By Katherine Harman, Treehouse resident

“There is no drug in current or prospective use that holds as much promise for sustained health as a lifetime program of physical exercise.” – Walter M. Bortz

I admit that there was confirmation bias at play when I first read that quote from renowned age researcher Walter Bortz.

I have always had a steady presence of exercise in my life. When we were imagining what the Treehouse Village Common House would be like and the elements that we valued, I was encouraged when I heard others in my future community identify a gym or exercise room as important. The build took years — and sweat equity and money — but over the past winter our residential gym was realized. As is usual, people brought personal items into the common space to share and now we have ergs, mats, benches, a TRX, exercise balls and bands!

I happily gave up my Y membership and started training at home! Over the last few months, there has been a steady growth of users, some regular and others occasional. There is something for everyone.

There is a whiteboard to help self-organize into workout groups. People have indicated when they plan to row and do strength training.

I cannot imagine a better place to start my day. As my partner and I put in our time, we see the younger folks taking kids to school, heading to work, on bikes or foot or car… there is an opportunity to share fitness tips as one group moves out and the next slips into the next training window. 

As winter training was rounding out, I organized a little “Tree”gatta – with 1km and 500m races on the ergs. As we began, a group of neighbours came down to cheer us on, that helped!  I find it inspiring to see how many people are making use of the gym. Here’s to a healthy Treehouse Village Ecohousing.