by Carol Sheridan

There’s something so exciting and fresh about the start of a new year.  Stretched out ahead is 12 whole months to be more physically active, try new activities and meet new friends.   At the Oliver Community Centre, achieving this is as easy as walking in the front door.

January is set to be an exciting month of new beginnings and fresh starts.  Our much anticipated “Lose it for Life” Challenge will provide participants with a convenient 12-week weight room and fitness class package as well as access to wellness health professionals through free information seminars and added incentive to reach their goals with fun prizes for the top individual and top team with the highest percentage of weight loss.  Regular fitness classes with award-winning trainer Jorg Mardian including GentleFit, BodyRock and CrossFit are in full swing and take place mornings and evenings throughout the week.  A full slate of Yoga classes start up this week with something for everyone at each level of experience taught by our amazing instructors. Line Dancing is back and is a fun way to get moving and learn simple step combinations from our own Claire Denny in a relaxed atmosphere.  Finally, if you haven’t tried snowshoeing before, now is your chance to get out into the beauty of the winter wilderness on a guided trek through the McKinney Nordic Area, enjoy a hot lunch outdoors and meet new people.  Snowshoes and poles are available to rent at time of registration so don’t worry if you don’t have equipment.

Popular music and dance are a huge influence in a young person’s life and new to the Centre this winter is an exciting new program that will provide children and youth the opportunity to learn new moves and feel like a star.  Jake Evans, performer and long-time dance instructor, will be teaching Hip Hop Dance classes on Mondays after school.  No previous dance experience is necessary and the program is non-competitive and a lot of fun.  The popular after-school Floor Hockey program is back for another season and gets started on Monday, Jan 16th.  Girls 12-14 years are invited to be a part of a new 8-week program focused on building confidence and self-esteem by trying a series of indoor and outdoor physical activities such as yoga, curling, snowshoeing and more led by local female instructors and coaches.  This exciting program is free to girls wanting to participate and is proudly sponsored by the Nk’Mip Ladies Black & White Scramble Tournament.

Finally, for parents and caregivers who have little tykes under the age of 6, there are some great opportunities during the weekday to get out of the house and be active while socializing with other families.  Come check out the Parent & Tot Gymtime on Wednesdays from 11:30am-1pm at the Community Centre – we have tons of toys, bikes and sports equipment to play with and lots of space to run and a great place to eat lunch together!   Thursdays from 1:15-2:45pm is Parent & Tot Skating time at the Oliver Arena, a chance to play with tyke-friendly toys and give ice skating a try without the crowds.

From everyone at the Oliver Parks & Recreation Society, we wish you a very Happy New Year and hope to see you down at the Community Centre soon to try something new! For program information, check out our website www.oliverrecreation.ca or phone 250-498-4985.