Trinity Mother Frances Fitness Center, affiliated with Premier Fitness, will open this fall inside the new Trinity Mother Frances-Lindale facility under construction just north of Interstate 20 on the west side of Highway 69, officials for both entities announced.

Since 2004, Trinity Clinic orthopaedic and sports medicine physicians have worked with professionals at Premier Fitness in Tyler to assess the personal nutritional and fitness goals of patients and the public.

"The truth is health and fitness go hand-in-hand," Ray Thompson, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Trinity Mother Frances Health System, said. "Because when you are fit, your overall health improves."

Cune Pena, who co-owns Premier Fitness with his wife, Michelle, said both entities are faith-based. "We share many beliefs, including that a consistent program of the right diet and the right fitness program leads to good health and long life," Pena said. "Together, we will provide a well-rounded health and fitness regimen that will enhance health and make life more fun."

©Tyler Morning Telegraph 2005