Gym dandy!

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 10/01/2011 (5573 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

You’ve gorged so much that you’ve had to loosen your belt a few notches.

Now you’re thinking about the new year and your promise to trade in your couch potato tendencies for some sweat time.

Perhaps that means joining a gym.

Which one do you choose?

There are plenty of good fitness facilities in Winnipeg. Here’s a reminder of what’s out there. Keep in mind that the following list is by no means exhaustive:

 

REH-FIT CENTRE

 

Location: 1390 Taylor Ave.

History: Founded in Winnipeg in 1979. The first exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation centre in the country became a place where cardiologists sent their patients to transform their lifestyles. Five years ago, the centre underwent a $12-million renovation that expanded the building from 50,000 square feet to 86,000 square feet of state-of-the-art training space.

Mission: Strives to make membership “accessible to all” through donations and philanthropic support.

Features: A soundproof meditation studio for Pilates, tai chi and yoga; a six-lane cushioned track that staff believe is the longest indoor track in Manitoba; a 3,000-sq.-ft. aerobics studio with a suspended hardwood floor to aid in shock absorption; massage rooms; FitLinxx — a computer-assisted coach that guides you through your workout; TRX training; and medical staff, including doctors and nurses.

Clientele: Still favoured by those who have health issues. However, younger members — who want to take advantage of the high-tech equipment and pristine environment — do fill the gym

Neat Facts: Most of the funds for the improved Reh-Fit came from Winnipeg trucking magnate Paul Albrechtsen, who donated more than $7 million to the project. A decade ago, the longtime Reh-Fit member collapsed on the centre’s track after his heart went into fibrillation and his pulse stopped. Albrechtsen has said publicly that he owes his life to the swift action of Reh-Fit staff, who used defibrillation paddles to revive him.

Membership Fees: Enrolment fee of $100. After that, $57.25/month for individuals, $18.33/month for household add-ons, $32.92/month for students and $44/month for seniors.

Specials: One-month trial for $60. Guests are entitled to three free visits when accompanied by a member.

Website: www.reh-fit.com

 

RADY CENTRE

 

Location: 123 Doncaster St. (Part of the Asper Jewish Community Campus).

History: Opened in the late 1990s in the Asper JCC — a complex that serves as the hub of Winnipeg’s Jewish community. The Rady hosts cultural and social programs, but it is best known for its bustling fitness facility, which is open to everyone in the city who wants to get fit. Has recently undergone an expansion.

Philosophy: To offer a wide range of fitness programs that benefit everyone in the community — from kids to older adults.

Features: Paid sessions with qualified personal trainers; a rehabilitation and sports injury clinic; massage therapy; five-lane, 25-metre lap pool that’s wheelchair accessible; aquatics classes; youth indoor soccer programs; XRKade exergaming zone.

Clientele: Everyone from teens to business people — many of whom live in the River Heights and Tuxedo areas — looking to get in a good workout in the company of friends and neighbours.

Neat Facts: Large glass windows in the workout area allow exercisers to peer onto scenic Wellington Crescent. Also offers babysitting services and a nearby kosher café — a great place to grab a post-workout sandwich.

Membership Fees: Adult individual memberships cost $660 for the year. An adult couple can join for $1,050. Check with the Rady for details.

Specials: Three-month trial membership for $220/person, according to the Rady website.

Website: www.radyjcc.com

 

GOODLIFE FITNESS

 

Location: There are four GoodLife locations in Winnipeg. (Inside CanWest Place, on Kenaston Boulevard, on McPhillips St. and on Sargent Ave.)

History: The largest fitness chain in Canada — with 270 locations around the country. Founded in 1979 by national rowing champion, David Patchell-Evans. GoodLife brought their gyms to Winnipeg in 2004.

Philosophy: “It’s all about caring,” reads the company’s website. Even though the company is huge, staff try to make your local GoodLife feel comfortable and friendly. The company also aims to stay on top of the latest fitness trends.

Features: The Kenaston location is co-ed and open 24-hours a day. The downtown/CanWest Place location is also co-ed. The St. James and McPhillips locations are for women only. Each facility offers its own amenities, such as group cycling, child-minding, a sports injury clinic and massage therapy.

Clientele: All kinds — from those looking for a social environment to those looking for convenience and plenty of machines as well as to shift workers who need a place to exercise at all hours.

Neat Facts: Founder Patchell-Evans was involved in a motorcycle accident at age 20 that left him with serious injuries. He became obsessed with getting stronger, so the University of Western Ontario business student switched his area of study to physical education. In 1979, he bought a small gym in London, Ont. That was the start of GoodLife Fitness.

Membership Fees: Membership rates are secretive but according to a GoodLife staff member, flexible. GoodLife wants you to sit down with a sales associate to negotiate the membership rate that works for you. From what we could find, individual memberships average about $40/month — or $60/month for access to all GoodLife gyms around the country.

Specials: At press time, there was no enrolment fee and no money down for joining.

Website: www.goodlifefitness.com

 

YMCA/YWCA DOWNTOWN

 

Location: 301 Vaughan St.

History: Winnipeg’s oldest Y, in operation since 1912. The YMCA-YWCA is a charitable organization.

Philosophy: To provide affordable fitness and community programs.

Features: 80,000 square feet of space; has an aquatics centre with a 25-metre, five-lane pool, a family pool and a hot tub; multiple gyms, fitness centre, running track, squash and racquetball courts; child care.

Clientele: People who work or live downtown. Those who want good value for their dollar.

Neat Facts: Members get access to all Y locations, not only in Winnipeg but across North America. People who cannot afford membership fees may qualify for financial assistance. Open 364 days a year.

Membership Fees: Adults pay a $60 enrolment fee plus $29 for a basic monthly membership. Check with the Y Downtown for details.

Website: www.ywinnipeg.ca

 

Have an interesting story idea you would like Shamona to write about? Contact her at shamona.harnett@freepress.mb.ca