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GYM INFO & PRICING FOR 2012: The Nisku Rec Centre offers a spacious weight training area, and a cardio room with a variety of equipment. Several years ago $20,000 was spent on new equipment in an effort to make the facility more modern and user friendly. One squash court and two racquetball or Wallyball courts are available but reservations are advised. The Rec Centre sits on 11 acres of land which consists of a park, baseball diamonds, and a forested area with trails for running or walking. Locker rooms are on site for both men and women. Contact the NRC Ph: 955 – 7533 Fax: 955 – 3968 Email: nrcinfo@telus.net Hours of Operation     Monday - Friday 6am - 8pm     Saturday 9am – 3pm     Closed Sundays And some Stat Holidays   Nisku Rec Centre Fitness Pricing and Information Personal Fitness Memberships *Family or **Group Fitness Memberships 1 Month Term 38.10 + GST = $40 1 Month Term 80.95 + GST = $85 3 Month Term 104.76 + GST = $110 3 Month Term 190.48 + GST = $200 6 Month Term 190.48 + GST = $200 6 Month Term 342.86 + GST = $360 1 Year Term 285.71 + GST = $300 1 Year Term 619.05 + GST= $650 Drop in Fees $5.00 per person    10 Pass Punch Card $42.86 + GST = $45 SENIORS (+60) 1 YR. $166.50 + GST = $175 * Family Rates apply to 3 – 5 people who become fitness members at the same time. ** Group Rates max out at $66.66 ea. for 3 month term / $120.00 ea. for 6 month term / and $216.67 ea. for 1 yr term & apply to 3 or more people. Ex – if 5 people group everyone would pay $66.66 each for a 3 month term (not $200 / 5). Everyone must come in together and in pay at the same time for these rates to apply. Corporate Sponsorship Rates A corporate sponsorship is a one year membership that businesses purchase from the Nisku Recreation Centre. This fee allows employees of that business to purchase a one year fitness membership at a discounted rate. This rate applies to one year terms only. Sorry, we do not prorate for shorter periods.  This is a great benefit to your employees. Research shows that fit employees are more productive employees with less time lost to sickness and injury. As an added bonus, family members can now purchase a one year membership for the same low price upon proof that they reside at the same residence. Business Sponsorship Fee: $333.33 + GST = $350.00 Individual - 1 Year Sponsored Term: $166.50 + GST = $175.00 (compared to $300 unsponsored amt!!) County of Leduc Employees Just as corporate sponsorship has its privileges, so does being an employee of the County. All employees of the County of Leduc can purchase a one year fitness membership for the amazing rate of only $119.05 + GST = $125.00. This fee applies to one year terms only and has recently been extended to include immediate family members. Sorry, we do not prorate for shorter periods. Prices Subject to Change Without Notice

Press Release:  10 good reasons to join a gym The Nisku Recreation Centre, located in the Nisku Industrial Park, is urging anyone who is hoping to live a happier, longer life to invest in yourself by joining their gym. According to Sherrill Campbell, the General Manager of the Nisku Recreation Centre, “Exercise is one of the Best Medicines we have to help keep us Living Healthier, Longer.” She continues, “Staying healthy should be a goal of everyone, but it’s especially important during times of stress. If you take the time to invest in your health at a good exercise facility, you will promote better wellness and increased happiness; while building skills that will continue to reap rewards throughout your lifetime.” She offers these reasons to join their gym: 1.      Healing Ability a.       Exercise can aid in the rehabilitation of illness, chronic disease, and injury. b.      It improves your immune system which helps fight against common viruses such as colds and flu. c.       It improves your muscle strength, cardiovascular health, stamina and flexibility.  This results in reduced stress which in turn helps to lower blood pressure. d.      Exercise releases ‘feel good hormones’ that have a reversing affect on depression and many other diseases. 2.      Preventative or Pro-active Medicine a.       Exercise is a form of preventative medicine that research has proven can help lower many forms of chronic diseases such as arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, obesity and osteoporosis. b.      It is also extremely beneficial in helping to stave off the effects of aging. c.       It not only helps with bone density, but weight bearing exercises will increase bone mass, making bones stronger and better able to withstand nasty falls. 3.      Improved Work Life a.       Studies have found that employees that work out regularly have increased morale, increased productivity, and regular exercise leads to decreased absenteeism. b.      On average, according to one study, frequent exercisers among gym goers were absent from work only 2.15 days per year, compared to 4.10 days for less active individuals. 4.      Health Care Costs a.       Preventative medicine is the best medicine, and exercise is the best form of preventative medicine. b.      