It is once again time to start resolving those New Year's resolutions, and if fitness is one of yours, then you’ve come to the right place.
We spoke with Jennifer and Sarah, employees of Canton’s very own Summit on the Park, who provided valuable information about their facilities and what to expect when using them. We also published a blog, Three Things to Know About Joining a Gym in January, as a general primer on the topic.
What do you find are the best times to visit the Summit for people who might be nervous about getting started and would like to start with more privacy until they become comfortable?
"The most private time is during lunch, from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM. After that, a lot of teens show up after school to exercise, so it does get busier. Apart from the 'after school' crowd, there’s also the 'after work' crowd and the 'after dinner' crowd."
What is one thing you think is very important for people to understand when it comes to proper gym etiquette?
"With tech being at the forefront of everything people do, people spend a lot of time on their phones, which can lead to backup of equipment times. We are a smaller facility; we don’t have lots of space and are very popular, so making sure you are not holding someone else up is important. And we all do it: sometimes you’ll get a work email and be reading it and not think about your surroundings.
Do your reps, but if you need to check the phone, sit off to the side, grab a drink, don’t be intrusive to other people. Offer for others to work in your space if you are comfortable.
Headphones as well. You want to keep them at a level where you can hear people around you. Someone may be trying to ask you something, like if you wouldn't mind swapping machines with them.
We have a small little locker area in the fitness center to put just your cell phone or keys. You don’t need a lock for that one, either. You just create a passcode and you’re good to go.”
Sarah, you’re a certified personal trainer; let’s say you’re preparing for your first workout at the Summit. What do you recommend eating before? How soon before?
"It depends on the duration of the workout and how fit you are. One to two hours before, you want a little carbs and a little bit of protein. For example, a banana and granola bar or it could be a peanut butter sandwich or oatmeal with berries. Some people’s stomachs can’t handle dairy, so maybe a protein smoothie. But something light, it doesn’t need to be much. And hydrate. Hydrate before you come in—before, during, and after the workout."
How should someone new to working out start developing a routine? How do they know which parts of their body they should work on and for how long?
"A consultation appointment with a trainer is great for figuring out your goals. You don’t have to commit to a schedule; you can just see a trainer for a one-time fee if you want. But no matter how you find a routine, you cannot 'spot train.' This is so important."
Sarah adds that those new to the gym can set up a quick 15-minute tour of the weight room with their health and wellness coordinator, Jason.
What are some underutilized spots in the Summit?
“I would say the upstairs track. We do have a lot of walkers up there, but there’s no reason you can’t take some fitness equipment up to do some exercises. If you like spaces that are away from the crowds, you can go up there and find space in the corners of the track for body weight exercises.
You can always reserve the racquetball court as well. You don’t need to know how to play—you could just do some workouts in there or be learning how to play racquetball. We also have some people who like to reserve those rooms for roller-skating. Those would be our top ones as of right now.”
What classes do you offer for groups? Any one-on-one training?
"We have over 70 fitness classes a week, something for everybody. They range from small to big, gentle to intense. We have senior fitness, beginner, intermediate and advanced classes. Most classes are included in the membership. We do offer daily drop-ins, but it can be difficult to find those extra spots because our classes are so popular."
In lieu of outdoor swimming, the pool must be popular during the winter. What are some health benefits unique to swimming?
“I did a research paper in college on the benefits of aquatic training. I think that water exercises in any capacity are something that everybody should add to their workout routine. Water exercises increase your muscle strength in every capacity because you have constant resistance throughout every single movement you do in the water, especially for muscles you may not work out on a regular basis.
It also helps a lot with balance for seniors, and is good for people just coming off of physical therapy. It’s good for runners or cardio people because there’s no weight on your hips or joints.”
Joining a new gym can be tough. What would you say to encourage someone reluctant to start, someone who might be coming alone with no friends or moral support?
"If you asked everyone else who was also at the gym, you would see there are other first-timers. Ask anyone else how they felt the first time, and you will realize you are not alone. Everyone who goes to a gym was a beginner at one point. Show us how brave you are. You can do it."
What is new at the Summit?
“We are working on going through a remodel, potentially adding space to the fitness center and some more rooms for fitness classes. More rooms for fitness classes will definitely happen because we’re just bursting at the seams.”
Sarah also says that cycling classes, which will not be running during the summer, will be a new addition.
“New this year, we added a cycle studio. Those are going to be our paid/registered classes, so we’re hoping to open up more. I suppose a class that would appeal to what tends to be a younger crowd. It will be some early mornings, late afternoons and some mid-days. A lot of the working class. We have some advanced classes, but we wanted to add more.
We have a lot of seniors in Canton, but we also have a lot of younger people who like to use the fitness center and do those classes, so we want to encourage them and make sure they’re getting what they need out of here.”
As someone who often greets guests at the front desk, why do you think the Summit is a uniquely great place to exercise? What can you tell our community to excite them for their first visit?
"It’s more like a family here, not just a workout place. Our front desk staff will know your name. We offer more than just scanning a barcode, more than just a workout. We’ll get you connected with people. We’ve sent cards to guests in the past who were sick. We try our best to make everybody feel like family. Our people start to show up 15 to 20 minutes before we open. They have to wait in line because there are so many, and they all seem to know each other. We see them chatting all the time while waiting outside. It’s really cute.”
The Summit on the Park offers membership options for individuals, groups, families, and even couples. In addition to the fitness center’s wide array of equipment, there is also a 7,600 square-foot gymnasium for basketball and running (complete with an indoor track), pools for aquatic classes, a 55+ club with pool tables and space for socializing, and even themed birthday parties for children. Canton residents are eligible for a one-week free trial membership. For more information, visit their website.
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