Keeping your new year's get-fit resolution is more sustainable and also more fun if you play a game. If you know a friend or a whole team is waiting for you to show up, you are more likely to take part, even after the first whirlwind days of commitment to your resolutions.
"The social aspect of playing a game means you are more likely to go. There is a different interaction with people as opposed to exercising on your own," said Wendy Barton, recreation program supervisor at Servus Credit Union Place.
Barton suggested that drop-in games are a good way to start. It's possible to play many inside winter sports at both Servus Credit Union Place and to a lesser degree at Fountain Park Pool (www.stalbert.ca). But there are also a variety of drop-in adult programs operated by St. Albert volleyball, badminton and pickleball clubs.
Basketball
"Basketball Court #1 (Servus Credit Union Place main floor) is available from noon until the facility closes at 10:30 p.m.," Barton said.
Basketballs may be rented for a $5 deposit, which is returned when the ball is returned. Depending upon how many people drop in to play, the game may be five-on-five players or three-on-three. Players rotate in and out of the game.
Volleyball
A co-ed pick-up volleyball game (Court 2 Servus Credit Union Place) is held Sunday 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Tuesday 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
"There is a cool group of women who drop-in to play volleyball Thursday mornings, 10:30 to noon. Then they go have coffee together," said Barton, adding that many in this morning group have small children and they are usually taken to the facility's day care.
Soccer
Family soccer time is Sunday, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
"This tends to be a diverse group. If we have a lot of older players, we split the facility and they are on one side. It's not facilitated. It's just played by those who show up. So it could be families with little ones who just want to run or it could be people who want to play a game. There's no pressure and games happen spontaneously," Barton said.
Pickleball
Pickleball is a racquet game played on a court that is somewhat smaller than a tennis court. The game may be played at Servus Credit Union Place on a drop-in basis at Pickleball shinny held Wednesday and Friday afternoons from 3 to 5 p.m. and Mondays 8:45 to 10:30 p.m.
The St. Albert Pickleball Club meets Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Red Willow Community Church near Servus Place with a $3 drop-in fee. The club membership is $30 for the year.
"This game is played with racquets that are like ping pong ball racquets on steroids. It's becoming really popular," said Barton, who explained that at the drop-in games newcomers can easily find someone to show them how to play.
"It's not an intimidating sport and if you try it at a drop-in game, you'll find it is a good confidence builder," she said.
Badminton
The Servus Credit Union Place badminton court is open for drop-in play: Sunday 4:30 to 6 p.m.; Monday 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.; Wednesday 6 to 7:30 p.m.; Friday 5:15 to 7:15 p.m. and Saturday 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
"Usually we set up the nets and a white board where you put your name down. When the time changes, whoever is next on the white board plays," said Barton, adding that racquets and shuttlecocks are available for a deposit.
St. Albert Recreation Badminton Club ($60 membership) meets at Vincent J. Maloney school Monday 8 to 10 p.m. and at St. Albert High Friday 7 to 9:45 p.m. (members and drop-in) and Saturday 1 to 3:45 p.m. For information visit [email protected]
Red Willow Badminton Club (80 Boudreau) 780-460-2441, also offers drop in times Tuesday 7 to 10 p.m. and Friday 9:30 a.m. to noon. For information visit redwillow.ca.
Shinny hockey
Adult Shinny hockey games are held at Servus Credit Union Place in the Go Auto Arena Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 to 11:30 p.m.
The 50 Plus Shinny is held every weekday morning in the Go Auto Arena.
"They call themselves the NHL Hopefuls. They skate hard and they have some laughs. Then usually they go for coffee," said Barton.
