Fitness Clubs
Dynamic Conditioning Centre
By all accounts Dynamic Conditioning Centre is no ordinary gym. Instead of row upon row of shiny exercise machines, DCC's equipment is an eclectic mix of items including sleds, fire hoses, monkey bars, kettle bells, a wide strip of Astroturf, water-filled barrels, climbing ropes, and a neat ball-and-rope thing that you can swing and bounce off walls.
As I roam the 5400 sq. ft. facility with Lee, my tour guide and DCC co-founder, I keep feeling the urge to run off and play with something. Finally, after we climb an Astroturf-covered incline, I give out a little "yee-haw!" and jump off the raised platform onto a soft "crash pad", feeling like a kid on a playground. The place sure is fun.
But it's not just about having fun: ultimately, it's about getting you in shape. As Lee explains, if some trinket is amusing but doesn't do much to improve your fitness level, you won't find it at DCC. Every piece of equipment is a tool to help you achieve the results you want.
Take the slosh bar - a long cylinder with water sloshing inside, rushing whichever way the bar is tilted. The inherent instability of such a contraption makes for a great opportunity to work the stabilizing core and leg muscles, engaging the whole body. That's what DCC is all about - improving your real-life, functional endurance, strength, balance and agility. Not bulking up a few isolated muscle groups or spending hours and hours on a treadmill.
So, what's a workout at DCC like?
Okay, now it's time for the most exciting part of my visit: the timed obstacle course. Just last weekend Lee and Jared were invited to set up an obstacle course at the Roger's Centre for the 126th Annual Police Games. He shows me the proper way to do some of the more technical elements of the course - and off I go!
Hop, hop, hop - kettle bell swings - push and pull weights and sleds up and down the Astroturf hill - push it, push it, keep going! - jump off the raised platform (yee-haw!) - jump into tractor tire - jump out - go, go, go! - 20 swings of the neat rope-and-ball thing - hop, hop, hop - throw 20 punches at the punching bag - come on, almost there! - sideways hops - zigzag around a line of cones - 20 satisfying sledgehammer whacks of the tractor tire - whew, DONE!
Three minutes and thirty four seconds after the start I'm gasping for air and grinning from ear to ear. I don't know if it's possible for endorphins to kick in this fast, but I'm floating on a bit of a high after completing the challenge. It sure was an intense workout!
Rates and Initiation Fee
A basic membership will run you $100 a month. You can also get an optional start-up package for $399 which includes a biosignature assessment (i.e., your hormonal/nutritional profile), two visits to a therapist, a fitness assessment, a customized workout program and two personal training sessions.
Clearly this isn't a budet gym, but that's the price you pay for individual attention. I'm assured that even for those who don't opt for any personal training, the DCC staff is still there to provide guidance and support. And apparently if members stop showing up, they'll get a phone call asking if they're okay, and urging them to stop slacking off. Quite a contrast with huge gym chains that gleefully collect regular payments from absentee patrons.
Towels, Lockers and Showers
The change rooms, showers, therapy waiting room, as well as other non-workout parts of the centre are modern and inviting, unlike the rugged and industrial athletic playground itself . The contrast defines clear boundaries between the "work hard area" and the "relax and feel at home area" (Lee says free WiFi for members is coming soon and, honestly, this is all I personally ever need to feel at home anywhere).
The change rooms are a bit small though and don't have much in the way of seating. Some benches would be a welcome addition. The gym does have a towel service.
Personal Training, Yoga and Spin
Personal training is $70-110 per hour, or there is group training available to help defray the cost. Spinning is not offered (there is nothing machine-dependent at DCC), but yoga is, as well as a variety of other classes: kettlebells, martial arts, boot camps (regular and women's only). The classes are $15-35 per session.
Food and Juice
There is a fridge with basic staples like water and Gatorade.
Worth Mentioning
Personal attention to every member's need is possible because DCC does not try to over recruit. At the time of this post, they have a membership base of about 45, hoping to grow it to 150. After that they'll look into expanding the space before attempting to invite new members. "We don't want it to be overcrowded," says Lee. "Definitely intend to keep the exclusivity."
Days and Hours of Operation
6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on the weekdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.
Discussion
39 Comments
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Best Gym in the city BY FAR
Awesome workout!!
xx
Lyzabeth Lopez
Kyle Whaley
Physiotherapist
The use of unusual equipment and techniques such as the tornado ball, rope climb and plate pushes across the Astroturf have tested me in ways I've never experienced before.
I highly recommend DCC for anyone looking to take their training to the next level!
Alfred "Soon to be new 5 plate record holder" Lee
Its a life changing workout.
Make the investment in yourself!
Cheers to the DCC staff, and best of luck in the new location. Ian.
Owners Lee and Jared creat a positive space for all physical levels, ages, and gender. This small business keeps the intimacy in your personal work out. It offers new ways and NO MACHINES for fun workouts where you're not slagging away on a tread mill.
what ever you are looking for COME IN AND CHECK IT OUT!
Thanks TY!
I feel this is an absolutely unique form of fitness training. It can't be done in your regular 'weight gym'. It combines aerobic and power training, which is perfect for playing rugby. DCC's ä sport-specific workout has directly improved my on-pitch performance. It is also great that I can have an efficient and effective workout in about an hour.
www.sociallockerroom.com
It is a perfect site to set fitness goals and meet them through:
-Planning games with your friends and other people in your area (and sync them with your everyday calendar)
-Discover and create groups that match your interest and skills
-Setting goals and have your network challenge you to improve
When you can workout with other people or have challenges in your calendar, you are more likely to stick to them and succeed!
Please check it out! The more people on there the better for finding people in your area with similar interests...and staying motivated!!
Lets all get fit and healthy together!
www.sociallockerroom.com
Twitter:@SLockerroom