Vancouver Trendz [THURSDAY]

Test Your Resolve

Thursday, January 4, 2007

You've promised you're going to work out this year, no really! Whether you're just beginning or trying to get back into the groove, choosing a fitness centre can be an intimidating process. You want a dedicated professional looking out for what's best for your body, not a salesperson hoping to up sell you on services you don't need. For that reason, we recommend checking out an independent gym that's nearby rather than a national chain.

Here are a few downtown spots worth checking out. First visits are usually free, so take some time to compare a few before you settle on one:

Denman Fitness, 1731 Comox Street - Open late Monday to Friday. Offers yoga, massage and squash along with personal or group training, plus nutrition and fitness education.

Bentall Centre Athletic Club, Bentall Centre - 1055 Dunsmuir - Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you work in any of the Bentall buildings, you might get a discount. Has racquet-sport courts and offers self-defence and boxing classes.

Georgia Athletic Club, 180 West Georgia Street (at Cambie) - Limited memberships means they guarantee no overcrowding. Of course, it could mean you get put on a waiting list, too. Has a pool and Jacuzzi, plus an onsite chiropractor and naturopath. And offers yoga, nutrition counselling, and a special golf fitness program.

Pantheon Athletic Club, 865 Hornby Street (at Smithe) - Perks include a basketball court and a juice bar. Open late on weeknights. Offers classes in yoga, martial arts, boxing and kickboxing.

Denman Fitness -  www.denmanfitness.com
Bentall Centre Athletic Club - bentallcentreathleticclub.com
Georgiz Athletic Club - georgiaathleticclub.com
Pantheon Athletic Club - pacgym.com

And if you win this week's contest for a $150 gift certificate to Tosa Studio for hair colour or highlights then you AND your hair will be in great shape.