While teaching pilates at the Port Moody recreation complex in June, Lisa Porcellato posed a question to her class.
The city recreation programmer was thinking about launching a new - and much-anticipated - course for the fall, geared to inactive people who wanted to get in shape, to people who wanted to shed some pounds, and to people on a break from a fitness regime or injury and were eager to get to the gym again.
Porcellato struggled with a name: It had to be catchy and appeal to couch potatoes ready to make a change in their lifestyle.
She found her answer less than an hour later. A woman approached Porcellato after the pilates session and suggested "Fresh Start."
"I knew immediately she had it," Porcellato said, "because the title combined everything."
Available on Mondays at 9:15 a.m. at the Ioco Road centre, Fresh Start is a gentle way to ease into being active without the intimidating environment, Porcellato said.
Classes are taught in the complex's wellness room - versus the high-powered aerobics space - and feature mostly cardio and strength training.
But not every session will be the same, Porcellato promises. "We're going to spice it up and make it fun for everybody," the Port Moody resident said. "And if there's enough demand, we'll consider adding another class in the evening."
The aim of Fresh Start is not just for participants, Porcellato said. It's also to "show the public that we are an inclusive facility for all ages and fitness levels. Hitting the gym just isn't for hard bodies anymore. People of all shapes and sizes - men and women - are here with one goal in mind: To get healthy and that's what's most important."
Meanwhile, the rec complex is hosting free sample classes next week for people at the entry level of fitness (to pre-register, call 604-469-4556 or 604-469-4561). They are:
Fresh Start Fitness, Sept. 17 at 9:15 a.m. (registered session starts Sept. 24)
Lite Bootcamp, Sept. 17 at 1 p.m. (registered session starts Sept. 24)
Nordic Walking, Sept. 20 at 10 a.m. (registered session starts Sept. 27)
