New Mission, New Name, New Beginning: Mill Hall Gym, “Element 26” Undergoes Transformation Under New Owner
By Emily Wright
MILL HALL – Under the new ownership of Karen Dicello, a gym in Mill Hall has undergone a major transformation. The building that hosts Element 26 Wellness may have been a gym in its past life, but it has since been rebranded and is now a hub for promoting community and empowerment through its new name, staff, and emphasis on community and empowerment. Located at 7893 Nittany Valley Drive in Mill Hall, the revamped space has already gained popularity among local fitness enthusiasts.
The Record reached out to Dicello recently to gain insight into her desire to own and operate a fitness center. Dicello shared that her motivation for purchasing the gym was inspired by her desire to keep it open for the close-knit community of members who had formed a bond with each other through their membership while the facility was under previous ownership. “When the previous owners were leaving and planning to close the gym there were 60-some members who had no place to go, and we had become like a family,” she said.
Unable to shake a feeling of being called to take over the gym as though it was something she was meant to do, Dicello claims that the decision happened somewhat spontaneously. “I just woke up one day and said to my husband, ‘Do you think I should buy the gym?’ and he said, ‘Whatever you want to do’, so, here we are!”.
Karen’s close relationship with the members was palpable as she opened up about her fitness journey alongside them and spoke about the positive impact it’s had on her life. Having been a trainer and instructor at the gym under its previous owners, she saw the potential to continue what had been built and boldly took on the task of recreating the business as the new owner. “Owning a gym has always been a dream and I’m proud to continue building this community under Element 26 Wellness,” she said.
Under Karen’s leadership, the rebranded gym has a new mission, inspired by Proverbs 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” This verse serves as a reminder that with the right support and community, individuals can push themselves to new heights and achieve the level of fitness they desire. “Our goal is to prevent judgment and to sharpen each other in every way possible; mentally, physically, and spiritually,” Karen emphasized. On the Element 26 website, Karen states, “Embracing the idea that iron sharpens iron encourages us not only to seek out strong individuals but also to cultivate a mindset of continuous improvement. By surrounding ourselves with those who inspire us to reach higher heights, we can forge ourselves into stronger individuals capable of achieving greatness.”
The welcoming and accepting approach at Element 26 is one aspect that truly sets it apart from other gyms; while many other fitness centers claim to meet people where they’re at in their fitness journey, Element 26 truly is a judgment-free zone because of the emphasis Karen puts on acceptance and inclusion. “I really feel like we’re a family, and we welcome everyone here. We want them to feel comfortable with starting where they are, and they are accepted where they are. We have a lot of fun, and we care about each other,” she said. “I care about every single individual.”
With a staff consisting of nine coaches, a nutritionist who focuses on health and wellness, and personal trainers, the gym provides a well-rounded fitness experience and it is well-equipped to meet the needs of its members while also helping them achieve their health and wellness goals.
Element 26 offers 30 minute fitness classes, some of which include high-intensity interval training (HIIT), Tabata and Weight Days. All of which are designed to challenge individuals and help them reach their full potential. On the Element 26 website, Karen refers to the classes as “transformative” and boldly states, “Get ready to sweat, burn calories, build strength, and make lasting connections with like-minded individuals who share your passion for health and wellness. It’s time to unleash your inner athlete – let’s do this together!”
Element 26 offers a class schedule that makes sessions widely available to individuals needing early morning workouts or late evening sessions. As Karen puts it, “We believe that fitness should adapt to your life, not the other way around. With our diverse and flexible class schedule, you have the freedom to create a fitness routine that aligns perfectly with your unique needs and preferences.” Classes begin for the day at 5:30 a.m. and continue through mid-morning, after-work hours, and extend into mid-evening.
With a user-friendly website as well as a mobile app, reserving a spot in one of the fitness classes couldn’t be more convenient. Both the Element 26 website and the app allow members to browse the class schedule, choose the class they’d like to attend, and reserve their spot with just a few taps.
Element 26 offers a unique approach to classes. To keep gym sessions fresh and exciting, members are kept on their toes with an ever-changing system of workouts. The same class is offered throughout any given day, but the workout routines during each class continuously alternate, giving members variety in each session. “You won’t get the same workout twice,” Karen highlighted. Element 26 coaches strive to make each class exciting and challenging, while also tailoring them to help individuals achieve their goals.
For those interested in becoming a member at Element 26, there is a wide range of membership options to choose from. Without a membership, classes are $7 each, however, Element 26 offers a free 6-day trial period to those who are interested in doing a test run before committing. “Everybody gets their first 6 days for free so that they can try out the gym and make sure that it’s the gym they want to come to,” Karen said. “We’re offering a discount on memberships in January, so I encourage people who may be interested in joining us to come in December so that they can get their free 6 days, and then join us in January to get half off of their first month of membership,” she added.
For those looking for a flexible option, Element 26 offers a 12-Session Punch Card. For $60, punch-card members can enjoy access to all equipment in addition to 12 fitness classes. Punch cards are valid for 6 months.
Those ready to join can choose the individual membership option for a monthly fee of $90, giving them unlimited access to classes and all gym equipment.
High school students (ages 14-18), can join as members for a monthly fee of $30, which includes unlimited access to fitness classes and equipment, and college students can take advantage of a $50 monthly membership that includes the same benefits with a valid college ID.
Senior citizens, ages 65 and above, can enjoy unlimited access to fitness classes and equipment for a $60 monthly fee.
The Couples Membership is available for $130 monthly, granting unlimited access to both individuals. Lastly, the family membership is $160 per month and it allows each family member residing at the same address to enjoy unlimited access to fitness classes and equipment.
For Karen, Element 26 Wellness is not just about the physical aspect of fitness–personal growth is highly valued. She believes in helping individuals not only achieve physical goals but also develop mental strength and resilience. Through workshops, seminars, a health book exchange, and one-on-one coaching sessions, the gym provides the guidance needed for holistic growth. With a passion for fitness, fellowship, and helping others, she is excited to continue building a welcoming and supportive community at Element 26 Wellness. “I really feel like we’re a family, and I think that everyone can come in and start where they are and they’re accepted where they are,” she said. “I just want to be here to inspire everyone to be themselves and discover their true potential.”
To learn more about the gym, see class schedules, book a spot in a class, and more, visit the Element 26 website at https://www.element26wellness.com/.
Element 26 Wellness is located at 7893 Nittany Valley Drive in Mill Hall
To follow the Facebook page visit: https://www.facebook.com/Element26Wellness
Email: info@element26wellness.com
Phone: 570-726-8331