Studies have proven conclusively that a sedentary lifestyle have driven health care costs up to all time highs. 5.      Variety a.       Studies show that when people get bored working out they quit. b.      Look for a venue that provides a variety of machines, classes, or free weights to choose from. c.       Ensure that there are enough machines and activities to keep you occupied and keep from becoming bored. d.      Courts are a good way to get a workout with a buddy or group. Competition and companionship can keep motivations high. 6.      Improved Self Esteem a.       With regular exercise your figure and body image will improve, which leads to improved self image and confidence. b.      It also leads to improved posture which will help with many back problems. c.       Improved posture helps makes a person look slimmer as they pull up their slouched shoulders, and they will stand prouder, thereby increasing their self worth. 7.      Increased Energy a.       Exercise, notably cardiovascular exercise, increases energy levels that lasts for hours. b.      Get motivated, get moving. 8.      Time Limitations a.       No time to exercise? Did you know you can get results in as little as 3 hours a week? b.      New studies show that as little as 3 ten minute increments of cardio or muscle building training a day can be beneficial. That’s only 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. c.       One hour of cardio, combined with muscle building and stretching and cool down, 3 times a week, can keep you healthy and on the road to a great exercise regime. d.      And studies show that the more you exercise, the more you will want to exercise. It has a cumulative effective, both physically and mentally. 9.      Motivation a.      Working out in a gym, surrounded by people with similar goals such as losing weight or gaining muscle mass, will help you execute your own goals and routines. b.      If you lack individual motivation, try the buddy system, or cultivate new friends at the gym. Their goals are comparable to yours, and together you will keep each other on track. 10.  An Investment in You a.       Working out on a regular basis is not luxury; it’s an investment in your health. b.      You’re worth it. Just do it! The Nisku Rec Centre offers many levels of membership, from a $5.00 drop in fee to a one year membership for $300.00 or a company sponsored 1 year membership of only $175.00. Corporate Gym Sponsorship is only $350.00 a year. Ask us how your company can get involved. Offer your employees non-monetary benefits in the form of a company sponsored reduced gym membership (a regular one year membership is $300.00). Give your employees a better work environment by sponsoring a membership which will enable them to have good health, a positive attitude and low absenteeism. A win win for everyone. Get involved. Lead by example. All sponsorships are a legitimate expense to the company and an investment in your best assets – your employees. For information contact:               606-18 Avenue   Nisku, AB   T9E 7V8                                    Ph:780-955-7533     Fx:780-955-3968    email:nrcinfo@telus.net                                                              www.niskureccentre.com

"Fitness Drop-Outs"   Most people understand that with regular exercise comes slow but steady results. Positive results.  Increased stamina. Improved heart function and circulation. Increase in flexibility and decrease in joint pain. Positive moods and less irritability. Better sleeping habits. Weight control. The list is endless. What a lot of people don’t understand is that statistics have proven that an alarming 50% of first timers to fitness will drop out within the first six months! Everyone that starts a fitness program wants fast results. But very few actually have the drive and commitment and will power to stick with their routines long enough to really benefit from a work out regime. Why does this happen? It’s simple really – people just plain don’t like to exercise. So what can be done to overcome this phenomenon? Choosing the right course of exercise for you is crucial. If you don’t like it, you won’t stick with it. Since long term commitment is the secret to fitness success, you must choose exercises that you will enjoy. Don’t get caught up in all the latest fitness crazes. They likely are not for you. And many of these so called Boot Camps don’t take into consideration the age or fitness level of the participants and can cause actual injury to anyone really out of shape. Here are some tips to help you when first starting out with an exercise program: 1.    Start slow, small and easy. Remember, you will improve and that is the time to challenge yourself, not in the initial stages. 2.    Do NOT overdo things in the beginning. You will be left exhausted and resentful and very likely sore. Slow and steady wins the race. 3.    Convince a buddy or friend or family member to work out with you. Even when you don’t feel like exercising, you will find you encourage and challenge each other. Small triumphs are shared and will lead to bigger and better achievements. 4.    