Residents celebrate the grand opening of Diverse City Fitness, 1838 S. 15th St. (photo by Edgar Mendez)

Priscilla Alva and Enrique Balderas, co-owners of Diverse City Fitness, 1838 S. 15^th St., both love to work out and stay in shape. So they figured, why not spread their love of fitness to the neighborhood they both grew up in.

Six months after opening, they held a grand opening for the center.

“Our goal is to provide a wide range of creative fitness opportunities for the whole family,” said Balderas, during a celebration featuring free food, face painting and live music.

For adults, the center offers classes in Latin Cardio and High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), a speedy workout designed to make a person lose more fat than a simple cardio workout, according to Balderas.

Children can participate in a class known as “Zumbatonics.” Zumbatonics is described as high-energy dance aerobics for kids. They can also take classes in Taekwon-Do.

The center also offers classes in Pre-Ballet and Ballet, advanced or beginner Break Dancing and Hip Hop.

“We got the business idea because we had so many talented friends capable of teaching varying skills,” Alva said.

A different instructor teaches each class, according to Alva.

Esmeralda Fuentes, who began classes at the center a month after it opened, said she’d tried and failed many diets in the past and never wanted to leave the house. But, since coming to the gym for Latin Cardio and eating healthier, she’s lost 65 pounds.

“I feel like a whole new person,” said a beaming Fuentes.

The center, which now serves about 200 clients, is open seven days a week. There’s also a small day care inside.

“It’s our time to give back to all of our friends and family in the neighborhood by helping them stay healthy,” Balderas said.