Expansions underway at Sterling’s Westwood Sports Complex

By Brandon Clark

Over half a million dollars in expansions and upgrades at Sterling's most prominent sports complex, Westwood Fitness and Sports Center, bring new therapeutic equipment and services to the Sauk Valley area. While there are no confirmed prices set for these services yet, members can rest easy knowing the cost of their membership fee is not increasing to pay for them. 

Additions will open up Westwood's former aerobic studio and storage area into the current cardio equipment space. In its place will be the new Wellness Center. 

Various therapeutic equipment and services will be offered here, including compression therapy sleeves and a cryotherapy chamber. These help move blood away from undesired areas after a workout, reducing inflammation and speeding up recovery.

The majority of the population suffers from aches and pains related to their work, many of whom spend eight hours or more a day performing repetitive movements. The Wellness Center services hope to relieve these typical aches and pains.

In addition, other popular items, such as stand-up tanning beds and spray tan, will be available, including Red Light Therapy. This low wavelength red light improves the skin's appearance and aids muscle soreness. 

The expansions started two years ago when Covid regulations, passed down by the state, forced Westwood and its in-door playground, Kid's Gym, to close. 

Westwood administration made use of that time to clear out a large and seldom-used storage area, making way for Kids Gym’s new home. 

The new location provided private bathrooms for the children, who previously walked down the hall to guest bathrooms. A private entrance and kitchenette were also welcome additions. 

"These were all incredibly positive things," says Westwood Manager Kel Bond. “That shift, and that move, allowed us to come up with a plan for the space where Kids Gym was.”

Kids Gym’s previous home shared a wall with Westwood’s free-weight area. Workers tore down the wall to increase floor space. 

Membership has grown significantly over the last few years, and the Westwood administration felt the facility needed room.

The increased space included new gear, such as functional, multi-use equipment like new Rogue squat cages, additional cable machines, and various attachments.   

Westwood has continued into its next phase of expansions. It is tearing down a racquetball court to open space into the facility's astroturf training field.

A large boxing rig will go here, suspending up to 6 bags at a time. This rail system allows users to quickly push loads out of the way, letting fitness buffs enjoy a variety of bags with a simple slide and lock system.     

“We are always looking to the future and asking, what don’t we have, what do members want?” said Bond. 

Floorplans detailing expansions underway at Sterling’s Westwood Sports Complex.