There’s something deeply ironic about having a job that requires us to be fit, attractive and in peak physical condition, and a lifestyle that sees us capping off a long day of rehearsals with several beers and greasy pub food. This irony is not lost on my final year class as we start to consider seeking film and television work after graduation, and facing the competitive theatre industry. We left off the last week of classes in December with a Hanukkah party that left us too full to move and began our new semester with an afternoon at Koerners pub. It’s time to get off the bar stool and back into shape!
Generally, I am a disciplined person – since closing Seussical I’ve continued to warm up and stretch every day, have started eating more fruits and veggies, cutting back on caffeine. But when it comes to exercise, I am the worst. As my classmates sail out the door to the gym, I don’t even dignify my non-participation with an excuse – I simply don’t want to. This needs to change! Here at UBC we have so many options for staying fit, and I plan to tackle my extreme dislike for exercise and get in shape. Here are a few ways my classmates and I intend to shape up this semester:
The Gym
UBC is host to a variety of different gyms, but our gym of choice is usually the Bird Coop. Just a stones throw from the SUB, membership to the Bird Coop is a sweet $25 per term, afer which you can just swipe your student card and go. While it’s insanely busy at the start of the term (gee, I wonder why) there are tons of cardio machines and every weight-lifty-thing imaginable. The Bird Coop comes with a certain vibe though – the guys are beefy and self-assured and the ladies dress to impress even while sweating it out on the treadmill, so unless you thrive on competition it may be too intimidating.
The Pool
UBC students get free access to the Aquatics Center (again a close neighbor to the SUB). It’s open most of the day for swimming laps, has a sauna and steam room and a small gym that is significantly less busy than the Bird Coop. Last year we even had a ballet barre class in the pool – very cool! Lots of the girls work out at the pool to develop long, lean muscles and avoid stress on joints.
Yoga
Yoga is great exercise for stretching and strengthening muscles and much of the philosophy behind it reinforces the voice and movement work we do in class. I would practice yoga more often if it were more affordable – I was pleased to find the classes at the UBC Rec Center are affordable and conveniently timed, so I will definitely be registering with them. Other favorite studios include Semperviva and Moksha Yoga.
That’s my list for now – hopefully I can join my classmates in “getting jacked”, as the guys like to say. For now, I’m curious – how do you get in shape? Please comment if you have a favorite gym, studio, or activity that keeps you feeling great!
Christine Quintana 