Welcome to SunUte Fitness! We offer training, assessment, incentives, and a large selection of modern fitness equipment in our 5,000 sq. ft. fitness center.
Stop by today for a tour.
Fitness Assessment
Are you as “young” as you want to be? Our Polar BodyAge® System will tell you where you are today and give you a benchmark to measure your progress. It also tells you how many years you are able to take off your BodyAge with a plan for creating a younger, healthier you. Included in this assessment are health and nutrition questionnaires, height, weight, blood pressure, body fat percentage, max VO2 testing, and strength and flexibility tests. Please talk with a SunUte trainer today and get all the support and encouragement you need to reach your goal.
Fitness Training
SunUte trainers are available for personal training by appointment. This benefit is included with your membership.
Kid Care
Our Active Kid Care program is designed to get your kids moving! We have an amazing team of providers that love playing with children. The equipment for your child to play with ranges from scooters to hula hoops to big balls to the parachute. Our staff is trained in CPR. First Aid, and Love and Logic and we are here to ensure your children have a fun and safe experience while you work out!
A few rules to know before you join us at SunUte with your children:
- Parents/Guardians are not allowed to leave the building while your child is in our care.
- We only are allowed to take care of your child if they are over 6 months and under 8 years of age.
- We are not allowed to change diapers, but we will come and find you if necessary!
- Please send healthy snacks with your child.
- Please do not allow your child to bring toys from home.
- If your child is sick; please stay and cuddle your child at home.
Employee Biographies
Abel Velasquez, CPT, Pn1
SunUte Fitness Director
Education/Certifications:
- Bachelor of Arts Degree in Exercise Science-Exercise
Specialist– FLC, 2014. - AFAA Certified Personal Trainer since 2010.
- Certified USA Powerlifting Club Coach.
- Precision Nutrition Level 1 Coach.
- Native American Fitness Council Functional Fitness
Trainer. - Native American Fitness Council Living Lean:
Nutrition for Life. - NPSF Certified Pool Operator.
- American Red Cross First-Aid and CPR Instructor.
- American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor.
- American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor.
- Certified American Red Cross Lifeguard.
Hobbies:
- Running 5k’s, mud runs, and Spartan Races!
- Competing in strength and weight lifting events.
- Hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, swimming, and hanging out at the lake.
- Enjoying time with my wife and two kids!
Background:
I am an enrolled member of the Seneca-Cayuga Nation of Oklahoma. I am also part Southern Cheyenne and
Hispanic. I’ve been into fitness and weightlifting my entire life, as I was exposed to the “gym life” from an
early age. I grew up watching both of my parents push themselves to get stronger, faster, and more fit.
Seeing this had a huge impact on me and created a lifelong obsession with fitness. The day I turned 13, I was
finally able to use the weight room at SunUte and I haven’t looked back since.
I have been with SunUte for 13 years now, working my way up from an intern to part-time Fitness Trainer to
Head Fitness Trainer to now the Fitness Director. I truly believe SunUte is one of the best, if not The best,
facilities in the four corners region.
Over the last 4 years, Water Safety and Drowning Prevention has become a focus of mine. Drowning is a
leading cause death for children/youth, but it is preventable!
Morgan Hugus
Group Fitness Manager
Education/Certifications:
- Bachelor of Arts in Exercise and Health Promotion – Fort Lewis College, 2022
- Minor in Coaching – Fort Lewis College, 2022
- American Red Cross CPR & First Aid Certified – 2025
- American Red Cross Lifeguard Certified – 2025
- SCW Aquatic Exercise Certified – 2025
Hobbies:
- Paddle boarding
- Hiking
- Traveling
- Spending time with my dog, family, and friends
- Volunteer and foster animals through Parker’s Animal Rescue
Background:
Fitness has always been a part of who I am. I grew up playing sports and went on to play college soccer, which built the foundation for my passion for movement, teamwork, and personal growth. I’ve worked in recreation and spent four years coaching soccer at both the middle and high school level, which taught me how to motivate and support individuals at all stages of their fitness journey. My background also includes experience in the medical field, giving me a well-rounded understanding of how physical health connects to overall well-being.
What truly inspires me is helping people discover their own passion for fitness and showing them they’re capable of more than they think. I bring energy, leadership, and heart to everything I do—creating a space where people feel supported, challenged, and inspired. I believe fitness isn’t just about exercise—it’s about building a happier, healthier lifestyle that supports every aspect of who we are.
Eliyah Lucero
Personal Fitness Trainer
Education/Certifications:
- Bachelors of Arts Degree in Exercise Science, Exercise Specialist FLC 2018
- National Council on Strength and Fitness, Certified Personal Trainer 2018
- American Red Cross First –Aid & CPR Certified 2019
Hobbies:
- Hiking
- Camping
- Traveling and exploring new places
Background:
I found my passion for fitness growing up as runner. In college I began studying exercise science and I loved the idea of taking my knowledge and skills back to my small reservation in New Mexico where I grew up. As I have grown in so many ways at Fort Lewis College, I realized I have made this my new home. Sun Ute has given me the opportunities and experiences to help the community. I believe in resiliency. I know all individuals are stronger in body and mind. I strive to empower myself in health and learning but also in my clients. I understand overcoming challenges as I have overcome many of my own. I want to instill confidence, independence, and strength in my clients so they can meet and exceed their goals in health and fitness.
Jacob Box
NASM Certified Trainer
Education/Certifications:
- CPR and AED certified
- Bayfield High School Graduate
- Outstanding Citizen (Awarded by Durango Police Department)
Hobbies:
I enjoy running, backpacking, camping, spending time with my girl friend and my dog, lifting weights, and playing video games.
Background:
I have lived in the Ignacio/Bayfield area my entire life and graduated from Bayfield high school, I have studied at Fort Lewis College and have my personal training certification through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). I love being active and helping others achieve their goals!
Photo credits:
Nancy S. Young | Southern Ute Shared Services
Robert Ortiz | Southern Ute Drum
Jeremy Wade Shockley | Southern Ute Drum