The Comox Community Centre fitness studio was selected tops in the fitness category for Vancouver Island in BC’s Best People’s Choice Awards, an online competition by BC Living magazine.
The studio beat out first runner-up VI Fitness, which has various locations throughout the Island, and second runner-up Goodlife Fitness in Victoria. It was the only public fitness centre in the top four for Vancouver Island.
"It was really nice and everyone's proud," said Mandy Johns, Comox Recreation's manager of recreation services.
The 5,000-plus square foot studio — which opened in the spring of 2011 — contains a variety of Precor and Stak equipment. Several flatscreen TVs adorn the walls.
Patrons appreciate the roominess, the cleanliness of the facility, the layout of equipment, and the space between machines and cardio equipment.
Earlier this year, the fitness studio won top workout facility honours in HQ Comox Valley’s online competition. Along with the facility itself, customers also commented on the friendliness of staff members.
"The facility is great but really without good staff this award wouldn't have happened," said Comox Mayor Paul Ives, a regular user of the studio.
"Fitness is a tough thing because you can start it, but unless there's people there to help you and guide you on the way, you might not continue with it. I know personally the staff here have kept me going."
Since the new facility opened, recreation director Jim Stevenson said there has been a "huge increase in the number of young people." That said, the clientele includes plenty of seniors. Stevenson noted a man in his 90s named George, who until a few months ago was bench pressing about 225 pounds.
Ives noted the variety of programming at the fitness centre, which also features an 800-square-foot spin and trx (Total Body Resistance Exercise) annex.
"I think one of the keys is the type of equipment we brought in," Stevenson said. "The size of the facility has certainly been a big plus…What people really like is the fact that it's not (overly) crowded. Lots of room to move around."
Patrons can exercise at their own pace because there is no waiting time at equipment, Stevenson added, noting workout routines tend to suffer if users are waiting shoulder to shoulder with other guests.
For other winners of the second annual awards check www.bcliving.ca/travel/bcs-best-2013-peoples-choice-award-winners.
reporter@comoxvalleyrecord.com