A LOCAL fitness club is seeking the opinion of health-conscious residents in its plans to develop a wellness centre in the City of Hamilton.

The Athletic Club is asking the public to participate in an online survey, the results of which will help determine the types of programmes and services the centre will offer.

"This survey will help us know what the most sought after services are," explained Jacqueline Teunissen, the group's wellness planning and communications director.

"Before we begin drawing up plans for our new health and wellness centre, we want to hear from our clients and the public about what programmes and services they would most like to see.

"A number of residents use health clubs around the world when they are travelling and may wish to see a specific piece of equipment or a particular class offered when they return home to Bermuda. We want to know if they would be interested in a range of services, including executive changing rooms with complimentary amenities, a luxury day spa, clinical exercise and physiotherapy services or even a caf?."

Survey participants will also be asked to indicate their interest in a women's or senior's only area, a mind-body studio and water therapy instruction.

Currently located in the Cedarparkade Building on Washington Street, The Athletic Club's new premises will be on the corner of Wesley Street and Park Road. At present, the facility occupies a space of about 6,200 square feet. The new centre is expected to fill twice that size and will be the first public, purpose-built health and wellness facility in Bermuda, Ms Teunissen said.

She added that the health and wellness centre would be an extension of the many services The Athletic Club already offered.

"We do, right now, consider ourselves and refer to ourselves as a wellness facility. We focus on holistic health through such things as physical activity, nutritional care and we have also a range of spa services here and we have a range of spa services here as well.

"The future facility will cater to even more needs. We think there'll be a great interest in a new wellness centre. It's going to be a comprehensive facility. It's going to aspire to educate, motivate and encourage people to start taking responsibility for their lifestyle choices."

Armed with a bachelor's degree in kinesiology, and a master's degree in health administration, Ms Teunissen has worked in the fitness industry for the past eight years, offering personal training as well as her expertise in programme planning for health care services.

Although unsure when actual construction of the wellness centre will begin, it is expected the planning process will commence sometime this fall.

The survey runs through February 24. Those interested in participating can visit and click on the survey icon to fill out a survey. Participants will be entered to win one of 101 prizes with a total value of $25,000, including $5000 towards the trip of their dreams.