As the need for well-being grows, fitness facilities strategically merging holistic health, community, and mindful design, like Edmonton, Alberta’s innovative Archetype, foster personal wellness and professional productivity.
- Resilience
- Autonomy
- Personal growth
- Relationship-building with family and friends
- Social network development
- A sense of community and belonging
In the Company of Champions
Situated in the JW Marriott Edmonton Ice District, a swanky hotel in the heart of downtown Edmonton, the capital of Alberta, Canada, and my home town, Archetype is steps away from Rogers Place. An indoor arena, this stadium hosts concerts, shows, and hockey games played by the city’s legendary hockey team, the Edmonton Oilers, once captained by Wayne Gretzky.
An Atypical Hotel Gym
I’ve visited hundreds of hotels worldwide as a guest, accommodation advisor, and wellness spaces researcher. My experience has often been that if a property has a gym, it’s often a postage stamp-sized space relegated to a drab room.
So, I was more than a little surprised to find on the fifth floor of this towering 346-room oasis, a modern, thoughtfully-designed 13,000 square foot light-filled fitness hotspot. Check out my video below about the hotel and Archetype.
High Performance Origins
As a wellness spaces consultant, I focus on environments that scientifically support mental and physical well-being, and Archetype is a prime example fostering both.
This facility was founded by Simon Bennett, a former Director of High Performance to the Edmonton Oilers, and aside from hotel guests, this facility is open to the public
Elevating the Cardio & Strength Experience
For cardio equipment, there isn’t the standard two or three options typical of a hotel gym. As you journey through the two cavernous “Cardio & Strength” areas, with one dubbed the “Performance Floor”, you’ll keep uncovering more choices including these:
- Treadmills
- Ellipticals
- Exercise bikes
- Rowing machines
- Stair climbers
And the variety of strength training equipment skirting the sled push lanes is just as impressive:
- Free weights
- Kettle bells
- Weight machines
- Battle ropes
A Haven of Wellness Options
A pool set in a chic, spa-like setting with plenty of sunlight invites you in. And, they’ve kept relaxation top of mind, as guests are treated to a steam room, which can improve cardiovascular function, and a whirlpool, which is heart-healthy, according to Harvard researchers.
Committed to holistic well-being, Archetype offers the following classes:
- Spinning
- Boxing
- Strength
- Yoga
One of their four curated fitness studios features twenty-six infrared light panels which heat things up to:
- Promote red blood cell production
- Stimulate anabolic metabolism
- Ante up endurance
A Space for Regneration and Recovery
I was thrilled to find a “Regeneration Lab” which integrates a cutting-edge mind-body approach through these options:
- Compression therapy
- Vibration recovery tools
- Red light therapy room
- And yet another unique offering…
Only four health clubs in Canada (three in the Toronto area) and the other being Archetype, share this high-tech wellness experience: the Somadome. As a meditation pod, it offers three healing modalities:
- Sound
- Color
- Energy
Addressing Cognitive Health
A clever amenity you’ll seldom find at a workout facility is a ping pong table. But, Archetype recognizes the benefits of this activity. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic, one of the top ranked hospitals in the United States, call ping pong a “brain booster” because it provides invaluable aerobic activity and requires:
- Concentration
- Hand-eye coordination
- Precision
Connections With Fitness Experts
Informative big screen TVs flash images of class descriptions and schedules as well as upcoming events. Also featured are photos and bios of Archetype’s in-house high performance coaches – several of whom have trained elite athletes or had experience as one. An opportunity to learn from the best!
Rounding out the health-forward experience Archetype offers are:
- A “Fuel Bar”
- Chilled towels
- Clean, modern changerooms
- Complimentary day lockers
- Naturally lit lounges that encourage social connection
- Soothing colors and natural materials for a relaxed ambience
Thriving Together
As wellness spaces continue to evolve, Archetype represents a model for the future of integrated health and fitness because when individuals thrive, families, workplaces, and communities reap the benefits too.
By the way, if you’re planning a trip to Edmonton, below is a video about the exceptional JW Marriott Edmonton Ice District.
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