New for Parc des Cèdres:

Physical fitness circuit in Aylmer by 2018

The City of Gatineau will build a physical (health) fitness path within the Parc des Cèdres in 2018.

“This will be a sportive walk path with different activities or exercise modules, in a natural or urban environment. There are many types of courses such as Trekfit, Benchfit, Vitalité, etc.,” outlined a city spokesperson.

The outdoors training circuits use existing urban furniture and landscaping, such as park benches. When people arrive at a station, warm-up, training or stretching exercises may be suggested.

“In the hands of our team of kinesiologists, simple park benches take on a completely different role. Our experts have developed training programs that develop flexibility and muscular endurance using park benches  only. BENCHFIT is ideal for all citizens, including seniors,” says the website of the Quebec firm, Trekfit, that specializes in this type of exercise circuit.    

By using this type of circuit, people can train with minimal equipment, and gain the benefits of the outdoors – fresh air, sunshine, birdsong.

According to the city’s four-year investment plan for parks and recreational, sports and community infrastructure, 2015-2018, a $60,000 annual budget has been set aside, between 2016 and 2018, to build a training circuit in each of three sectors.

In 2016, a circuit will be built in the Parc Lavictoire (Gatineau), one in Parc des Ormes (Hull) in 2017 and finally in Aylmer’s Parc des Cèdres (marina park) in 2018.