Let us be part of the new you in 2012!

If your New Year’s resolution is to get fit, chances are you might be looking for a fun way to get in shape. Whether you enjoy group fitness classes, working out on your own, skiing under the stars, taking a few laps at the community pool or ice rink, the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) recreation programs have something for everyone.

Meadow Park Sports Centre

The Meadow Park Sports Centre (MPSC) is Whistler’s community hub for sports, recreation and more! This multipurpose facility provides residents and visitors with a selection of services and amenities including a six-lane pool, kids’ pool, sauna, steam room and hot tub. It also houses an arena, squash courts, weight room and a fitness studio. Recreation programs offered include fitness classes, aqua fitness, swimming lessons and public skating. The RMOW manages the MPSC and offers a robust Recreation Program Guide which can be viewed online or at the MPSC.

The MPSC offers a monthly drop-in schedule with group fitness classes for all interests, ages and abilities. MPSC programming ranges from yoga to spin to Zumba Fitness, a new program that blends red-hot international music and contagious steps to form a ‘fitness-party’ that is both fun and addictive.

Some classes require registration and an extra fee while other value added classes are included in your drop-in fee or membership pass.  No registration is required for value added classes; however participants should sign in at the MPSC front desk to save their spot. Check out the monthly drop-in schedule at the MPSC or online at www.whistler.ca/meadowpark.

In need of some motivation to achieve your fitness goals? The MPSC qualified fitness professionals work with you to identify and help you achieve your goals, customizing a specific program to meet your needs and maximize the training benefits. Contact 604-935-8363 to book a personal trainer.

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing

When the weather is right, why not burn off calories outdoors by trying cross-country skiing and snowshoeing? You may have heard that cross-country skiing is one of the most intense workouts but you probably aren’t aware that it can also burn up to 360 calories per half hour.

With approximately 30 kilometres of groomed and track set trails, the Lost Lake cross-country and showshoeing trails offers incredible views of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Enjoy the new amenities of the Lost Lake PassivHaus; ski and snowshoe rentals, lessons, café, washrooms and day lodge area.

Maintained by the RMOW, the trails are groomed daily for classic and skate techniques, with four kilometres lit for night skiing. Over 10 kilometres of maintained snowshoe trails are also open to the public.

Lost Lake Passes are on sale at the MPSC or by phone (604-935-PLAY between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. daily). Cross-country day tickets and fully transferable books of 5 or 10 are available at MPSC or at the Lost Lake PassivHaus. Visit www.whistler.ca/xcountry for more information.

Skating at Whistler Olympic Plaza

Looking for a quick outdoor activity right in the heart of the Village?  Skating at Olympic Plaza may be perfect for you.

The RMOW has transformed part of Whistler Olympic Plaza’s Great Lawn and Pavilion into skating rinks for the winter season after years of discussions about adding skating to the Village.  With room for up to 80 skaters at a time, skating at Olympic Plaza is as intimate as it is spectacular.

The rinks are open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. with an ice maintenance break from 5 to 6 p.m. Rentals are available daily for $5 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m.

With so many recreation choices right in Whistler, your fitness goals can be realized.