By Mike Anderson
While the MURC, which officially opened on March 2, 2024, boasts some impressive facilities, including an indoor walking/running track, multi-purpose gym and 6-lane 25-metre pool, some residents have complained about the lack of resistance/strength training and cardio machines.
The Town has responded by partnering with two local gyms, Snap Fitness 24/7 and Fitness Force. Both are located in Keswick and are about 5,000 sq. ft.
These privately owned gyms will now provide discounted memberships to Rec Pass holders. The memberships will be added to the cost of the Rec Pass—the adult Rec Pass is $27 plus HST per month (seniors $22 plus HST), while the gym memberships are between $35 and $39 per month. So, you can expect to pay over $70 a month for both.
Snap Fitness 24/7, located at 702 The Queensway S., offers Rec Pas holders a no-contract membership for $39 plus HST per month, which is 13 per cent off its basic membership of $45 plus HST. Snap will also waive the enrolment fee of $50.
Fitness Force, in Glenwoods Plaza at 443 The Queensway S, also offers Rec Pass holders a no-contract membership for $35 plus HST per month, a 30 per cent discount on their basic membership of $50 plus HST. It also waives admin or extra fees.
Andy Laird, owner of Fitness Force, says he approached the Town last year with the partnership idea and is happy the council approved it on February 5.
“They don’t have the strength training facilities and cardio equipment at the MURC or any of the Town facilities. So, it’s valuable for people who want to walk around the track or participate in classes or other activities like pickleball and basketball. A couple of times a week, they might want to work out and work on their strength, mobility, and aerobic fitness. This gives them that ability,” Laird said.
Laird stresses that most people, especially seniors, need to include strength and resistance training in their routines.
“It’s critical. Some aspects of our physical capacity diminish with age, starting in your 30s but definitely by your 60s. This affects seniors in a big way. Slip on some ice, and you might crack a hip. If you’re over 70, there’s a 30 per cent chance you’re not going to make it past the next year with a broken hip,” he said.
“Strength and fitness keep your bones strong, your balance better, and your ability to deal with life’s challenges improves. If you want to play with your grandkids when you’re in your 70s, it’s really important.”
Brad Keffer, owner of Snap Fitness 24/7, agrees.
“We tend to lose a lot of muscle mass, especially with inactivity. As we get older, we tend to rely on the healthcare side of things a lot more. A lot of people think walking is going to keep them healthy. But can you get up and down? Or do you struggle going up and down stairs? There are also a lot of people who are getting knee and hip replacements. Unfortunately, these numbers are going up because that’s how we live. That needs to change. Preventative maintenance is huge.”
“More and more doctors are recognizing resistance training is the best medicine for aging,” Laird added.
“If you enter your senior years with less than adequate muscle mass and strength and some deteriorating bone density, you tend to age much faster.”
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