Added as an alternative to a multimillion dollar renovation project, the new Lehighton Area High School fitness center is anything but an after-thought.

The 3,700-square-foot center and a wrestling room of equal size above it, cost $577,985 and are a drastic improvement in space, compared to their previous location, district officials said.

Home to the high school’s physical education classes, the fitness center is also open to students and staff until around 4 p.m. after school, or longer, is supervision is available.

The appeal of the fitness center is evidenced by the 31 students who come in at 6:30 a.m. to get in an early gym class headed by physical education teacher Mike Lusch.