On May 13, the new Canso Fitness Centre officially opened inside the Canso & Area Recreation Complex, bringing expanded opportunities for fitness, recreation and wellness to Canso and surrounding communities.
The new fitness centre provides residents of all ages with a welcoming place to stay active, connect with others and take part in recreation opportunities close to home. As the facility continues to become part of community life, we wanted to highlight two of our members and hear what the experience has meant to them.
Member Spotlight: Clarice Avery
For Clarice Avery, joining the Canso Fitness Centre was about more than exercise — it was about building strength, confidence and maintaining an active lifestyle.
After noticing her activity levels decrease over the winter months, Clarice decided to become a member. Since joining, she has noticed positive changes, including increased confidence and a sense of accomplishment after each workout.
“Once I finish a workout, I feel accomplished. I am starting to feel stronger, although it will take some time. If my strength is good, I can maintain my mobility and quality of life.”
Her advice for anyone thinking about joining?
“Do not hesitate, go and join as quickly as you can. No matter your age or your goals.”
Clarice also shared that the friendly staff and welcoming environment have made the Canso Fitness Centre a place where she feels comfortable and supported.
Member Spotlight: The DeWolfe Family
For the DeWolfe family, getting started at the Canso Fitness Centre began with a gifted membership. Having watched the facility come to life over the winter while spending time next door at the arena, they were excited to finally walk through the doors.
As parents, they wanted to model an active lifestyle for their boys and help build healthy habits while they are still young. What started as a great opportunity has quickly become something the whole family genuinely enjoys doing together.
Their advice to anyone who may feel unsure about joining is simple: just start.
“You don't have to know what you're doing or have a complicated workout plan. Hop on a bike, walk on the treadmill, or try one machine. Take it at your own pace and build from there. Everyone starts somewhere, and the hardest part is simply getting through the door that first time.”
For the DeWolfe family, the benefits have gone beyond exercise. Between working out, playing pickleball, swimming and taking part in other Canso Recreation programs, the fitness centre has created more opportunities for family time, community connection and building healthy habits.
“It’s been great not only for our physical health, but for our confidence, our family time, and our overall well-being.”
A Place to Start
Clarice and the DeWolfe family each have their own reasons for being members, but their experiences share something in common: the Canso Fitness Centre has become a place to build healthy habits, find confidence, spend time together and connect with the community.
Whether you're looking to become more active, build strength, try something new or simply make use of a community facility close to home, there is no one right way to get started.
Thank you to Clarice Avery and the DeWolfe family for sharing their experiences and helping us celebrate the people who are making the Canso Fitness Centre part of their lives.
