Centre fit for action
New fitness facility holds grand opening in Rankin Inlet
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, March 12, 2014
RANKIN INLET
The long awaited fitness centre in Rankin Inlet held its grand opening earlier this month on March 1.
An undertaking of the non-profit Rankin Inlet Fitness Society, the centre is located at the old Sakku Drugs store and has been spearheaded by Ford Widrig, Evan Morrison and Gavin Gee.
Widrig said about 30 people become members during the grand opening.
He said the first day went well, especially for being held right in the middle of the Sakku First Aviation Avataq Cup weekend in Rankin.
"We had to get the ball rolling on this, so, even though it was Avataq weekend, the main thing was to get the doors open," said Widrig.
"I heard positive feedback from those who did come for the grand opening.
"In addition to those who signed up, there were also people poking their heads in to see what we had to offer."
Widrig said while only time will tell, he sees enough people interested in having a fitness centre in Rankin to make it a success. He said members are showing up every day to work out from noon until 9 p.m.
"We haven't seen it at capacity yet, but, even when that happens, I don't see any problems with people having to wait for machines.
"Eventually, as our membership grows, we'll have a sign-up board to prevent anyone from using a machine to the point where they're excluding other people.
"You don't want anyone running a marathon on a treadmill when someone's been waiting all day for one."
Widrig said the idea is for the fitness centre to be able to cater to a wide variety of fitness needs.
So, he said, the centre has a pretty even mix of equipment.
"We do lack a studio area, but something like that is being offered through the schools with yoga and Zumba classes.
"But, in terms of cardio equipment, bands, weights and machines, we've put together a good mix."
Widrig said the long-term vision is still focused on, one day, having a true fitness facility in Rankin.
He said, hopefully, what's being done now by the Rankin Inlet Fitness Society will provide base-level data on the actual demand to build a stand-alone facility.
"Depending on the person, getting good value on a $75 a month or $500 a year membership comes down to how much they value their health or well-being.
"You'll get very good value on your money if you come out three days a week every month, for example.
"If you're really too busy to come out every day, but still want some fitness activity in your life, even coming out once a week to start will be worth it.
"When people do that, they often work their way into going more regularly.
"And, we do offer drop-in options for people who only want to come once or twice a week."
Widrig said he does hear people say they don't want to go crazy and overdo it when they first begin.
He said his advice is to go crazy and fly at it during their workout.
"You can always scale back later, but the idea is to get in and get moving.
"We don't mind if someone wants to come and give the facility a try to see if it's for them.
"Hopefully, it will be, but, if not, maybe we'll see them again in the future."
