The fitness area at the new Port Coquitlam community centre launches tomorrow (Thursday), the next phase in the rollout of the $132-million recreation complex rebuild.
PoCo residents can check out the two-storey, 8,500-sq. ft. facility during the city celebration that runs between 5 and 9 p.m. and try out yoga, spinning and group classes in the studios plus the weights and strength and cardio machines.
Gym clothing and shoes are required to participate in the trial sessions.
The ground level of the fitness centre is wheelchair accessible and has gear suitable for seniors and people with disabilities and mobility challenges — a change from the usual workout rooms to accommodate the aging demographic, said Lori Bowie, PoCo’s recreation director, a registered kinesiologist who has also designed other public fitness complexes in the Lower Mainland.
The lower level of the fitness centre also has a room with 21 spin bikes.
Upstairs are more machines — treadmills, ellipticals, recumbent bikes and rowing machines— as well a Synrgy360 functional training zone, with some equipment positioned for users to overlook the new leisure pool that’s set to open in the spring.
Facing north is another studio with views of the downtown core and mountains.
Until Dec. 31, the city will run promotional programs (visit portcoquitlam.ca/pccc) including trial classes and, starting Jan. 6, the regular schedule will kick in.
The fitness centre will be open: Mondays to Thursdays, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Fridays, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and weekends, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Bowie said the city dropped the teen admission age to 12 (12- to 14-year-olds must be accompanied by an adult) to allow for sports training; in most public weight rooms, the entry age is 13.
And for parents with little ones, childminding will also be provided — on a limited basis — in a nearby multi-purpose room.
Meanwhile, construction has begun to build the second phase of the community centre, which, when open in 2021, will include a third ice rink, a gym, children’s area and underground parking.
