In addition to arena, sports, community recreation and aquatic programs, recreation complex users have access to health and fitness programs through the spring active living guide from City of Powell River’s parks, recreation and culture department.
Christine Creer, health and fitness program coordinator, says the department has a diverse range of programs in sports, community recreation, aquatics, and health and fitness areas.
“I am the health and fitness coordinator, and that is my passion,” explains Creer. “Creating these opportunities is my focus for the community.”
According to Creer, the health and fitness programs can be categorized into three main areas: the weight room, registered programs and the drop-in fitness class schedule. She emphasizes that the weight room is great for improving strength, endurance and body composition, offering orientations and personal training packages.
Creer adds that the recreation complex now has five certified and experienced personal trainers ready to help with injury rehabilitation, performance or weight loss.
Registered fitness programs offer the chance to focus on specific areas, such as therapeutic yoga for back care, tai chi and qigong relaxation, and the Ellové Technique: a combination of fitness and dance principles.
Creer also notes that there are programs for early risers in the community, such as Gerrimae’s Sunrise Strength and Danielle’s Sunrise Yoga. This spring, several one-session workshops have been added, such as Better Balance, and Band Basics with Roché, Introduction to Spin with Vivian, and Skills Lab with Kimberley.
Creer says she is proud to bring specialty and rehabilitation programs to the community, such as pre- and post-natal fitness and a new free vitals clinic in partnership with the BC Emergency Health Services community paramedicine program.
The drop-in fitness class schedule is at the heart of what is offered, adds Creer.
“It’s an opportunity to find a positive community while being active, and it’s the perfect place to start if you’re looking for a low-commitment option,” she says.
A range of classes are available, from weekly yoga to spin, stretch, pilates and various strength classes. Classes are open to ages 16 and up, and “instructors are approachable and can modify almost any movement to make it safe for most people.”
Creer suggests checking the class descriptions on the drop-in schedule to get a sense of what an individual wants, whether it’s more stretching or flexibility, a harder workout with weights, or maybe a spin class.
“Other than that, I would just try it,” she says. “The instructors are really good at making each class safe, fun and really effective.”
Creer recommends arriving a few minutes early and talking to the instructor if someone is feeling nervous.
“They’ll be more than happy to show you what to expect and help you grab the needed equipment.”
She says showing up, whether in the weight room or to a registered program or drop-in fitness class, is really about a commitment to improve yourself.
“Strengthening your physical health, reducing your stress, deepening your social network – these are all seemingly small things that greatly impact your quality of life,” adds Creer. “When we improve our own quality of life, there is a spillover to those we care about and our larger community as a whole. Everyone benefits.”
Residents are encouraged to come and try out one of the drop-in fitness classes or register for a program that aligns with their goals. The spring active living guide can be viewed online and registration for these programs can be done in person at the recreation complex, by calling 604.485.2891, or through the parks, recreation and culture website at powellriverprc.ca.
