Tameka Little has only been the director of the Vaughan Wellness and Fitness Center for the past month, but in that time she has made major headway in changing the way the center’s clients think about their health.

Little, former director of the Health and Fitness Center at Concordia College, has a degree in Exercise Science and Wellness from Jacksonville State University and is a certified personal trainer.

“Everybody loves fitness around here,” Little said. “My goal is show our members that exercise is really about a change in lifestyle.”

Little said staying in good health and eating the right the right foods can help lower cholesterol and help some people get off their diabetes medication.

“Here at the Vaughan Fitness Center, we have aerobics classes and personal trainers that can help members reach their goals,” Little said. “We can help members become more disciplined and care about their health.”

One of the more noticeable changes Little has introduced at the fitness center is the new sign at the entrance to the building. She is also going to put a fresh coat of paint on the walls, have new carpet in, and install computers in the childcare center.

“With the computers, I want to add education as well as recreation. Parents will not have to worry about their children while they are busy working out.”

With her new job, Little is responsible for making daily schedules, dealing with complaints and comments, and listening to feedback from clients.

“(I like) having a challenging job, so this place is perfect for me,” Little said. “I have a wonderful staff here who helps out a lot.”

The Vaughan Fitness Center has a more family-oriented feel than other gyms, Little said, with activities for everybody.

“We offer free aerobics classes for senior citizens on Tuesday and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.,” Little said. “It’s our way of promoting good health and do something for the community. We offer programs for all body types to people meet their goals.”

Little said she fell in love with fitness in college, where she was first training to be a nurse.

“I was a ballerina on the dance team, and we had to stay in shape,” Little said. “That’s when I fell in love with fitness. It changed my lifestyle, and I decided to get my Exercise Science and Wellness degree.”

As the new director of the Vaughan Fitness Center, Little has discovered the endless possibilities that come with helping people lose weight, get in shape, and live healthy lives.