Exclusive in-person workout times now available for seniors
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“Gentle” virtual fitness classes also continue
The City of Vaughan continues to provide support for seniors as facilities and amenities gradually reopen to the public. Starting today, older adults, over the age of 60, will have access to exclusive workout times by appointment. These sessions will take place Monday to Friday from 12:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. and 2:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. These designated time slots are subject to change based on member feedback and needs at each fitness centre.
In addition to in-person workouts, each week, one virtual fitness class will be dedicated to older adults. Gentle Wednesday’s will feature a slower-paced and low-impact version of a traditional fitness class with modified movements to suit older adults. Each 45-minute class will be available on Recreation Services’ YouTube channel.
Hours of operation at all Vaughan Fitness Centres have been extended. They are now open Monday to Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 6:45 p.m., except for Father E. Bulfon Community Centre, which closes at 5 p.m. on weekends.
Strict measures are in place to protect all users and staff from COVID-19 – gyms will continue to have controlled access, limited capacity and scheduled workout time blocks for patrons to sign up for in advance. Workout blocks are 75-minutes each, with a 30-minute shutdown in between appointments for cleaning and sanitization. Members can register online at vaughan.ca/RecOnline. For more information or to obtain a registration barcode and PIN, please contact Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or accessvaughan@vaughan.ca.
Saunas, lockers, showers, lost and found and the fitness track remain closed until further notice. Some equipment has been removed, including yoga gear, ab mats and neck pads.
Based on industry best practices and public health direction, steps have been taken to enhance air circulation and ventilation systems in Vaughan Fitness Centres in response to COVID-19. Air quality is constantly monitored and managed.
Fitness classes
Indoor and outdoor fitness classes have resumed for Vaughan Fitness members. Pre-registration for all classes is required and can be done online at vaughan.ca/RecOnline. Schedules – which have been modified in response to COVID-19 – and instructors are subject to change. In the event of inclement weather, outdoor fitness class cancellations will be posted to vaughan.ca/fitness. Refer to the Vaughan Fitness Class Guidelines (PDF) for more information.
The following fitness classes are now available:
- Cardio pump: The best of a high-energy cardio workout with intervals of hi-lo and muscle conditioning to challenge your endurance and co-ordination.
- CIRC-HIIT: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) where you give 100 per cent during burst-exercises followed by short periods of recovery. Get your heart rate up and burn more calories in less time.
- Pilates: Steady your breath in a relaxed space as you improve body alignment, flexibility and mental awareness.
- TBC: This is a total body workout. Use resistance equipment and your body weight to build strength and improve muscular endurance.
- TBC (gentle): Condition and strengthen muscles through a variety of resistance and low-intensity exercises.
- Walk and tone: Walk and tone muscles – using your own bodyweight and mini-bands – in a circuit-training-style workout.
- Yoga: Focus on deep stable breathing as you flow through varying strength and flexibility body movements.
- Yogafusion: Bringing the best of yoga and Pilates to one class! Combine the stability benefits of yoga with the postural awareness of Pilates for a balanced workout.
- Zumba: It's a total body dance workout! Tone and burn calories to the best cha-cha, mambo, calypso and belly dance music.
Fitness classes are offered mornings and evenings and are one hour in length. The first 15 minutes is dedicated to the check-in procedure, which includes a health screening. Each class is 45 minutes. The full schedule of classes can be found at vaughan.ca/fitness.
Virtual fitness classes
Free 40- to 60-minute easy-to-follow fitness classes continue to stream six days a week on the Recreation Services YouTube channel. For more information, visit vaughan.ca/fitness.
Community centre pools
The City is taking a staggered approach to reopening pools. Al Palladini, Father E. Bulfon, Garnet A. Williams, Maple, North Thornhill and Vellore Village pools are now open. On Monday, Sept. 21, Chancellor, Dufferin Clark and Woodbridge pools will reopen.
Recreational and length swimming is available to pool plan holders and Vaughan Fitness members. Pre-paid single visits by the public are available at a special promotional cost of $3.25 (plus HST) for a limited time. Aquafitness classes are available to plan holders and fitness members only, until further notice. These facilities and activities will be available on a limited basis and at a reduced capacity. Pre-registration is required to use the pool and can be done at vaughan.ca/RecOnline. For assistance, call Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or email accessvaughan@vaughan.ca.
Registration for Chancellor, Dufferin Clark and Woodbridge pools starts Friday, Sept. 18. Once all pools are opened, pool users can pre-register for recreational and length swims, and aquafitness classes one week in advance.
Prior to arriving at the community centre pool, a provincial public health self-assessment is required. Masks must be worn upon entry, exit and while travelling through the facility and on the pool deck. A mask or face covering is not required in the pool. Enhanced daily cleaning and disinfection of high-traffic areas and high-touch surfaces have been implemented, including in changerooms. Access to changerooms is limited and users are encouraged to come as prepared as possible to swim. Lockers and showers are not available until further notice. To view pool guidelines, the check-in procedure and schedules, visit vaughan.ca/swim.
To receive the City’s latest updates on COVID-19, check vaughan.ca/ReopeningVaughan, sign up for the City Update eNewsletter at vaughan.ca/CityUpdate and follow the City’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram channels.
Those who feel unwell, and believe they have symptoms related to COVID-19, should contact York Region Public Health at 1-800-361-5653 or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000. For additional information and resources on COVID-19, including physical distancing tips and advice from Public Health officials, visit York Region's website at york.ca/COVID19.
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