Getting into The Zone with Cody Smith!

By Cindy Ladage

If you have stopped by The Zone lately; you might have noticed that The Zone has a whole new look! There is a fresh coat of paint, revised floor plan, some new machines, and new signs, this makes sense to accommodate the new ownership of January 2022.  While Cody Smith has been with management of The Zone since July of 2019, he took over as owner this past January. He just recently set up a brand-new website as well at www.thezonevirden.com.

The new website has the crisp, clear look that the fitness center has.  On the website, Cody outlines just what he and his instructors have to offer at The Zone.  “In addition to 24 Hour access, The Zone offers daily group classes, 1-on-1 training, powerlifting, bodybuilding, and strongman equipment.  The Lab Supplements & Wellness provides a wide variety of supplements for sale in The Zone.”

When you first walk in the door, you will notice the nice desk where Cody greets his customers.  In the corner is the Supplement Section.  “I have partnered with The Lab, a store in Carlinville,” Cody said.  “The supplements fit well with my role.  I managed a GNC in St. Louis for three years before moving back to Virden.”

Clients coming to The Zone can take advantage of their general cardio equipment as well as the classes available.  “They are specialized and cross-fit style,” Cody explained.

The fitness class is a station-based fitness class where clients rotate from one station (spin bikes to assault bikes, to manual treadmills, to rowing machines) to the next and incorporate specific exercises that Cody, or his other instructors have created for the routine.  Weights and TRX straps/battle ropes are also used in the routine. The entire routine is watched on the adjacent wall during the class. During the routine, your heart rate is tracked so you can gauge how hard you should be pushing yourself during the exercises.

Cody’s fitness classes are called EPOC fitness emphasizing the science-based term that during exercise the body is in an oxygen deficient state and during recovery, it will continue to burn fat.  Win-win, exercise and still burn calories after the class is finished! There are instructors available during all classes and each client works at their own pace, so this is not a competition, just a way for each person to reach their best fitness level.

Yoga classes are also available, and Cody said it is for all ability levels.

Cody said that those interested can sign up for classes alone or take classes in conjunction with membership.  The yoga class is a come when you can, and pay when you come. The class area also has dumb bell weights, and this area can be used for those patrons that want to work out with some privacy.

In the main gym Cody pointed out Life Fitness machines.  “This is equipment fitness that can be used as a circuit.  There is one for each muscle group.  They are easy to use,” he shared.

The machines have pictures of how they should be used so if you come in and there is no instructor on hand, you can literally look at the machine and see how it should be used.  “It has its name and a reference on each machine. I see mostly seniors and beginners using these,” Cody said adding that he uses them as well because he added, “They work muscles in a different way.”

The free weights are at the end of the room.  “These are not on a fixed track,” Cody said adding that these exercises help when you are moving correctly.

The benefits to strengthening exercises can’t be emphasized too much, they offer improved bone density, more stability, core activation, and Cody added, even lowers blood pressure!

Membership discounts are available to many groups. Seniors get a half price discount, students $10.00 off, Veteran’s a $5.00 discount, and local First Responders also have a ½ price membership.  “There is no contract, I’m not into contracts,” Cody said.  “It is easy for me to pause payment, and flip it on when someone is ready to come back.”

This is great for snowbirds or for students in sports etc. Cody has insight into what students may be looking for because he did his student teaching at North Mac.  With a degree in Physical Education from Southeast Missouri, and customer experience picked up at his three-years at GNC, Cody had the background already when he came on as a Manager at The Zone.  He is a certified Personal Trainer, and growing up in the Virden area has the love for the local community at heart.

“I came back to Virden to student teach and be closer to family.  I am invested in the community and met students and staff at the school.  The school is the centerpiece of the community, and it is great to see students exercising outside of school, I think that is often overlooked today.”

Besides the student population, Cody said he sees seniors congregating and enjoying the chance to workout and visit making exercise a healthy social outlet. “Everyone is happy to be here.  It is a small town and there is a community aspect,” he added.

Cody credits Ryan Lightle local Special education teacher at North Mac High School with assisting him with purchasing the gym.  He made it clear that his efforts made it possible for this to happen, and he appreciated all that Ryan Lightle has done to help him achieve this goal! “He loves working out, and he is a well-known face in the community and at the gym, this is all thanks to him.”

For more information about The Zone, check out their website at www.TheZoneVirden.com, or log onto their facebook page at The Zone Virden | Facebook.  Call 217-965-3341 if you have questions, the work phone goes directly to Cody’s phone, so he is easily reached.  With The Zone open 24 hours a day, fitness is just an open door away!