Keep track of your measurements, not your weight. Keep a journal and at the beginning of each week measure your biceps, chest, waist, hips, thighs and calves. Always measure on the same side and at the same point. 5.    For you weight watchers – REMEMBER THAT FAT IS LIGHTER THAN MUSCLES – and in a good exercise program you’ll be adding at least a little weight training. So as you build muscle you may find your weight increasing, but your clothes will start to sag – because you’re loosing inches! Stick to it and you’ll start to see the scale drop down. 6.    Having realistic goals is helpful. Make them small to start, always remembering that staying healthy is our ultimate goal. Don’t sacrifice your health for an extra pound. 7.    Eat healthy. Eat often. 5 small meals will help shed fat faster than 3 big meals. 8.    Smile. You’ll feel better. 9.    And if smiling doesn’t help, then scream, moan, or groan! Just stick to it and keep active. Adding fitness to a sedentary life style will have many positive outcomes. Work out Smart! Keep at it. Take baby steps. Find a buddy. Celebrate minor triumphs. You’re on the way to a better and healthier you!  Congratulations! Written by: Sherrill Campbell

4-Step Plan to Lose Weight While You Sleep Groundbreaking research shows that sleep deprivation may be the secret reason why you can’t lose weight. Learn how to sleep yourself skinny with this 4-step plan laid out by Dr. Oz and Dr. Michael Breus, author of The Sleep Doctor’s Diet Plan. Almost 70 million North Americans suffer from chronic sleep loss, which translates for adults as getting less than 7 hours each night. New research suggests that not enough sleep leads to weight gain and even obesity. In one study, sleep-deprived folks appeared to burn the same number of calories as people who were well-rested, but they consumed about 300 more calories each day, which can add up to 30 extra pounds a year. Dr. Michael Breus, author of The Sleep Doctor’s Diet Plan, supports the theory of sleep loss being the missing link in understanding North America’s obesity epidemic. Lack of sleep slows your metabolism and raises your level of cortisol, the stress hormone that increases food cravings for both high-fat and high-carb items such as packaged snack foods. You end up craving fatty and starchy edibles because they release serotonin, the feel-good hormone, which you seek out to help your system calm down. Plus, more cortisol is tied to insulin resistance, a risk factor for both diabetes and obesity. People who lack sleep also produce more of the hormone ghrelin, which increases hunger, And less of the hormone leptin, which helps put the brakes on overeating. Lastly, those who are not getting at least 7 hours of shuteye every night are losing precious REM sleep, that deep, restful stage where you burn the most calories. So, lack of sleep can undermine even the most dedicated dieter. But here’s the good news: Increasing your sleep by just 1 hour a night – from 7 to 8 hours – can actually help you lose up to 14 pounds a year. All you have to do is follow this easy 4-step plan. Step 1: Calculate Your Body’s Best Bedtime To figure out your body’s best bedtime, follow these 3 easy steps: 1.    Determine your typical wake time. 2.    Count back 7.5 hours. 3.    Set your alarm clock to remind you to go to bed at that time. The average person should get five full sleep cycles (90 minutes each), which adds up to 7.5 hours a night. If you typically wake up at 6 a.m., calculate back 7.5 hours and go to bed by 10:30 p.m. Setting your alarm clock for 10:30 p.m. then serves as a reminder for you to turn off the lights and turn in for the night. Step #2: Calcium and Magnesium Calcium and magnesium are two of the best natural sleep aids available. Both of these essential minerals help maintain nervous system health and actually reduce anxiety and promote calm. A deficiency in magnesium has been shown to cause insomnia and restless leg syndrome. If you’re having trouble sleeping and aren’t already using these supplements, give them a try. Take 600mg calcium and 400 mg magnesium daily. Step 3: Tame Your Tummy With Antacids Whenever you lie down, you are immediately prone to experiencing gastroesophageal reflux, otherwise known as heartburn or indigestion. What’s more, many people are unaware that they could have silent reflux, a condition that can’t be felt but can pull you out of the deep stages of sleep. (Often, people with sleep apnea have reflux.) Antacid can help prevent tummy trouble from interrupting sleep by increasing the stomach’s Ph balance. To determine if you have silent reflux, do this experiment: Take an antacid according to the manufacturer’s instructions about 30 minutes before bedtime over the course of 7 days, and see if you’re able to sleep better. If you don’t see any improvement, stop taking the antacid. Step 4: Sip a Combo Tea for Better ZZZ’s Used to ease insomnia since the second century AD, valerian root is a popular herbal remedy for sleep problems that is both gentle and safe. Passionflower is also established as a calming herbal remedy for anxiety and insomnia. About 1 hour before bedtime, make a combo tea made with 1 valerian root teabag and 1 passionflower teabag, both available at health food stores.