The new winter guide for Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre is viewable online with registration opening tomorrow morning (December 3).

With lots of new programming occurring for registered and drop-in programming, Tara Greene, Program Supervisor, and Jessie Jacobs, Fitness Supervisor for SLSFSC, shares it is the perfect opportunity to get a jumpstart on some of your New Year fitness goals.

Jacobs shares when putting together the winter guide many classes are geared toward helping people obtain their fitness aspirations. "A lot of our classes are progressive so they start off easier and then get harder. Our ultimate goal is to get you to that next level. But all you have to do is move, the hardest part is getting in here."

While many people put emphasis on shedding a few pounds, Greene says the benefits of being physically active stretch far beyond just battling the bulge. "There are so many benefits to exercise in general; it's good for depression, anxiety, and confidence. There is so much more to fitness than 'I just want to look good', it's so important for people to be active."

Continuously reviewing feedback from users, community members can look forward to a variety of new classes beginning in January, shares Greene, with one area of suggested improvement being more youth programming. "That is one area that we have always kind of lacked. We have tried different things but sometimes they don't always go. We get a lot of feedback that we need more youth programs so that is what I focused on, trying to get more stuff for different age groups."

If you are new to working out, not sure where to start, or worried that you won't fit in, the ladies say just come by. "Our staff are always open and willing to help. We walk people around the centre so they feel comfortable, we show them areas like the mez (middle of the track) so they aren't intimidated. We offer a lot of personal training, which is a beautiful way to start, so you get that body awareness and feel safe and comfortable in here before you transfer into classes."

While you can peruse the guide online HERE, registration will open up at 8 sharp tomorrow in which you can then register online HERE, by phone 403-932-1635, or by visiting Guest Services at the rec centre in person. While Cochranites often wait down to the wire to register, Greene suggests, if interested, sign up in a timely fashion as registered programs can either fill up or be cancelled if registration numbers are low.

Below are some of the new classes being offered this winter:

  • Baby& Me Cardio Dance (Registered Program)
  • Bully Proof (Drop-In Program)
  • Fit Kids Yoga (Drop-In Program)
  • Little Ninjas (Drop-In Program)
  • Multi-Sport Parent and Child (Registered)
  • Multi-Sport 6-8 (Registered)
  • Multi-Sport 9-12 (Registered)
  • Brick- Geared to endurance athletes intermediate and advanced levels (Registered)
  • Cardio Core (Drop-In Program)
  • Rhythm Step Blaster 
  • Strong 30 
  • Learn How to Tri Swim (Registered)
  • Nutrition 101(Registered)
  • Kicking Sugar to the Curb (Registered two-hour workshops)
  • Introduction to Self Defense (Registered)