A Strathcona Centre member works out on Friday - Photo by Colton McKee

By Charles Lefebvre

Fitness

Strathcona Centre launches new fitness orientation program

Feb 7, 2020 | 4:04 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — A new program at the Strathcona Centre aims to encourage seniors in Medicine Hat to stay active as they get older.

Since the centre reopened in January following renovations, it has had licensed fitness instructors come in once a week.

During the sessions, the instructors examine the fitness levels of seniors, and show them how to use the equipment properly.

“We recognize that attending a new gym or a new fitness facility can be intimidating for anyone, and so we wanted to make it less intimidating for people and have the opportunity for them to come in and do an orientation with the fitness equipment,” said Shona Dickie, superintendent of community support with the city.

Dickie says since they began the program, the response from members has been overwhelming.

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“We’ve had tons of positive feedback,” she said. “People have gone right from the orientation, right to buy their membership, because they now know how to use the equipment, and they feel really good about it. We’ve filled up all of our sessions since our January start date, so that’s been really great.”

Dickie notes the number of participants is limited to six people, and you need to call in advance to register. The next sessions are scheduled for February 14 and 18.

To register for the sessions, call the Veiner Centre at 403-529-8307.