A new year, a new you.

Well, that might be the motto some take when flipping the calendar on a new year and eyeing up a new fitness regime, but itB次元官网网址檚 not always about just burning calories.

B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e finding a lot of people are doing personal training and small group training,B次元官网网址� said West Shore Parks and Recreation fitness and wellness programmer, Kristy Webster.

But her clients seem more interested in self-care than just losing weight, she said. An increasing number are continuing to rehabilitate injuries or want to learn more about the different gym equipment to work on repairing old injuries and chronic pain. Even for those clients who are looking to lose weight, Webster said, itB次元官网网址檚 more about regaining function and movement than about looking a certain way.

B次元官网网址淲hich is a really, really awesome shift to see. ItB次元官网网址檚 a good thing.B次元官网网址�

Darci Nyal, owner of Moksha Yoga Westshore, labels such an approach B次元官网网址渟elf-care.B次元官网网址� The concept can sound strange to some, she said, but it is a real component of a balanced lifestyle.

The hustle and bustle of December, which Nyal pointed out is often focused on otherB次元官网网址檚 needs, can be overwhelming. She finds many new students B次元官网网址� and regulars B次元官网网址� find January a time to really focus inwards after overindulging during the holiday season on everything from food to social interaction.

B次元官网网址淭hey just need that quiet space to reconnect,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淢ost of our students are looking for one of three things.B次元官网网址�

Those are: a place to connect with others, a quiet space to focus inwards and a good workout. B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e not just a place to show up, do a workout and go home,B次元官网网址� Nyal added.

MokshaB次元官网网址檚 environment of unfinished concrete floors, reclaimed wood elements and recycled fixtures helps make the space feel inviting as they focus on self-care, Nyal said. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 connecting with yourself, connecting with other people and with your practice.B次元官网网址�

As with many yoga studios, thereB次元官网网址檚 a sense of community created, which inspires friendships and leaves clients feeling like theyB次元官网网址檙e not working out beside a stranger, she said. The fitness experience is being shared with friends, which helps keep the energy high and motivating through classes.

At West Shore Parks and Recreation, peopleB次元官网网址檚 focus on self-care has been met with the expansion and addition of a number of programs, including post-rehab global fitness B次元官网网址� taught by a kinesiologist B次元官网网址� and together in movement and exercise (TIME), which is offered in partnership with Island Health.

TIME classes are instructed by an athletic therapist, with assistance from a certified personal trainer. Island Health recreation therapists assist individuals with balance and mobility challenges stemming from conditions such as stroke, brain injuries or multiple sclerosis.

B次元官网网址淲e worked with Island Health in developing it,B次元官网网址� Webster said, adding the program proved so popular it was expanded.

Among other programs gaining in popularity, stroller classes are going strong, she said. The classes allow parents to bring young children in strollers or carseats and avoid the need for child care while working out.

While the numbers seemed to be dropping for a time, classes such as Zumba are also attracting healthy numbers, Webster said. Multiple classes continue to be offered through the week.

Some gym users have taken to fun, motivational ways to get in shape, signing up for programs such as Wanna Mudder? and The Biggest Loser Winner.

Wearable technology, No. 1 on the American College of Sports MedicineB次元官网网址檚 top 20 global fitness trends, is also becoming more common around West Shore Parks and Recreation facilities. B次元官网网址淧eople are really starting to take advantage of it,B次元官网网址� Webster said.

Their gym is latching onto that trend of tracking a workout as a way of optimizing results. Some of the cardio-based equipment is equipped with a Preva system that can track a personB次元官网网址檚 workout and sync it with their smartphone.

For details on West Shore Parks and Recreation programs and facilities, visit . For more about Moksha Yoga, go to mokshayogawestshore.com.

katie@goldstreamgazette.com