LOCATION
FACILITY TYPE
Community Recreation
PRODUCTS
69
When the Educational Services Commission of New Jersey (ESCNJ) Aquatics & Fitness Center expanded its facility, the goal was clear: create a modern, inclusive wellness space that could serve an entire community, from early-morning educators to active older adults and evening families.
The result is a thoughtfully designed, two-level, approximately 19,000-square-foot fitness center equipped with a comprehensive mix of SportsArt cardio and strength solutions, delivering both performance and accessibility at scale.
Prior to the expansion, ESCNJ’s fitness offering was modest, with limited cardio equipment, free weights, and minimal strength training capabilities. The new facility, made possible through grant funding, dramatically expanded both the physical footprint and the scope of services.
Today, the center serves over 3,400 members and caters to a wide demographic from seniors and school staff to families and youth athletes.
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“We only had a few ellipticals and some free weights before. Now, we’re able to offer a full range of equipment and programming for our entire community.”
Christine Kurceski | Health and Wellness Coordinator
Working as a SportsArt partner, Fitness Lifestyles led the design and equipment selection process, collaborating closely with ESCNJ stakeholders to create a layout that supports diverse user needs.
That vision is reflected in the facility’s layout:
• Mezzanine cardio cove: Featuring SportsArt treadmills, ellipticals, and cycles equipped with intuitive SENZA™ technology
• Main level training floor: A mix of selectorized strength, plate-loaded equipment, and functional training stations
• Additional cardio zone: Including SportsArt ECO-NATURAL™ self-powered treadmills and cycles
Whether a user is training for performance or simply looking for a comfortable place to begin their fitness journey, the environment is designed to meet them where they are.
“We had multiple meetings, developed CAD layouts, and really focused on how people would use the space. The goal was simple: when someone walks in, there’s something for everybody.”
Ric Flagg | Vice President of Commercial at Fitness Lifestyles
A key component of the installation is the integration of SportsArt’s SA WELL+™ system, which enables user tracking, equipment connectivity, and a more personalized workout experience.
“The platform allows members to track their workouts and stay engaged with their progress,” Flagg noted. “It adds another layer of value beyond the equipment itself.”
With 24 connected units and a full cardio network, the system helps bridge the gap between facility programming and user accountability.
The ESCNJ facility features a comprehensive selection of SportsArt equipment, including:
• SENZA™ cardio line: 12 treadmills, 6 ellipticals, and multiple upright and recumbent cycles
• ECO-NATURAL™ equipment: Self-powered treadmills, ellipticals, and cycles for energy-efficient operation
• Strength training: A full range of selectorized machines, plate-loaded units, and functional trainers
• Specialty equipment: Including an upper-body ergometer and assisted training stations
This combination ensures the facility can support everything from general fitness and rehabilitation to athletic training and group programming.
Since opening, member feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. The installation itself also went smoothly once the building was ready, with Fitness Lifestyles completing the project over several days without issue.
“The majority of people really enjoy the equipment. There haven’t been many complaints at all, and we’ve built a great relationship with Fitness Lifestyles. They’re very responsive and provide quarterly maintenance, which is huge for us.”
Christine Kurceski | Health and Wellness Coordinator
While ESCNJ did not install ECO-POWR™ generating equipment, sustainability still played a role in the decision-making process.
“They were aware of the sustainability aspect,” said Flagg. “Even without ECO-POWR™, SportsArt’s overall commitment to sustainability and forward-thinking design contributed to their confidence in the brand.”
The inclusion of ECO-NATURAL™ self-powered equipment reinforces that commitment while aligning with the facility’s operational needs.
Beyond equipment, the ESCNJ Aquatics & Fitness Center serves as a true community hub, offering personal training, group classes, youth athletic development, and dryland training for swim teams and sports organizations.
“Our trainers use the equipment with their clients, and we also have groups like athletic teams coming in for training,” Kurceski said. “It’s really become a space for everyone.”
For SportsArt, installations like ESCNJ reflect a broader mission to support facilities that prioritize accessibility, performance, and long-term value.
