It鈥檚 been 10 years since Destinee Barrow, owner of Destination Fitness, offered the first program at the Comox Rec Centre.

A certified fitness leader specializing in group and aquatic fitness, Barrow also taught spin classes when she came to B.C.

"At the time there were no fitness contractors working at the rec centers in Comox or Courtenay, only facility instructors. To assume all the risks associated with launching a new program in a new place was a big responsibility, but I wanted an opportunity to design and instruct my own classes.鈥�

The first program was Aero kickbox, followed by The Workbench, Total Body Ball and Interval Core Conditioning, which became Cardio Core Conditioning.

鈥淚鈥檝e always been committed to the success of my participants and I still get blown away by the transformation that happens in people once they are inspired to unlock their own personal fitness potential," Barrow said.

Destination Fitness offers two programs.

Cardio Core Conditioning 鈥� developed six years ago 鈥� is a progressive, intense total body conditioning system that uses science as its foundation. Each group session is paced with music. The program is offered four days per week. Call 250-339-2255.

鈥淭he CORE program focuses on the mind-to-muscle connection and capitalizes on muscle fibre recruitment for maximum workout effectiveness. It produces a great afterburn and the end results are awesome. It has changed the lives of many participants鈥�

Destination Fitness鈥� newest addition is Zumba dance fitness.

鈥淚 verbally instruct in my Zumba class so participants can anticipate the transitions in the dance steps which improves their enjoyment of the class because they are not trying to guess what the next step is or what direction to go in.  Zumba classes are fun and an excellent way to get together with friends and do something positive for your health as well. Participants have so much fun dancing they don鈥檛 realize that this is a great workout. It totally engages your abs and tones the entire body.鈥�

Zumba classes are offered at the Robb Road gym at 1909 Robb Rd. in Comox. Classes are drop-in, Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. and Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. Drop-in cost is $5. Contact Barrow at 250-897-8037 or destinationfitness@shaw.ca.