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18 - The Canadian Champion, Fniday February 16, 1999 SPOR TS CN Establisled Sine. 1989 878-9293 ..... <across f ro< the Hospitl) /Latest fitness craze has a real kick Lots on the Une in baske This afternoon's cross-town clasb between senior boys basketball teains bas big implications for botb sides. Tbe E.C. Dnsry Spartans are stili jockeying for bome court advantage in tbe first round of tbe playoffs and a win today at home could belp seal tbe deal. Meanwbile, tbe Milton District Mustangs are still in tbe bnunt for a post-season berth and cannot afford to let tbe momentuin tbey've finally built slip away. 1 MD forced tbemselves mbt tbe playoff picture witb back-to-back victories last week over fIroquois Ridge and Wbte Oakville. Botb came in decisive fasbion (56-26 over tbe Ridge and 62-40 over Wbite Qaks), tbanks in large part to inspired performances by Jon Sprenger. 'Me 'Stangs sat ai 3-5 before Ibis week's games, needing at least a split over tbeir final two contests to advance. Equally successfully last week, tbe Spartans upstaged T.A. Blakelock 65-62 and toppled tbe By STEVE LeBLANO The Champion It's aerobics witb attitude, exercise with electricity. Set to pulsating music and led by instructors with energy to spare, recreational kickboxing classes are the latest craze to hit health clubs across the province. And nowbere is the action botter or enthusiasm higher tban at Milton's GoodLife Fitness - where an inaugural six-week aeasion la currently underway. The program cornes courtesy of area native Nick Petroff, a martial arts expert and member of the national kickboxing team wbo's been training novice students for a year now. "I bave a friend wbo works at tbe club bere and offering tbis kind of class seemed like a natural fit," bie said. "Tbe response bas been terrific. There are about 40 peo- ple in tbe first session and tbe demand bas been so bigb tbat we're going to offer anotber one starting next montb." Unlike kickboxing competition, tbese recreational classes are generally non-con- tact. Puncbes and kicks to protective band targets are tbe most aggressive part of any lesson plan and even tbat is kept to a base minimum. Tbe idea isn't to pit participants againat eacbi otber but ratber scbool tbem on tbe tecbniques witbin an enjoyable, exbilarat- ing environment. Said Petroff, "I'd like to tbink some stu- dents corne away feeling a little empow- ered, but tbe main focus is on exercise and camaraderie. Being in a gmoup really moti- vates people, and it's a great workout." Dave Dutton - wbo bas been weigbt training for several years and takes it quite seriously - can certainly attest to tbe lat- ter comment, stating tbat be's "neyer sweated so mucb" as during tbe kickbox- ing classes. "It's awesome," be said, juat prior to last week's session. tball today Ridge 68-40 to move to 6-3. Head coacb Kevin Houldcroft said getting back 10 practicing in tbeir own gym - for tbe finst time since last montb's tire - bas greatly benetited bis teain. Tbe squad is using tbe undamaged portion of tbe two-gym complex,. Among some pleasant surprises for tbe club are tbe improved efforts of Ryan Brooks and Ryan Piwrett, wbo bave tumned in strong supporting roles in recent weeks. Gaine time for tbe seniors today is 5:30 p.m. Kickboxlng Instructor NIck Petroif Tbe class also includes a few people wbo're just getting back into tbe fitness routine, such as newly bired GoodLife receptionist Lynette Austin, wbo prior to starting tbe class badn't exercised on any kind of regular basis for six years. "I figured tbat if I was going 10 gel back mbt il, I mnigbt as well go tbe wbole way," sbe said. "TMe class is very intense. Nick really motivates you. He makes you work." Kickboxing classes, wbicb feature a miix of maie and female participants as weIl, cover a variety of tecbniques. Everytbing from tbe mecbanics of kicks and punches to bow to dodge blows and effectively defend is demonstrated - aIl during bigb tempo sessions. "Witb tbe music and everyone around you, your adrenaline really gets going," said Petroff. "Tbere's no age or skill requirements for tbe class, you juat need 10 be willing 10 bave some fun." Tbe instructor, wbo's in bigb demand at clubs acrosa Halton Region and tbe GTA, said bie may consider an advanced class down tbe road for more ambitious stu- dents. Admission 10 tbe next six-week session, wbicb begins Marcb 4, is $40 for club members and $60 for non-members. Classes are beld Tbursdays at 8 p.m. To register, or for more information, visit GoodLife Fitness Club or cali tbem ai 876-3488. , GEORGETOWN TOYOTA '99 Toyota 4 RN ER SR5 V6 per month for 48 months. Lease inludes ï/ï frelght &RD.E. ONLY $5900 dowu .1~~ë or&,% 1r~ -h daYyI à Doing it Right À' Errid