Work and play
The doors to the Active Living Centre opened on February 25, and since that day gym users have been inspired to new heights of health and wellness. UM Today asked some regular users who are U of M staff what they thought of the new facility.
Barry Stone
I have been a member ever since I started work at the university, but for the last 8 years or so, I have used the gym specifically to workout during my lunch break – usually 4-5 times a week. My workout consists of a simple mix of cardio (treadmill or bike) and strength training. I found that once I started this regimen, it was hard to stop. In fact, when I miss a workout due to late morning or early afternoon meetings, I always feel a little bit off. My initial goal was simply to try to keep the weight off and gain a little more muscle mass, but the unanticipated bonus was the amount of energy I had for the rest of the day – particularly in the afternoons at work.
As for the new facility, it far exceeded my expectations and I am truly enjoying my experience there so far. Compared to the Grotto, the most obvious and welcome change is the openness and natural light. Especially compared to the old Grotto, this is a huge improvement. However, what has most impressed me is the volume, variety and quality of the equipment. While I anticipated the open concept, I had no idea there would be so many new types of equipment and of such quantity. I suppose it is still too early to tell, but I can’t imagine having to wait very long, if at all, to work out on the piece of equipment you want.
Rhiannon Leier Blacher
I usually do my workouts at lunchtime. Having the ability to do my workout in the middle of the day has helped with my time management and my ability to balance work and family. Heading to the gym at lunch is also a great way to break up the day. If I have a really busy or stressful day going to the gym helps to clear my mind and I get back to work refreshed.
When I first walked into the Active Living Centre I was blown away at how large and bright it was. I could not get over the amount of equipment available to work out on. The equipment is also very top of the line.
I have been to many fitness facilities all over the world and the Active Living Centre is the best by far.
Maire McDermott
I’ve used the Grotto for years, as a student and now as staff, and the convenience of a gym right in your workplace is hard to beat. It was much harder to get motivated to go to the Grotto. That’s mostly because I run for my workout; running around the Grotto track or hoping you get a treadmill is not so fun. Now with the natural daylight and the treadmills it’s amazing!
On days when I only need to fit in a short run, I go at lunch. If my run is a little longer and I can’t fit it in in an hour, I’ll go after work if can. I’ve also gone on Sunday mornings before it got warmer for longer runs. I’ve done a couple of 10-mile runs on the new track. I would really have struggled to do that on the old track. The natural light is fantastic.
My first impression? Oh my gosh… amazing! Best gym in Winnipeg. The natural light, the equipment, the choices! I had been going to the Grotto on and off probably since the mid-90s so to see the Active Living Centre come to fruition is really fantastic! Most of the people I would see regularly at the lunch hour had the same opinion – amazing!
Staff memberships are available for less than $30 per month! Join today!