“When it’s time to exercise, it’s time for THRIVE!”

—Gilda Hunt

Several Years Ago, Gilda Hunt (center) weighed 295 pounds and couldn’t walk without a walker. Today, she weighs 200 pounds and is the picture of good health. Her secret: exercise. “I’ve been going to THRIVE HealthPlex since the day it opened in February 2017,” says Gilda, who works out three hours a day, six days a week. “I do Pilates, yoga, kick boxing and dance lessons. I also voluntarily teach a water aerobics class. I’ve gone to an exercise Boot Camp and done a HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) class where we do weight lifting and cardio exercises.”

Part of Gonzales Healthcare Systems, THRIVE HealthPlex is dedicated to fitness, therapy and total-body wellness. With more than 50,000 square feet, the facility offers everything from massage, physical therapy and child care to a rock climbing wall and an indoor swimming pool as well as all the group fitness classes that Gilda mentioned.

Fitness, it seems, runs in Gilda’s family. Two of her children, Cedric (right) and Natisha (left), are personal trainers at THRIVE HealthPlex. “Cedric is an instructor for a weight-lifting class, and Natisha teaches both a strength class and dance,” Gilda says. “You meet people from all walks of life here, and I’ve seen so many people change their lives by coming to thrive. Come on down and see us. It’s fun and it’s healthy!”