You can avoid hot summer temperatures and still engage in physical activity by attending fitness classes, swimming, or working out on your own at the Moab Recreation and Aquatics Center, 374 N. Park Ave. The city-run facility is open seven days a week.
The center offers classes in spin, dance, yoga, high-intensity interval training (a variety of movements designed to build muscle), and mobility flow to help stretch and release shoulders, hips, and other parts of the body.
However, if guided workouts are not your thing, there is also a 2,400-square-foot gym with free weights and cardio machines. Additionally, the MRAC offers indoor and outdoor pools with designated lanes for lap swimming.
“It’s definitely a wonderful community resource,” said MRAC director Emily Sukiennik. “Families love to come in with their kids and people love the lap swims.”
The rec center also includes a lobby with Wi-Fi, child care, and a multi-purpose room available for rental for pool parties and other events.
“We offer showers as well, which a lot of tourists take advantage of,” Sukiennik said. Cost to use the shower facilities is $7 per person.
Drop-in rates to otherwise use the facility are $3 for members and $5 for nonmembers. There are different types of membership – you can purchase just the fitness portion, or the aquatics, or buy a package that includes both. Memberships can be monthly, quarterly or yearly.
Regan Ballard has taught dance club fitness at the center for the past eight years, using a wide variety of music, including disco, country, pop, and Latin. She also currently coaches the Grand County High School drill team.
“I try to make it so everybody is going to hear something they love and will identify with,” she said. “You don’t realize you’re working out because it’s fun and you’re just dancing. We turn off the lights, put fun colored lights on and just dance.”
Ballard provides hand cues and leads participants in the steps. Prior dance experience is not necessary. She said the more often you come, the more fun it is – because you get to know the steps.
“If you’re moving and having fun you’re doing it right,” she said. “You’re going to sweat.”
Dance fitness classes are held Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 8:30-9:30 a.m., and Friday from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Morning classes typically draw between four and six participants, while the Friday classes always fill up, she said.
Classes at the center are limited to 10 participants – it’s first-come, first-serve. Masks are required for all public places at the center, including the pool deck. Face-coverings are not mandated in classes, where participants are socially distanced.
Luis Nieves, 32, typically works out in the MRAC gym four or five times a week. He has been a member for four years.
“I feel like they keep the center very clean; people are super nice, respectful,” Nieves said. Plus, “it’s spacious.”
If you have certain specific skills, the MRAC may have a job for you.
“We hope to add more classes – I’m seeking additional instructors,” Sukiennik said. “I’m looking for individuals to teach step aerobics, and toning classes, and I’m interested in possibly adding tai chi and youth karate.”
Check the website www.moabrecreation.org for a schedule or for more information. People can also stop by the center and pick up a flyer with a schedule of classes.
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