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A r-evolution-ary gym experience

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The owners of Evolutions Health and Fitness Centre located in Southside, St George's.

Many people go to the gym regularly and know exactly what they want to do. However many, especially those going for the first time, are lost once they walk in and see all the equipment.And that is where the experts come in.Quinell Francis, one of the owners of the Evolutions Health & Fitness Centre at Southside, said they have a number of pros to help clients along. And one of the best things about Evolutions is that clients can, and often do, mix up exercise between the outside and inside.Of course Evolutions has all the latest equipment and numerous aerobics, yoga and even kickboxing classes but they are also ideally situated in open space at Southside so that one can work out in the gym and perhaps have a long walk, a run or a cycle around Southside by the ocean and can even run or walk down to Cooper's Island, one of Bermuda's most beautiful areas.Ms Francis joined up with her sister Quinita Francis and Candy-Lee Foggo who is president of the Bermuda Bodybuilding Federation, to open Evolutions Health & Fitness Centre.“We opened last June and it is ideal for people who live and work in the East End,” said Ms Francis. “The gym has been received very well and membership is increasing. And now we are getting those people who made New Year's resolutions to get in shape, so it has really picked up.”Ms Francis said that the busy times are the early morning and after work and they have a number of people coming in now who have never been inside a gym before.“But when they come they like what they see it is very inviting.”She added: “People can get very busy at lunch so we have found that they are coming before they go to work and after work. But we are getting those people during the day from the businesses that have opened in the East End like the Ministry of Education and other Government departments. We are also seeing those people who work at the airport and of course there is the Police and Fire Departments down here as well.”Some clients are into body building but many just want to get in shape and perhaps lose weight. “We have a full time trainer and part time trainers as well as four fitness instructors. We find that some people come in small groups. They need someone to help push them along they have a buddy system and enjoy working out together.”The classes are very popular. There is the Reggae Soca Aerobics which is a rhythmic workout that features the sounds of reggae, calypso and soca which gives a good upper and lower workout with accents on the torso.Then there is the Step Aerobics class where clients work out by stepping up and down on a rectangular platform.For the more adventurous there is the Kickboxing classes. It is a workout that brings together aerobic techniques and cardio toning. You will learn the proper techniques for throwing punches, jabs and uppercuts to help firm your muscles and build conditioning.The Yoga class allows you to reduce stress and become more physically fit.The Body Sculpt class is a non-aerobic, muscle toning class. With the use of dumbbells, you will perform traditional weight training moves in a class setting.And then there is the Pump it Up class which is weight resistance to suit all levels. You will work to improve and shape all muscle groups.Evolutions has 2,400 square feet of space spread over two fitness rooms to provide clients with a full body workout.“No matter your level of fitness, we have equipment, programmes and services to meet your personal needs,” said Ms Francis.The gym is outfitted with Cybex equipment, air conditioning, showers, ample parking and situated near running, cycling and swimming areas.“Quite a few people use the cardio equipment like the treadmill and of course the bicycles. The people who are really into body building use the free weights and the people looking to do weight loss use the machines for toning and strengthening.“Some need the guidance we provide we want to teach people the correct techniques of how to use the weights and what the right weigh for them. If you do not know what you are doing you can hurt yourself. We teach the correct way to use the weights and machines.“A lot of it depends on what you are trying to achieve. For instance if you want to lose weight you use lighter weights but more repetition. But if you are coming in to bulk up you are going to use the heavier weights and less repetition. All of us want to help our client to reach their goals. They can come in and sit down with us and work out a programme.“We also have quite a few seniors and it only costs half the price for those 65 and older. Some of them have been in a gym before and some have never done it they are just getting started.”And being that Evolutions is in such a beautiful area, many clients take advantage of that.“We do have quite a few people who do their cardio outside walking or running and then come in and do their weights at the gym. It is so beautiful down here and there is not much traffic to worry about. One security company had their workers use our facility but they also customised their run right down to Clearwater beach. We are now starting to make out routes for running and walking and we are seeing people who are getting ready for the May 24 Half Marathon and also the End to End walk.”Evolutions is located at 14 Waller's Point Road, St George's (Southside Commercial Park). For more information, contact 297-0438 or email info[AT]evolutionshealth.bm.

Photo by Glenn TuckerEvolutions Health and Fitness Centre Limited located Southside, St George's.
Photo by Glenn TuckerEvolutions Health and Fitness Centre Limited located Southside, St George's.
Photo by Glenn TuckerEvolutions Health and Fitness Centre Limited located Southside, St George's.
Photo by Glenn TuckerEvolutions Health and Fitness Centre Limited located Southside, St George's.