By Chantal Wagner

government regulations

City gyms offering low-intensity workout options

Mar 5, 2021 | 4:16 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Gyms in our city have made adjustments and plans following the new indoor fitness regulations from the provincial government this week.

The YMCA is offering a $15 bi-weekly membership and patrons can book individual low-intensity workouts.

Certain areas of the gym are designated for low-intensity or high-intensity with personal training.

CEO Sharon Hayward says just the downtown YMCA is open at this time.

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As demand for services increases, they will re-open South Ridge as soon as it’s feasible.

“We are working on some group fitness classes that will be designed to be low-intensity and we’ll have those ready next week. They’re yoga-based classes and with the COVID membership people then would have access to participate in-person as long as we’re meeting capacity limits,” she said.

As for mask-wearing, Hayward says only during low-intensity exercise and when walking around the building/in change areas. High-intensity and swimming do not require masks.

The Family Leisure Centre is also offering low-intensity workouts starting on Monday.

Fitness Coordinator Ed Stiles says access is available for 60-minute slots throughout the day.

Workouts are $5 for each individual session.

You can use the track, weights, and cardio equipment on a low-intensity level.

“We know that most workouts involve some cardio, we want it to and want to help your heart and lungs function better. The key is low intensity, so if you’re sprinting on the treadmill we’re going to ask you to not sprint. If you’re sprinting on the track that’s high intensity. If you’re lifting 6 plates on your back on the squat rack, we’re going to suggest it’s high intensity,” Stiles added.

10 clients will be allowed in the fitness centre to start, and the FLC will open more slots as time goes along.

Masks are mandatory at all times and keeping a distance of 3 metres.

“Masks will self-limit high-intensity activity,” Stiles said. “It’s not particularly comfortable to workout really hard with a mask on so the whole idea is let’s just get back at this, let’s rebuild our foundation. Most of us haven’t been exercising throughout this and I want to suggest that low intensity is a great place for us to start. And hopefully, in the near future, we can workout how we would like to.”

They are also launching FLC Virtual LIVE unlimited group fitness classes starting on Monday, March 8 with monthly registration. That offers 18 classes per week.

Meantime, high-intensity workouts are still available at both the FLC and YMCA by booking with a personal trainer.

Pre-registration is required, to book your workout, visit the YMCA website or FLC website and Facebook pages.