MEDICINE HAT, AB – Fitness facilities have adapted over the last month to follow the government’s step two safety requirements.
Gym-goers say it’s been great to get their joints and muscles moving again after being on and off a workout routine over the last year.
“I had made great progress, I lost quite a bit of weight and then it felt like I was starting to gain some of it back again and it’s not a good feeling when you work hard to lose it. A thank goodness we’re able to come back. I’m enjoying it, it’s great,” Dean Sehn told Chat News.
“I work a really physical job, I work at the hospital so constantly moving patients,” Fellow gym-goer Lynzee Marsh added. “Working out is a big part of that and keeping ourselves healthy. On top of all that, mental health-wise without all of the gyms being open, you really start to notice that part of your routine and the community part missing.”
Helping those get active again is a new locally-owned gym in the city.
Crew Training opened on February 1 offering one-on-one training; adhering to guidelines.
Following the government’s announcement at the start of the month, they then added low-intensity classes.
Owner and trainer Chelsea Purves says she has been working on the gym over the last year and never imagined opening during a pandemic.
But she’s rolling with it, and adapting to the guidelines.
“The community, the ‘crew’ where the name came from, the idea where everybody can come in and be one crew is electric in here, that feeling of being back together, even though it’s in a new space for many,” Purves said. “The feeling of being back together with other people is amazing. It’s exciting.”
Purves has been teaching in the industry for about 14 years, everything from strength training, spin, and boot camp.
She has a rehab-based background and sees a lot of clients who come in with different injuries and restrictions. Her goal is for people to move, feel good, and be part of a crew.
Purves says low-intensity has also been a good way to ease back into workouts while building strength, mobility, and setting clients up for success down the road.
The ‘vault’ concept of the Crew Training gym also features dark lighting, no mirrors, and going at your own pace with the guidance of a trainer.
Crew Training is located at 1311 Trans Canada Way SE, Medicine Hat.
