CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — To meet increasing demand, the Stephens Family YMCA is opening a 24-7 satellite gym situated less than a mile from its primary facility on Fields South Drive.

They call it YMCA Express. It’s a gym open all hours of the day for $5 more per month for members who want shorter wait times.

“While we didn’t quite reach a 30-minute wait, we were very close. At times, we had as many as 12 people in line just to begin their workout,” explained wellness director Eddie Edwards. “After experiencing this for several months, discussions arose regarding the possibility of adding more facilities.”

The YMCA said it hopes the Express can help provide a less crowded place for some of the 14,000 members it serves. 

The Y’s CEO said roughly 300 members have already signed up for the new service since it opened last Monday.