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Family-friendly fitness to competitive climbing and more, CARSA’s community memberships are the ultimate deal

CARSA welcomes neighbours to work out in an inclusive environment
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Lawrence Lam appreciates the both the variety of fitness opportunities and the sense of support at UVic’s CARSA facility. (Armando Tura/APshutter.com photo)

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From the breadth of workout options to the spirit of support and motivation, UVic’s Centre for Athletics, Recreation and Special Abilities (CARSA) is a community resource like no other.

That’s good news for the region’s residents looking for a nearby, state-of-the-art facility to amp up their fitness routine. While students of all ages, staff, faculty and UVic alumni are active at the 190,000 sq. ft. CARSA, so too are community members from all fitness backgrounds.

With numerous fitness classes, a 20,000-sq.-ft., two-floor fitness weight centre, 16-metre climbing wall, squash courts, pool, drop-in sports and more, the challenge may be fitting it all in.

“There is such a breadth of activities that it’s hard not to find something you’d be passionate about,” says Lawrence Lam, who’s worked out at CARSA since its 2015 opening. “CARSA has had a huge impact in helping me live a healthy and active lifestyle!”

Building community one workout at a time

The sense of community at CARSA makes Lam’s efforts more enjoyable and more rewarding.

“I’ve found myself surrounded by incredibly supportive and motivating people who push you to reach your goals. This strong sense of community makes CARSA feel like a place where you can do anything you put your mind to, a place where you can have fun, and most importantly, a place where you belong. Your accomplishments feel so much greater when you can share them with other like-minded people who have sweat it out with you too.”

Family-friendly fitness

That sense of community extends throughout the facility, which welcomes all ages and abilities. With accessible terrain, child and youth rates, and youth programming for ages eight and older, the Peninsula Co-op Climbing Centre is a great place for families and even youth birthday parties.

“Our goal here is to provide the resources and training to make climbing accessible – we pride ourselves on being a very inclusive facility,” says Sebastian Powell, with Vikes Athletics & Recreation, noting the centre also offers an adaptive climbing program.

Bonus community membership benefits:

• Expand recreation horizons with outdoor equipment rentals.

• Enjoy complimentary admission to regular season Vikes varsity games.

Sign up for a four-month Adult Vikes Fit or Climb community membership for just $200 (regular $255) and access the CARSA fitness weight centre or Peninsula Co-op Climbing Centre plus a great selection of group fitness classes, squash and racquetball courts, drop-in recreation in the fieldhouse and more. Purchase your membership at the CARSA membership services counter by June 30, 2017. Learn more at vikesrec.ca/membership. (Offer applies to first-time purchases only. Limited time offer. Cannot be purchased on a monthly basis and full fee is due upon purchase).

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At CARSA, inclusivity is key, as everyone from students to seniors work out alongside Vikes athletes and current, past and future Olympians. (Armando Tura/APshutter.com photo)