Health & Fitness in Vancouver

Vancouver, like many of the world's big cities, has gotten on the health-and-wellness kick. Gyms, both public (operated by the Vancouver Park Board) and private, are well patronized. Various martial arts, yoga, and Pilates are just a few of the stable of classes and courses offered at community centers and businesses around the city. If you're jonesing for a fitness fix, you shouldn't have trouble finding something to suit your fancy.

Bentall Centre Athletic Club. The Bentall Centre specializes in squash and also has racquetball courts and weight and cardio gyms; aerobics and yoga classes are given as well. The drop-in fee is C$15. 1055 Dunsmuir St., lower plaza, Downtown. 604/689-4424.

Coal Harbour Community Centre. Operated by the Vancouver Park Board, this ultramodern facility on the Coal Harbour seawall, conveniently close to downtown hotels, has a fitness center with drop-in classes. 480 Broughton St., West End. 604/718-8222.

Semperviva. Based in Kitsilano, this major yoga operator runs four studios—the Sun Centre, the Sky Centre, the City Centre, and the Sea Centre: the last, in a former fish factory on Granville Island, overlooks False Creek. 200-1333 Johnstone St., Granville Island. 604/739-2009. Drop-in fee C$16.

YMCA. An entirely reconstructed YMCA will open in 2009, with the latest in fitness facilities, at its long-time downtown location. 955 Burrard St. 604/689-9622.

YWCA. The Y has an ozone pool, a cardio room, two coed and one women-only weight rooms, a whirlpool, steam rooms, and aerobics, yoga, and Pilates classes. The day rate is C$16. 535 Hornby St., Downtown. 604/895-5777.