Ok, so now that I've gone from part-time to full-time, I evidently get to pay for the privilege of gym access should I choose to. I know I need to get off my butt, now is as good a time as any as it's "free".

A few questions from someone who has never been to a gym... is the athletic centre staff friendly and helpful to the athletically-impaired set? I'm not athletic but it's time to simply get healthier but I'm also a little timid when surrounded by the unknown and the gym is a big unknown for me.

Thanks for any/all comments and advice.

~Jackie

The staff is extremely friendly in my experience. They will be more than happy to answer your questions. In the pulse they have personal trainers on the floor if you need help getting started, or you can book sessions with a trainer and they can help you get a workout started, I've never done that before, but if you're new to working out, it might be helpful.
One tip about the gym, it is very busy at certain times of the day...mostly between 4pm and 8 on weekdays, so if you want to avoid the crowded gym I'd try mornings, before noon, around 2pm, I find those times to be less crowded, as well as sundays. If you want a really good cardio workout, try the cycling classes, the schedule is posted next to the cycling studio, or you can ask the pulse staff.
Good luck!!

Originally Posted by jackiemac

Ok, so now that I've gone from part-time to full-time, I evidently get to pay for the privilege of gym access should I choose to. I know I need to get off my butt, now is as good a time as any as it's "free".

A few questions from someone who has never been to a gym... is the athletic centre staff friendly and helpful to the athletically-impaired set? I'm not athletic but it's time to simply get healthier but I'm also a little timid when surrounded by the unknown and the gym is a big unknown for me.

Thanks for any/all comments and advice.

~Jackie

I've never had problem with staff. You should look into sports clubs, but you have to pay to join them. There are also days/hours where the gym is open to a certain sport, but you'll want to get someone to go along with you since it's not guaranteed you'll find people there to pair up with or form a team.

The track is also free if you want to run, it's located on the 2nd floor.

Originally Posted by vkozina

The staff is extremely friendly in my experience. They will be more than happy to answer your questions. In the pulse they have personal trainers on the floor if you need help getting started, or you can book sessions with a trainer and they can help you get a workout started, I've never done that before, but if you're new to working out, it might be helpful.
One tip about the gym, it is very busy at certain times of the day...mostly between 4pm and 8 on weekdays, so if you want to avoid the crowded gym I'd try mornings, before noon, around 2pm, I find those times to be less crowded, as well as sundays. If you want a really good cardio workout, try the cycling classes, the schedule is posted next to the cycling studio, or you can ask the pulse staff.
Good luck!!

I would like to add that you have to pay for the Pulse: http://www.athrec.mcmaster.c a/registration/pulse.htm

ah yes, my bad, though, for 8 months pulse membership is only $102, which is extremely reasonable

Originally Posted by vkozina

ah yes, my bad, though, for 8 months pulse membership is only $102, which is extremely reasonable

That price is changed, its actualy $119 (tax included) now for 8 months

http://www-athrec.mcmaster.ca/registration/pulse.htm

still decent...guess it went up from last year =P

Does the athletic centre offer any areas for boxing/ kickboxing?

Originally Posted by shwarma

Does the athletic centre offer any areas for boxing/ kickboxing?

There are old squash courts that have been converted into wrestling areas, not sure how to get there.

You can call them though:

905-525-9140 × 24464

Originally Posted by jhan523

There are old squash courts that have been converted into wrestling areas, not sure how to get there.

... please tell me this doesn't apply to all squash courts?

no he said OLD squash couts...the ones in the back. i personally lvoed the old ones cuz no one can seeu while u play. the new ones are located in the front n are glasss so everyone can see... poit is SQUASH IS THE BEST!