IF you care to look back ten or 15 years it was a fairly safe bet ‘that most community recreation centres were offering weight train- ing with equipment that is today living out its life in some storage room.

In those days the only way yu could get access to decent training gear was by joining a commercial club.

Private gyms have set the standard for state-of-the-art firness equipment and should be given full credit for the cre- ative, exciting concepts thar have now become common- place to us all.

Thankfully, recreation cen- tres have started to respond to these same developments and

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| Proudly

although we see new weight and exercise facilities opening up in the various locations, it’s

ssorth remembering some of

the philosophical difterences between private operations and our locally funded centres.

Commercially owned gyms tend to be more flexible with their hours of operation so as to accommodate their mem- bership and invariably offer a more advanced and complete range of equipment. They hire qualified instructors to help

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their clientele and will often offer special “perks” such as opportunities for discounts at local retail stores.

They are also in business to make money and, while that is a noble cause, it’s a fact of life that essentially everything is secondary to that reality. Most membership drives attempt to sell deeply discounted “trial” offers, but when you get in the door the first goal is to sign vou up for as long as pos- sible, often with paperwork that is aggressively legally binding and should you wish to cancel, you can find your- self in all kinds of hot water.

Local rec centres however are, in effect, owned by the people who live within the community and their mandate Is to serve, service and help improve the health and well- ness of their members without

insisting on long term: finan- cial contracts. (Memberships vary from one day to 52 week*).

Robyn = MeGuinness — is Facility Supervisor tor all West Van Rec Centres and she feels

strongly about the rurure of

such facilities. “The technolo- gy and information related to all aspects of fitness is chang: ing so rapidly. It’s important we are able to respond to this new information by continual- ly upexading our services and sometimes this means afte increase to justity improving a service.

“Those who do support fitness are investing in their community and as a result we have been able to offer quality instruction and well- researched = programs — for everyone.”

The bottom line here is

Wednesday, May 4, 1998 — North Shore News — 35

that it’s going tu cost a little more to be part of some of the new changes that are taking place, but it’s still a hell of a deal!

One great advantage of

joining logally-owned facilities is that because they exist pri- marily to help vou there are many different’ programs offered ic accommiedate the various physical, demographic and psychographic groups. However, one thiug a rec cen- tre cant do, is be too specific in satisfving one group at the expense of others.

As Meghan Drew, Fitness Coordinator, West Vancouver Ree Centre) comments, “The biggest challenge facing our department is trying to meet the needs of the whole com- munity. As an example, the new weight room at West Van is quite different from some

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lon centres fit for most needs -

you might encounter in a pri- vate facility because there has to be something that appeals to everyone. The reward is knowing that by reaching most individuals’ necds, you contribute to greater health.”

As a user of the gym in West Van I feel ] can comment quite comfortably thar any person from novice fitness enthusiast to highly competi- tive athlete can accomplish their fitness goals. The only limitations are set by the imag- ination (or lack thereof) of the person involved in the process.

So, next time you visit your jocal North Shore centre, whether it's for a swim, an aer- obics class or a weight work- put, remember to appreciate the staff that involve them- selves on your behalf and make sure you give something back during your visit.

Now, I don’t mean gobs of money here folks £ (though that would be nice), but rather express a positive attitude and remember the place docsn’t exist just for you. Enter into a spirit. of cooperation and respect with everyone during your visit ... youll be amazed how good that workour -felt when it’s tme to leave!

A thought: “We da not see things as they are. We sec things as we are.”

Jeff Polo, General Sales Manager is pleased to announce tha Jennifer Kechnie, formerly from another local dealership. has joined the team at Mountview Dodge Chrysler Jeep. Come see Jennifer... her extensive experience with Chrysler's entire product line and her unparatleled commitment to — customer service will delight you.

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