You can get into world-class shape right here in New Hampton. In L.A. and New York, schools usually reserve the indoor track. Here the main focus is the community," Gayle said.

CWC provides members and guest of all ages and abilities a positive, safe, healthy and fun environment to help maintain a physical, mental and spiritual wellness. "Our members range in ages 4 to 91," Huffman said.

The facility has aerobic rooms, two full basketball courts, volleyball courts, large wrestling room, state-of-the-art weight lifting center, racquetball court, locker rooms and changing facilities and a staff of certified personal trainers.

Darlene McGowan, 71, a front desk volunteer, greets members who use a personal security code to log in. A computer system shows their personal workout activity. "After my shift, I work out and meet friends for a card game in the lounge," McGowan said.

The facility is also available for community events and private parties.

"Parents feel secure in our overnight lock-in for teenage parties," Huffman said.

This year, the CWC staff will be taking exercise programs to surrounding communities. Administrators are also planning an after school program for adults with disabilities.

"We have more than 2,500 members who have 26 different zip codes. This year, my goal is to have 3,000 members," Huffman said.

Contact Gloria Aleff at newsroom@wcfcourier.com.