SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - State and local lawmakers joined the Springfield Jewish Community Center Monday night in kicking off its latest fitness challenge. A high-energy cycling class kicked off Springfield Jewish Community Center's Journey Across America: Coast to Coast fitness challenge. The challenge encourages members to virtually "exercise their way" across America, starting at the JCC in Springfield and ending at the JCC in Los Angeles, California. "I was encouraged when I heard that it was for something bigger than just a spin class," said Springfield JCC member, Michelle Broughton. "It's a great place to be. People here are so friendly. I just enjoy it so much," added Springfield JCC member, Andrew Appleby. Each day, members will be documenting their workouts whether it's cycling, swimming laps, or cardio. The JCC will tally up the miles each week and mark the progress on a map with the ultimate goal of reaching 3,000 miles. State Senator Jacob Oliveira and State Representative Carlos González joined in on the challenge. "We know that this is just one opportunity for us to give back to the services that they do," said State Rep. González. This challenge is not only a chance for people to stay active and healthy but also a chance for members to come together and support each other in their fitness journeys. The fitness challenge comes after an electric fire tore through the Springfield Jewish Community Center back in 2022. Since then, they've renovated their building with a fitness center, fitness studio, an aquatics center, which includes a six-lane indoor pool and new locker rooms. "We're in an exciting period of regrowth, reintroducing ourselves to the community and reminding people that not only are we back, but we know together we can be more vibrant and stay connected," Chief Development Officer at the Springfield JCC, Mechilia Salazar. JCC hopes that through this challenge, people will get excited and want to come in for a tour and become part of their facility. Renovations are also planned for a new center community room as well as new outdoor pickleball and basketball courts. The center hopes to see renovations completed by the summer. You can find a complete list of JCC's monthly fitness events by clicking here. Local News Headlines Cycling class kicks off Springfield Jewish Community Center’s Journey Across America: Coast to Coast fitness challenge Gas prices in Massachusetts rise 2 cents, nearing $3 per gallon Tariffs on auto parts may raise repair costs Fire departments urge not to bypass 911 in emergencies WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. ...read more read less