Now that winter is already nipping at their heels, most Winnipeggers will soon be forced to move their workout regimens indoors.

So what better time for the University of Manitoba to throw open the doors of its Fort Garry fitness facilities, allowing students, staff and the community at large to continue getting physical in the comfort and convenience of their home campus?

The U of M’s Bison Recreation Services – an arm of the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management – will host an Open House this Thursday, Oct. 29 and Friday, Oct. 30, during which time non-members can avail themselves of a host of programs and services, all without dropping a single dime.

“As it starts to get colder out, people are going to be looking for other ways to stay active, rather than going outside,” explains Kerri Gregoire, Marketing Coordinator for Bison Recreation Services. “They’re going to want to continue incorporating active living into their everyday lives, and to find some fun new forms of recreation.”

From 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day, Open House participants will have access to the same programs and services offered by Bison Recreation Services throughout the year – including tours of the facilities, workout equipment demos and Gritty Grotto orientation seminars, not to mention classes in everything from Yoga, Kickboxing and Kung Fu to Resistance Training, Aerobics and Recreational Swimming.

The Open House is staged each year as a means of familiarizing students, staff and community members with the many healthy living options available to them on campus. And if the free admission isn’t enough, there’s one other bit of financial incentive to consider.

“All non-members will be entered to win a $1,000 cash prize,” Gregoire explains. “And the (current) member who brings in the most guests will win a 12-month free membership renewal.”

To take part in the Open House, simply report to the BRS Customer Service Desk in Frank Kennedy Centre (17 Dafoe Road) between 6:30 a.m. and 10 p.m., Thursday or Friday.

For more information about the Open House, or for a full list of the activities on tap, see http://umanitoba.ca/kinrec/bsal/programs/openhouse/

For more information contact David Schmeichel, Communication Officer, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management, University of Manitoba, (204) 474-8629, schmeich@cc.umanitoba.ca.