Fitness Centers

XYO – eXercise Your Options!
With a RECenter membership pass you have the opportunity to participate in a variety of land group exercise classes offered as part of the
XYO — eXercise Your Options! program. From cycling to step, rowing to high-low aerobics, XYO offers the best of all worlds.

Strength training is as good for your heart as it is for your waistline. According to the American Heart Association, such workouts can reduce critical risk factors for heart disease, including cholesterol levels, blood pressure, body-fat levels and glucose metabolism.

With state-of-the art Cybex equipment and guidance from FitLinxx, the virtual training partner, the fitness rooms at your neighborhood RECenter have everything you need to give yourself a lift towards better health. Check with the fitness coordinator at your RECenter for information on how to get started.

Take an Alternative Approach to Fitness

A growing interest in exercise's mind-body connections has sparked renewed popularity in alternative approaches to getting that regular physical activity critical for good health and well being. Today, it's hard to find a fitness magazine or a fitness center that doesn't reach beyond the traditional regimens of aerobics and strength training. One of the top choices in "new" alternative exercise is Pilates, a method of body conditioning developed over 90 years ago by Joseph H. Pilates, a German physical therapist.

Pilates is an alternative conditioning system for the entire body that strengthens, stretches and defines all muscle groups. The exercises are meant to increase body awareness through the practice of good body mechanics. A well-trained instructor will help you focus your attention on the importance of connecting mind and body while performing the exercises.

These creative exercises include close to 500 variations for conditioning the whole body. Pilates workouts help you develop a balanced body. Every muscle is evenly conditioned, giving you a boost towards meeting healthy lifestyle goals and enhancing your performance in sports and dance arts with optimum results while aiding in the prevention of injuries.

The program works for everyone regardless of age, fitness level or limiting medical conditions, such as asthma, chronic pain or injuries. The exercises are surprisingly relaxing and revitalizing. The movements are structured around the center of the body: abdominal, hips, lower back and buttocks. The focus is on strengthening this "powerhouse"—the muscles instrumental to creating and maintaining the good posture and proper alignment which are the hallmarks of the Pilates program.

Autonomy is also an important tool in Pilates routines. All of the exercises are designed to make you the master your own fitness regimen. In 10 lessons, you'll feel a difference; in 20 lessons, you'll see the difference; by the time you complete 30 lessons, you'll have a whole new body!

Pilates is offered at Providence, Lee District, Mt. Vernon and Audrey Moore RECenters as well as through the Park Authority's community-based classes in schools and various business locations. See your Parktakes Magazine for dates and times, or visit Parktakes Online and search Keyword: Pilates.

RECenters are conveniently located. They start early, close late, and are open seven days a week.

There is an admission charge to all RECenters. Proof of Fairfax County residency entitles visitors to a discounted admission rate.

The following RECenters include a complete Fitness Center:
Audrey Moore RECenter
Cub Run RECenter
Lee District RECenter
Mount Vernon RECenter
Oak Marr RECenter
Providence RECenter
Spring Hill RECenter
South Run RECenter

Note: George Washington RECenter has a fitness area that includes a treadmill, stair-stepper, recumbent and stationary bicycles.