Junk food, stress, health problems… More and more people in Nice are taking up sports, a fabulous way to channel energy, relax, lose weight, and so on. There are countless ways to engage in physical activity, among them, sports clubs. Offering a wide variety of exercises, these clubs have seen significant growth in recent years and often satisfy everyone: from the casual Sunday sportsperson to the elite athlete and those who want to stay trim or have a sleek figure.
It is well known that sports bring people together from all walks of life and social classes. “Everyone comes with specific goals,” explains Sylvie Maurice, manager of Club Gymnase Sud France. “There are those who want a perfect body, those with health issues who seek to strengthen themselves, those looking to slim down, and those who are preparing for sports competitions. It’s interesting because for us, the work is varied,” she continues.
On average, members of these clubs work out two to three times a week. Mornings for the elderly, noon and evenings for the working and student populations.
Individual and Group Classes
The activities offered are diverse. From weight training, running, cycling, stretching, to the sauna and hammam, “you can do everything,” comments Jacques Collin, the director of Espace Wellness in the city center and two Fitness Land locations in West and East Nice. “Now, all gyms are very well-equipped,” much to everyone’s delight.
Weight training and fitness clubs also offer a choice of both group and individual classes. The former has the advantage of solidarity and encouragement among all participants, while the latter allows for more in-depth training and is also popular with beginners who are learning the basics. “Across the three sites, we offer 200 classes per week in addition to about forty aqua fitness lessons,” announces Jacques Collin. Sylvie Maurice is not far behind, as “we also offer yoga and gentle gym classes,” she states.
“An Extreme Good”
“Weight training helps to perfect one’s body. You push yourself, you give everything you have, you let loose,” admits Pierre, 27 years old. “It does a world of good. After a session, you feel great. If there’s still a bit of energy left, we might do some cardio (running, cycling,…), but not often because after that we are worn out,” jokes this basketball player who has been lifting weights for more than four years. Ginette, 75, wishes to “stay fit as long as possible even though health concerns are starting to surface,” confesses the hyperactive grandma. “So I keep up with activities like the rowing machine, uphill walking on treadmills, and aqua aerobics,… It’s really beneficial,” she concludes. Rest assured, the weight training and fitness rooms have many good days ahead. The best is probably yet to come.
