In decades past, the large top-floor room at the old Dartmouth Children's’ Museum was filled with attractions and exhibits for kids. Now, the building, owned by the Dartmouth YMCA, is home to a physical workspace for adults: A fitness center.

The Dartmouth YMCA celebrated five years of its fitness center on April 1 with special food, drinks, and joiner discounts.

The Dartmouth YMCA originally only offered camp programs and a limited set of fitness events after opening in the former Gulf Road museum in 2000. After several years, a study was commissioned which found residents and YMCA members wanted to see a fitness center at Dartmouth’s branch.

The setup is in the top floor of the YMCA, in a large room dominated by high, tall farmhouse rafters. The simple setup, she said, is key.

“We get a lot of people who liken it to working out at their own house,” said Rochelle Whalen. Membership and Program Director of the Dartmouth YMCA.

Since opening in 2014, the YMCA’s membership has nearly doubled. Between 60 and 80 people use the fitness center on an average day. Many make it a healthy habit.

Kathleen Rodrigues and Chandana Roy exercise at the fitness center every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. They joined through the Livestrong program,

“I like how it’s quiet here,” Rodrigues said. “I looked at the New Bedford branch but it was too loud, and at the time Fall River was closed for renovations. This is perfect for me.”

It’s part of a growing YMCA, which has also added a host of fitness events, a pool, and, most recently, an expanded camp program thanks to space rentals from the Dartmouth Early Learning Center.