Changes are coming to Powell River Recreation Complex’s fitness centre.
According to City of Powell River manager of recreation Neil Pukesh, the complex received $60,000 from Powell River Community Forest for replacing existing fitness equipment.
“There’s a number of reasons why we did it,” said Pukesh. “One is that the existing equipment in the fitness facility is aging and one of our goals is to become an active and healthy community; one of the most active and healthiest communities in BC.”
Pukesh said keeping up with the technology trend that has improved dramatically over the last several years is difficult. He added that the industry has also seen a shift from sole-purpose toward multi-function machines that better suit the fitness centre.
“We realize ours isn’t the biggest gym of all, so we have to be cognizant of space and personal workout space,” said Pukesh. “We want to find equipment that is functional more than being a single purpose.”
According to City of Powell River health and fitness program coordinator Christine Parsons, changes in fitness machines have been mostly in ergonometric design in order to properly work muscle groups and lessen the likelihood of injury, which is a top priority, she said.
While Parsons has been attending trade shows shopping for the right equipment, Pukesh said the complex has been conducting a survey to determine what clients want to see. Approximately 100 surveys have been completed.
Individuals who want to pursue a fitness program should not be intimidated by the gym, said Parsons. She said the fitness centre should be a welcoming environment.
“At the complex we have a wide variety of clientele; all different ages and all different shapes and sizes,” said Parsons. “If somebody is a little bit intimidated to go in on their own, we have some small group orientations we take people through, introduce them to the equipment and familiarize them with the weight room.”
According to Pukesh, the plan is to have easy-to-operate equipment with clear instructions.
With the new equipment, Pukesh said new cardio machines, such as treadmills and stationary bikes, are not part of the changes.
“The plan is just for strength-training equipment,” he said. “All the free weights will remain the same.”
According to Parsons, the centre was expanded in 2006 and there are some times during the day that the fitness centre is at capacity. Pukesh added that there could be possible expansion within a 10-year period.
To complete the fitness equipment survey, go to powellriver.ca.
