Taking fitness on the road

IF YOU are having troubles making it to fitness classes, fitness classes will come to you.

By Anna @arie D'Angelo News Reporter

The North Vancouver Recre- ation Commission has been spon- sorting an ‘‘on location employee fitness program" in the workplace for the past three years.

At the request of an employer, a tec commission fitness consul- tant is assigned to an organization to assist in designing a program for individuals or a group of employees.

“The nice thing about it is that instead of opening your doors and wondering why people aren't com- ing to classes, you can go to the workplace and actually find out, by asking nicely, of course,"’ said Holly Turner, who is the fitness consultant for North Vancouver District employees.

Turner said poor attendance usually improves if a fitness activ-

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ity is redesigned.

Depending on the employee- group needs, an exercise package may include tunch-hour fitness classes, the establishment of walk- ing or running clubs, fitness tests and evaluations, and health semi- nars on topics such as stress management, dict and nutrition.

Turner said North Vancouver District employees who live out of town have taken advantage of Lonsdafe recCenter’s pool, which is open at 5 a.m. She said several people would rather exercise at the pool than wait in traffic.

The cost per employee is $57.47 for three months or $196.49 an- nuaily. Thirty employces is the minimum number required to take Part in the program.

Aliso included in the price is un- limited use of all rec centre facili- ties including the three regular pools, wave pool, squash and racquetball courts, weightrooms and skating rinks, along with reg- ular rec centre fitness classes.

Turner said some employers have subsidized the program's cost and many employers have includ-

ed the price in a payroll deduction plan.

The employers who have par- ticipated in the program include North Vancouver City, Lions Gate Hospital, Sussex Realty, North Shore Credit Union, Capilano College and the Ministry of Social Services and Housing.

Approximately 500 people are taking part in the work fitness program.

Turner said the program ap- pears to have a low drop-off rate and it has appealed to people who would normally not consider tak- ing a fitness class.

She said one man in his 50s who never exercises asked her to set up a fitness program after sec- ing his co-workers’ results.

“He said, ‘You know Holly, | thought 1 would never say this, but come and set up a program for me’,*’said Turner.

“As he put it, it wasn’t like ‘babes in lycra trying to sell him a program’,’’ she said.

For more information about the workplace fitness program, con- tact Turner at 987-PLAY.

Arthritis Society seeks leaders for program

THE ARTHRITIS Society (B.C. and Yukon division) is seeking 15 persons to be train- ed as leaders for the highly ac- claimed Arthritis Self- Management Program.

The volunteers will attend a three-day free-of-charge workshop ai the Arthritis Cen- tre, 895 West 10th Ave. in

Vancouver, on Aug. 8, 9 and 10 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Parking will be available.

Participants in the workshop will learn group facilitation skills, concepts of self-efficacy and how to enhance it, plus Practical ways of helping themselves and/or others with arthritis care.

No previous teaching experi-

Hurry! . Offer ends July 30/'92

i “FREE regular Valance with every = ~ vertical blind order.

BETTER |

Specializing in Blinds and Draperies for over 7 years

Parine Dr, N. Von.

ence or medical knowledge is required. Total volunteer commitment after training is 24 hours per year.

For further information, call the Arthritis Telephone Infor- mation Service at 879-7511, local 300 or 301 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday to Friday.

July 15, 1992 - North Shore News - 47. -

NEWS photo Mike Wakefield

NORTH VANCOUVER rec centre fitness consultant Holiy Tumer (lett) checks the blood pressure of North Vancouver District employee John Fata as part of a workpiace fitness program set up by the North Vancouver Recreation Commission. North Van- couver District human resource officer Naushi Keshavjee looks

on.

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