Opportunities for successful wellness resolutions
By Gwen Snell
Freelance Journalist
Looking to the new year, many people seize the opportunity to reflect on how they might improve their lives. Each year, the fitness industry sees an increase in sales of equipment, memberships and registrations for fitness or movement classes.
Experts tell us that physical fitness and wellness require that we make a commitment and develop a habit. Once that habit is established, then it's easy, right? Not necessarily. How long it takes to develop a positive habit is as varied as each individual – no two are alike. What might take four weeks with one person may require eight or even twelve weeks for another person. Throw in a few personal demands upon our time, and pretty soon, it's easy to "throw in the towel." Yet, studies have proven that when we make a commitment to fitness and our personal well-being, the benefits are far-reaching. Improved mood and mental health, physical well-being, social interaction and personal sense of achievement are all derived from taking that positive step to embrace movement into your life.
Cindy and Dean Krotsch Silver medal winners at Western Regional Championships in Medicine Hat
Within the community, there are a number of opportunities for residents to increase their physical activity levels – even in winter. There are two fitness centres in the community, a private yoga studio, trainers who will provide one-on-one training/coaching, martial arts, free skating opportunities, walking trails and pathways, curling opportunities, and we even have those who have outstanding achievements with weight lifting.
If sweating is not your thing, consider taking up a musical instrument with Hanna Band, join Stage Hanna theatre productions or learn to draw.
And if being outside is not for you, then Centennial Place offers a variety of options for residents. The indoor walking track is free to use during regular hours of operation, which is open 7 days/week and only closed for holidays. In addition to the walking track, one can find programs such as Pickleball and Kickboxing.
Michele Toews of the Town of Hanna Community Services department indicated, "The Town is always looking to see our facilities well utilized. We have great recreational facilities, and we strive to provide a variety of programs for residents. Programs like "Workouts with Shandi" allow us to add something new to the mix that may draw people to come to check out Centennial Place. There are the obvious physical benefits to coming out to a class, paired with the social benefits from connecting with others in the space."
In January, registrations for kickboxing are being accepted at the town. Certified instructor with Fitness Kickboxing Canada, Jill Olesen, offers a program that is suitable for all levels. Toews stated "Participants will work at their own pace to build their confidence and skills. Kickboxing is every bit as much a mental exercise as a physical one! This popular class tends to fill quickly, so pre-registration for the 10-week session is required. Equipment is available for rent or purchase.
And if you are looking for something a bit different, Toews reminds residents that Pickleball is also available on the regular schedule four times per week at Centennial Place. (Mondays and Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 12 noon)
"We are very lucky to have two certified Pickleball instructors here in Hanna. Dean and Cindy Kroetsch approached us about volunteering their time to run the fall of 2023 introduction to Pickleball class, which was very well attended. They are passionate about growing the sport and want to help make it accessible and approachable to all ages. We don't have a follow-up class planned for 2024, but the group is open to new players joining in. It is interesting to note that Dean is active in promoting Junior Pickleball at the provincial level and would love to see more young people join in!"
If you are not sure about what programs or activities are being offered, sign up for the Town of Hanna e-news by providing your information in the" First to Know" section at the bottom of the Town website at www.hanna.ca Alternatively, residents can view hanna.ca/events to see the full calendar.
If there is a program or activity that you would like to see in our area, please contact Michele at the Town of Hanna office. "Whether it's a class you'd like to take or a passion you'd like to share with others, we are open to discussing what might be possible."