As the cold weather continues outside, the Tait McKenzie Centre is heating up with three new events. Muay Thai classes, the 2008-2009 Millennium Individual/Team Challenge and the fit for heart triathlon, are all beginning in the next couple of weeks.
An ancient art commonly known as Thai boxing, Muay Thai was originally developed by the people of Thailand as a combat tool and is currently an integral part of Thai culture and history. It has earned a reputation as the most effective striking art, providing practical lessons in self-defence.
The Muay Thai classes, which start today, will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30pm, Saturdays from 2 to 4pm or Sundays from 12 to 1:30pm in Studio 4. This course will teach the basics of Thai boxing, including its four main weapons – legs (kicks), knees, elbows and fists. Each class will include a full body workout to develop strength, endurance, flexibility and coordination.
The fees for the Muay Thai classes are as follows:
- Jan. 27 to April 5 (10 weeks) – student/member, $170; non-member, $190
- Jan. 27 to May 3 (14 weeks) – student/member, $255; non-member, $275
The Millennium Challenge will begin on Feb. 2 and run until the last day of the month at the Tait McKenzie Centre. Register for $5 at the Customer Service Desk and pick up your free T-shirt and instructions from the Fitness Centre staff. The staff will create a different fitness challenge every month designed to test your overall fitness. Sign up on your own or with a team of four to compete for the prestigious Millennium Challenge Award, presented annually at the Recreation Banquet. Recognition will be provided to all individual and group participants who successfully complete a monthly challenge.
Finally, the Fit for Heart Triathlon will take place on Feb. 12 from 11:30am to 1:30pm at the Tait McKenzie Centre, the upper gym and the pool. This event gives participants the opportunity to improve physical fitness while also raising money for the Heart & Stroke Foundation. A variety of aerobic spin, swim and fitness centre cardio-related activities will be available during the two-hour event, all of which will be led by an instructor. Participants can choose from any or all of the activities. Prizes and refreshments will be provided. A pre-registration pledge package is now available at the Customer Service Desk.
If you are looking for some exercise without participating in one of these organized events, the Fitness Centre is open every day of the week. For more information and a complete schedule of hours of operation, visit the Tait McKenzie Centre Web site.