By Maggie Beamguard
Insider Editor
The Seven Lakes Health and Fitness Center is buffing up for the New Year. New workout equipment was installed last year, and a refurbished indoor pool, planned to open this February, will welcome fitness fiends and fresh 2025 resolutions.
The makeover started in 2023 after Edward Hill purchased the fitness center with business partner Tony Myers in December 2022. Located at 114 Edgewater Drive in Seven Lakes North, the business had been owned and operated by Wayne and Marjorie Nurnberg for over 30 years when they decided to sell.
Initial sweat equity was invested by the new owners in a remodeling, including new windows for the pool facility, locker room makeovers, a new pool heater and fresh paint and new flooring throughout the building.
But just 10 days following a grand re-opening, a storm with strong winds tore the roof from the pool facility on Jan. 9, 2024.
The gym closed for repairs. It was back up and running in mid March, but the pool required more effort. While working steadily with insurance and contractors to construct a roof, new equipment was installed throughout the whole facility.
The new HOIST Fitness Club line replaces the old 1980s nautilus machines for a full-body, circuit training workout. The cardio room was also outfitted with new equipment, including treadmills, bikes, rowing machines and ellipticals. The remodeled basement flexes new powerlifting equipment for those who prefer barbells, dumbells and weights.
A steel joist roof was erected over the 25-yard, four-lane pool in mid-December. With the new paint, tile and electrical work, everything in the pool will be brand new. Another soon-to-be-installed feature is a hot tub/cold tub system.
If engineering remains on schedule, Hill hopes to host another grand re-opening this March. When all the work is completed, Hill said the renovations on the property will amount to a nearly $1 million investment.
“The goal is to try to compete with FirstHealth,” Hill said. “Everything they have at FirstHealth, we have now. So people don’t have to drive into town to get the same equipment, the same workout.”
It’s been a two-year, inside-out transformation for the facility where Hill, who grew up on Lake Echo in Seven Lakes North, learned to swim.
“There is sentimental value to it,” he said.
When the Nurnbergs approached him about buying the fitness center, he approached the venture with a vision of community stewardship rather than dollar signs.
“I wanted something for the community,” he said. “I was hoping that if we did it the right way that it would pay for itself. That’s where we are almost at right now.”
Hill feels uniquely called to preserve the good life he experienced growing up in Seven Lakes for future generations. He holds dear childhood memories of riding his bike anywhere in the neighborhood and playing at the park and the pool all day before coming home when it got dark. He is grateful his kids have had that same kind of childhood experience. “It was just important for me to give that to my family.”
With inevitable growth and changes coming with the widening of N.C. 211 and county sewer, Hill wants to keep the character of the community intact.
“There’s going to be a lot of change,” Hill said, “but you know, I just want to protect what we have and try to make it better for future generations.”
Longstanding, locally owned small businesses provide the personality of the community Hill cherishes.
“I hate when small businesses close,” he lamented. It’s a sentiment that motivates him.
Hill, who owns Edward Hill Wealth Management, has been called a serial entrepreneur by his acquaintances. He also salvaged Jordan Catering, a mainstay business in West End since the 1970s. He purchased the business in 2023 after it unexpectedly closed, rebranding it The Pit Shop Catering.
“I think if you can take something on, and do a good job, and improve it a little bit and have the community support it, then that’s successful,” Hill said.
In addition to juggling his varied business interests, Hill is active in the community at large. He serves as a leader of Boy Scout Troop 98 and as the Pinecrest High School head swim coach.
An accomplished swimmer in his own right, Hill is a multi-year Masters National Champion. Once the newest pool in Moore County opens, he dreams of starting a masters program at the fitness center.
The pool also hosts a couple of swim teams, water aerobics and swim lessons. The fitness center also offers karate classes.
Seven Lakes Health and Fitness is currently open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday with key fob access. Staff is present during the week from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. The facility is also open with staffing from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Hill anticipates opening on Sundays in the new year.
They accept insurance programs including Silver&Fit, Silver Sneakers and Renew Active. They also honor FirstHealth’s insurance program.
“Come check it out, get a free tour and see if it’s something you’d like,” Hill invites.
For more information about the fitness center call (910) 400-5044 or visit Seven Lakes Health and Fitness Center on Facebook.
Contact Maggie Beamguard at maggie@thepilot.com.
