More than just a workout
At first glance, Le Centre — the PERFORM Centre’s conditioning and rehabilitation floor — looks like a state-of-the-art fitness centre; however, Le Centre is much more than your average gym.
“Le Centre is one of the numerous programs offered by the PERFORM Centre,” explains Kevin Little, PERFORM’s chief administrative officer. “People who join will be active members of an innovative new research, education and community engagement facility.”
Le Centre members will have the opportunity get in shape using industry-leading fitness equipment and can also take part in cutting-edge research and programming in the areas of physical activity, rehabilitation, nutrition and lifestyle change.
Beginning September 12, Concordia students, staff and faculty as well as members of the community will be able to use the facility on a trial basis.
Through programs offered by Le Centre, staff and faculty will also have access to Technogym’s Wellness System, which will allow people to digitally monitor their progress as well as design personalized fitness plans. Moreover, members will be able to participate in educational activities such as specialized training programs developed by students in the Department of Exercise Science under the supervision of certified fitness professionals.
As research activities begin this fall in the PERFORM Centre’s numerous laboratories and suites, members will be given even more opportunities to benefit from the research taking place at PERFORM.
“We house comprehensive assessment and training equipment that measure many aspects of human performance in the areas of muscular strength, endurance, mobility and cardiopulmonary function,” explains Marion Lowe, PERFORM’s clinical exercise program manager. “Research study participants will go through a series of assessments to establish baseline measurements to help determine how to improve the body’s overall functioning over a particular period of time and under specific conditions.”
Progress will be monitored by student interns, learning from accomplished researchers who will evaluate the results and disseminate this evidence through scholarly research publications. This information will contribute to developing improved rehabilitation programs for the community.
“We believe that members of Le Centre will play an active role in helping us achieve our goal of better health through prevention,” says Little. “Students will get hands-on training on the best equipment in the field. Researchers will be able to advance their work and community members will walk away with valuable knowledge on how to maximize their health.”
Katie Sheahan, Concordia’s director of recreation and athletics, is excited about what Le Centre will bring to the Loyola Campus. “Le Centre will provide users with a unique fitness experience that goes beyond just a regular workout,” she says. “We encourage staff, faculty, alumni and students as well as the neighbouring community to discover how Le Centre can improve their lifestyle.”
Le Centre is located at 7200 Sherbrooke St. W. in the PERFORM CENTRE on the Loyola Campus. Faculty and staff can participate in free trials starting September 12 with full operations beginning September 19. Please visit athletics.concordia.ca for more details concerning hours, pricing and programming.
Related links:
• Le Centre
• PERFORM Centre