SANFORD – Phillip Williams has been named Facility Director of FirstHealth Fitness in Sanford.
Williams will assume the role on May 7 in order to prepare the fitness center for its September 2018 opening in Sanford on Beechtree Drive.
Williams, who has been employed with FirstHealth Fitness in Rockingham since 2013, has served in several capacities in the five years employed with FirstHealth including front desk attendant, lifeguard and personal trainer. He currently serves as the Membership Services Coordinator. In this role, Williams’ responsibilities include managing front desk operations, the fitness team (personal trainers and group exercise instructors), membership sales and corporate accounts, and promotions.
“Working in several different positions at FirstHealth Fitness has helped me to learn all aspects of the business and prepared me for growth and new challenges,” says Williams. “I am excited for my latest challenge – being named director of FirstHealth Fitness in Sanford.”
A Scotland County native, Williams earned his B.S. degree in Athletic Training from Barton College. He is a Certified Athletic Trainer and Certified Pool & Spa Operator.
“We are very excited about having Phillip in this role as Facility Director of our Sanford location,” says John Caliri, director of FirstHealth Fitness. “His experience in our organization, his education, and his abundance of enthusiasm and energy made Phillip the right choice to open our newest location and to introduce the Sanford community to all that FirstHealth Fitness has to offer.”
FirstHealth Fitness – Sanford will be the sixth fitness facility that is part of the not-for-profit health care system, FirstHealth of the Carolinas. The 25,000-square-foot fitness center will open in mid-September and will include a pool, physical therapy area, an indoor walking track, a functional weight area, Les Mills group exercise classes such as Body Pump, Body Step and RPM, and a child care facility. The Sanford center will also house massage therapy, cardiopulmonary and physical therapy programs.
“We are looking forward to providing this incredible resource to Lee County and especially looking forward to introducing residents to our fitness model,” says Williams. “Our goal is to truly improve the health and well-being of all of our members.”
FirstHealth fitness centers are medically based and under the supervision of a medical doctor. All personal trainers and fitness coaches have college degrees in the fitness field.
“At FirstHealth, we believe that exercise is medicine, that appropriate exercise is appropriate for everyone and that if anyone comes to us, regardless of ability, current health status or past fitness experience, we can help them take personal responsibility for their health through regular physical activity,” says Caliri.
FirstHealth Fitness – Sanford memberships will be available for purchase starting in May and will include several different contract levels, including student and military memberships.
For the latest information on the facility’s opening, and to learn more about pre-sale dates, visit www.firsthealth.org/fitness or the FirstHealth Fitness – Sanford Facebook page.
Phillip Williams is pictured in front of the construction site of what will be FirstHealth Fitness in Sanford, the sixth fitness facility that is part of the not-for-profit health care system, FirstHealth of the Carolinas. The 25,000-square-foot fitness center will open in mid-September and is located on Beechtree Drive. Williams has been named the Facility Director of the fitness facility.
