To say a few things have changed since the closure of the Hanson Fitness & Lifestyle Centre (HFLC) five months ago might be an understatement. On March 16, 2020, when Campus & Community Recreation (CCR) staff closed the fitness centre's doors due to COVID-19, none foresaw the journey that lay ahead as we waited and prepared for those doors to open again. Staff have been working diligently over the past five months to keep students and community members active via online fitness programming, and to modify HFLC operations to ensure the facility meets COVID-19 safety measures. After much anticipation, the HFLC re-opened its doors to an eager crowd of gym enthusiasts on August 17, 2020 - some realizing they may have missed their fitness centre a little more than they expected.
"Working out at the HFLC meant so much to me as a student," Kailey, a recent grad of the Recreation, Sport and Tourism program, told me. "It was my place I could go to relieve the anxiety of studying for exams and stressors of everyday student life - and even just to chat and catch up with friends. I am really happy to be back."
To book a drop-in time at one of CCR's available facilities, visit: activityreg.ualberta.ca
For those less familiar with the centre, the HFLC is the University of Alberta's largest and newest health and wellness facility. Located in the Van Vliet Complex's Physical Activity and Wellness Centre (PAW Centre), it first opened in March 2015 thanks to a partnership between students, the university and generous supporters. The two-storey fitness centre has provided gym access to countless health and fitness fanatics over the past 5 years.
After moving to online fitness programming during the HFLC's closure, CCR's resident fitness leaders Devon Kippen and Chelsea Coghill expressed their relief at being able to re-open the fitness centre.
"We knew from fielding daily inquiries about when the HFLC would reopen that people have been itching to get back into their regular workout routines and have access to the gym equipment," Chelsea explained.
"I am thrilled to have patrons back in our facility," Devon added. "Although we did online fitness programming during the closure, there's nothing quite like coming back to see your 'home away from home' filled with happy, excited people."
Today, the safety protocols at HFLC look quite different than they did five months ago - as they do at all of CCR's campus recreation facilities. Our staff are working diligently every day to make sure everyone feels as safe as possible in this new environment. From those of us at CCR to all of our amazing students, staff and community, there's just one more thing we've been waiting to say: We missed you. Welcome back.
- Jen Stevenson
Multi-media Associate, Campus & Community Recreation
For more info on CCR's reopening plans and hours of operation, and a complete list of facilities available for drop-in, visit uab.ca/recreation.uab.ca/recreation.
Stay tuned for new online classes and in-person Fall programming in the Fall 2020 Online Recreation Guide. Registration opens September 1, 2020.
You can also check out CCR's Stay Active, Stay Well YouTube Channel for new resources each week.Stay Active, Stay Well YouTube Channel for new resources each week.