INUVIK
At less than a dollar a day, there's likely no better deal to get in shape than the Midnight Sun Fitness Centre.

Matt Lovick, a personal trainer and registered massage therapist, is working in partnership with the town's recreation department on a series of open houses and free training tips at the Midnight Sun Fitness Centre. The first of the sessions was held May 6. - Shawn Giilck/NNSL photo

That's the admittedly somewhat biased opinion of Steve Krug, the recreation co-ordinator at the Midnight Sun Recreation Complex, who recently helped host the first of what promises to be several free sessions at the gym with Matt Lovick, a certified personal trainer.

Still, it's hard to argue the point that the round-the-clock fitness centre is something more people could use given that a dozen were working out during the interview.

"In the south, people pay a premium for a 24/7 gum like this," Krug pointed out. "So at $350 a year for a membership, it really is about as low as you can find."

The gym has approximately 1,300 visits a month, Krug said, but it's rarely too busy at any given time.

"People come in the morning before they go to work, they come on their lunch hours, and they can be in here any time of night," he said.

"I think this partnership between the town and Matt is just to provide more access and fitness information, so that if people were hesitant on coming, they've got more incentive to come knowing that there's someone certified and professional who will give them the right information."

Ultimately, Krug said the idea is to have more trainers available.

The town's been investing heavily into refurbishing the gym, particularly bringing in new equipment.

Lovick, who is also a registered massage therapist, said "it has everything you need" in a very compact space.

"It's a wonderful gym," he said, gesturing to the equipment. "There's very little here I wish we had.

"We're hoping to do a bit of an info session on the gym," he said, "but also on how to use the gym and the equipment safely. The main thing for people to know in this program is that training is available here.

"I think it's a good program and a good idea," Lovick continued. "From my patients, I know there's a lot of interest."

He said a lot of the equipment can look intimidating or "scary" if you're not familiar with it, but it's easy to master the use.

"There's tons of equipment in a gym, but very little of it is dangerous if you know how to use it properly. That's why we are wanting to offer personal training, to fill in that knowledge gap."

Contrary to what's often heard, Lovick said he believes fitness centres are very non-judgmental facilities. Everyone is there for a reason, he said, whether it's improving their physique, treating and rehabilitating injuries, or losing weight.

"At the very least, I suggest hiring a trainer for at least a few sessions if you're new to it," he said. "I've done a lot of training with my patients, and I train myself."

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