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Fitness, fun + friendships: longstanding class ‘feels like home’

When Juliana Spooner first arrived in Saanich 27 years ago, the young mom knew no one.
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Saanich Recreation fitness instructor Pam Glover (left) is marking 30 years sharing the joy of community and fitness!

When Juliana Spooner first arrived in Saanich 27 years ago, the young mom knew no one.

What she soon discovered, however, was the community that awaited just a few blocks away at Cedar Hill Recreation Centre.

Today, she still cherishes friendships made at kindergym and at her next discovery: Pam Glover’s drop-in aerobics class. With her Access Pass in hand, Spooner has attended the Wednesday and Saturday classes on and off for more than two decades, appreciating the flexibility the drop-in sessions afford and Glover’s infectious enthusiasm. “I said, ‘Oh my gosh, I have found exactly what I’m looking for!’ It was my chance to do something just for me, but be part of a group.”

And Glover? She’s marking 30 years sharing the joy of community and fitness.

“I’m always learning,” Glover says. “And I do believe exercise is a huge part of healthy living and longevity.”

Accessibility, and the ability to adapt programs to suit various fitness levels are keys to the class’s success.

“Everyone is at a different level and works at that level,” she says. “At the end of each class, I always ask for feedback or if anyone has any questions, or anything they’d like to chat about,” Glover says. “And I listen to them.”

30 years = better than ever

After 30 years, the workouts really do keep getting better, with ever-changing music and new footwork that keeps the choreography fresh. Her own ongoing education also keeps her learning – and sharing.

She recalls one client who took to heart a discussion about engaging core muscles. “Months later she came back and said, ‘Now I do it without even thinking about it – anywhere I go I’m engaging my core.’”

When not at the helm of her Wednesday/Saturday sessions, you’ll find Glover leading several other classes each week. “Saanich really does offer a lot of variety,”she reflects.

“I really do find joy when I reach out to people and it seems to bounce around the room and come back to me. The more I give, the more rewarded I feel.”

While participants drop in as part of their fitness routine, it becomes so much more. “There’s a real social aspect to it, and we see our participants reach out to each other outside class.”

Returning to class four years ago after a time away, “it was like coming home, I was so happy,” Spooner says. “To work out with so much encouragement, it offers everything a community should, and Pam is the reason for that.”

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Your Saanich Access Pass offers 31 different drop-in activities weekly at four centres, including fitness, sports, swims and skates. With passes for every budget, including a monthly payment plan for some passes, buy your pass online or at any Saanich recreation centre. Learn more at saanich.ca/recreation

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Your Saanich Access Pass offers 31 different drop-in activities weekly at four centres, including a wide variety of fitness classes!