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New fitness centre encourages healthy living at school

Glenlyon Norfolk encourages healthy living with new fitness centre

Glenlyon Norfolk School is encouraging students to lead a healthy, active lifestyle with the opening of a new state-of-the-art fitness centre last week.

The Scott Fitness Centre, located at the Pemberton Woods campus on Bank Street, includes spin bikes, treadmills, weight machines and space for yoga, dance, karate and a weight-lifting club.

Prior to renovations, it was a 1932 middle school gym. Now, the multi-purpose centre has the capacity to hold two to three classes of 20 students, along with co-curricular users.

There is also a smart TV to show students how to plan their fitness workouts and how to use the machines.

The roughly 2,800-square-foot facility is already getting lots of use both during school hours as part of the physical education program, but also before and after school by students trying to stay active.

“The idea of the fitness centre was really to enhance the whole student experience at GNS,” said Glenn Zederayko, head of school.

“This fitness centre is another area where they learn, not only about being healthy and fit, but looking after others and making positive differences that we think will extend into their community work well outside of Victoria, the province and the world.”

The spaces cost roughly $500,000 to renovate and equip over a six-month period. Donations came from families of students attending the school.

“Healthy body, healthy mind. The kids are walking by and they're so excited,” said Chad Holtum, deputy head of school, who was responsible for fundraising.

“It's going to benefit every student as part of the physical education program or co-curricular program.”

Zederayko said currently the centre is only open to students, but could potentially be open to school alumni and parents in the future.

Glenlyon Norfolk School is an independent school for kids in kindergarden to Grade 12. There are campuses in Victoria and Oak Bay. The Pemberton Woods campus has roughly 500 students.

Kendra.wong@vicnews.com