16 October 1995 Expanded Recreation Centre An Exciting University And Community Asset

The most modern and only purpose-built fitness centre on the south side of Christchurch – that's the word on Lincoln University's newly expanded Recreation Centre and it's a claim management and staff are proud of as they prepare for the official opening on 24 October.

A recreation centre for shared use by the university and community has been an integral part of the campus since 1979.

Four years ago growth at Lincoln University had outstripped existing facilities and, as manager Deidre Graham puts it: "We could simply no longer meet the need for a modern fitness centre out of three small rooms.”

Demand was huge and a survey confirmed that expansion was essential and would be well supported.

What clients now have is a result of four years planning and development. A magnificent facility featuring two top-line studios – one of 306 square metres the other of 324, both giving oodles of room for university staff, students and members of the surrounding community to enjoy the pursuit of fitness.

The familiar main hall remains along with the existing shower and changing room facilities but now there are the show pieces of Studio One and the Fitness Studio.

Studio One, all polished woodwork and mirrors, is purpose-built for aerobics, Step Reebok classes, martial arts, and dance and it features New Zealand's first Neo-Shok floor.

This American-designed, timber floor incorporates a free-floating system of "shock absorbers" which provide exercise-enhancing spring and absorbency at the point of contact – where your feet are in contact with the deck. The whole floor doesn't move, just the part on which you're exercising. On upward movements it gently provides lift and downwards it comfortably eases wear and tear on your feet, legs and body. Try it and you'll acknowledge its genius straight away.

"It's probably the best available," says Deidre, who researched the system in Australia before opting for it here.

The 324m² Fitness Studio boasts an equally impressive floor – an Elastimat surface, also the first in New Zealand, and again the concept is a combination of comfort, performance enhancement and safety.

Another major feature of the two studios is the sound system – "Music you can feel" is the best way to describe it.

An accompaniment of appropriate music is today an essential part of activities such as aerobics and Step Reebok and in the future the system will also be put to use for dance classes such as ballroom, rock 'n' roll and Latin Caribbean.

Equipment in the Fitness Studio is all top-of-the line, very safe and very user-friendly. There are free weights, machine weights, specialised pieces for circuits and also a well­ equipped cardio area.

"We've invested considerable money in new equipment, but it's all part of providing a modern fitness facility for high usage by an enthusiastic clientele," says Deidre, "and we see ourselves as being a community asset as much as a university one. I cannot stress too highly that members of the local community can take out Recreation Centre memberships as easily as the University's students and staff, and that entitles them to full use of all the facilities and programmes we offer. They too can be part of the exciting years ahead now that we have this new, expanded centre."

Memberships

The best way to enjoy the benefits of the Lincoln University Recreation Centre is through taking out an annual membership subscription.

You can pay for individual classes or day access to the swimming pool, but overall the most economical thing to do is pay an annual sub.

If you're part of a family, then a Family Membership is the best way to go. This will also give you a reduction on the fee for the popular children's school holiday programmes.

And here's a golden opportunity. If you join for 1996 next month (November) you get December 1995 included free and you go in a draw for an Ansett Mystery Weekend. In fact entry for the draw applies to everyone who joins between November and the end of January.

Meet the Staff

Administratively Lincoln's Recreation Centre is operated under the University's Student Services Group.

Day to day control is in the hands of Recreation Services Manager Deidre Graham who holds a Lincoln Diploma in Parks and Recreation and has been on the staff four years, the past two as manager.

The Fitness Co-ordinator in charge of the Fitness Studio is Peter Magson who brings a physical education background to the position.

Jayne Smith is the Programme Co-ordinator involved with aerobics, Step Reebok and children's holiday activities and she is a highly qualified fitness leader.

Annette Rains is at the front of the house as Receptionist/Secretary meeting and greeting members, and keeping everything spic and span is Cleaner Karen Flitcroft.

"We're a friendly, welcoming staff," says Deidre, "We're not part of the 'lycra and leotards brigade’ - more baggie tee shirts!"  -  so don't be intimidated. Our emphasis is on ensuring that members enjoy their fitness activities and get from us what they want.

"We're very happy to provide personal fitness assessments and draw up individual exercise programmes to meet people's needs. Peter Magson is particularly good at this and at the moment, for example, he is working with a champion shearer in training for a record shearing attempt.

"So, if you want an individual assessment and programme, come along and see us."

Watch for Flyers

Everything from ballooning to caving, rock climbing to parachuting and white water rafting - it's all available through the Recreation Centre at Lincoln University. 

To keep up with what's offering, browse through the flyers and other notices on the display panel inside the main foyer. There's always something tempting and exciting to read about.

And if you have an idea for some activity which you would like the Recreation Centre to offer, feel free to approach the staff with your suggestion and it will certainly be given consideration.

Café Too

In addition to the new studios, developments at the Recreation Centre have included provision for a cafe serving health food and other goodies.

That will be opening in the New Year and it will be an enjoyable spot for a touch of socialising after your workout.

Also part of the development has been the construction of three new tennis courts, and they will be getting all-weather surfaces in the near future. These are to replace the old tennis courts overtaken by the expansion of the buildings.

Remember too, the Main Hall remains as it was and it’s the venue for activities such as indoor netball, volleyball, indoor soccer and cricket.

Ian Collins, Journalist, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand.