Blomeyer Health Fitness Center at Emory has a new look for the new year.

Closed for renovations since Dec. 20, the fitness center, for faculty and staff only, reopened Jan. 3 with all new carpeting and paint. All strength training equipment and free weights have been replaced and WiFi is now available throughout the center.

"It's the first major renovation in 16 years," says Shana Ricker, general manager.

A wine and cheese open house on Wednesday Jan. 15 from 5 to 8 p.m. will introduce the changes.  "Enjoy a glass of wine and tour our facility," Ricker says. Complimentary workouts and chair massages will be offered during this time.

Ricker says besides the amenities upgrade, changes to the group fitness schedule have also been made. "We've added kickboxing, dance craze and 'yoga-lates,' she says. The group fitness class times have also been adjusted to better work with employees' schedules.

"[Emory] Healthcare employees have asked for later classes so we've added some at 7 p.m.," she says. Ricker says the changes were made as a result of an August survey of members and past members. The staff will monitor demand and make adjustments to the schedule based on members' preferences.

Blomeyer also has its regular January membership special of free enrollment.

Ricker points out Blomeyer's partnership with Healthy Emory, noting that the new colors at the center are Healthy Emory's colors.

"We participate in screenings for Healthy Emory, such as 'Know Your Numbers,' she says. "We'll be hosting those screenings again in February."

Also as part of Healthy Emory, Blomeyer offers free walk-in blood pressure screenings for anyone on Wednesdays from 10 to 11 a.m. and 3 to 4 p.m.  "You don't have to be a member," Ricker adds.

For more information, go to www.emory.edu/blomeyer