WATERLOO - Nancy Avila is learning how to stay fit in physical education class.

The Expo High School junior is also becoming familiar with a place where she can continue working out when the class ends. That's because it meets at the YWCA, as all Expo physical education classes have since October. The school's gym floor was damaged in flooding last spring, and a cooperative arrangement was put in place with the organization at that point.

Physical education teacher Robin Courbat didn't know what she was in for when considering a switch to Expo from another Waterloo Community Schools building last fall.

"When I went in to interview with the principal, he said, 'I need to show you the gym,'" she recalled. Despite the damage, she accepted the position. After all, "It was supposed to be done before the school year started," said Courbat.

But with contractors especially busy due to widespread flooding, the project is just now nearing completion. Late last month, tiles were laid after the cement floor was poured. Plans are to continue using the YWCA facilities for the rest of the school year.

Physical education students spent all of their class time outside during first quarter before beginning to meet at the YWCA. Courbat inquired there in September as she was looking for a way to deal with not having a gym.

"She just kind of came in here and looked at the facilities," said Debbie Roth, the YWCA's health promotion services director. They came to an agreement with the space offered at no cost, since the YWCA is Expo's Partner in Education.

"Ninety percent of the time there weren't any scheduling conflicts," noted Roth. "I want to say it was a no-brainer; it was a good fit."

"She was very willing to have us over," Courbat said of Roth. "I'm extremely grateful as the facilities are phenomenal." Expo's free weights and machines are "not the quality or as user-friendly as here."

"I think it goes to our mission, community outreach," said Roth. "I think it's a very good service that we can offer." She added that knowing "these kids could become members, taking care of their health and continuing to exercise" was another reason to offer the space.

Avila, who usually uses weight and cardiopulmonary machines during class, said she will consider joining the YWCA because of her experience.

"I think it's, like, a privilege to come over here," she said. "There's some equipment here we don't have at Expo." Senior Sara Gardner, whose main objective in class is to stay in shape, prefers the YWCA's workout space.

"I like this better," she said. "I feel like I accomplish something every day."

Students choose activities for part of the class time, such as weight-lifting or swimming, and then play team sports like volleyball or basketball in the YWCA's gym. The pool provides an option that was never available at Expo.

"I like that we have different opportunities here and we can do something other than just running in the gym," said sophomore Kayla Martin.

"I like to swim better than work out in the weight room, because it's more soothing and I don't get all sweaty," added Jaci Junk. She also appreciates the larger gym space.

"Our gym, it's too small, too. It's a small school and you really can't do much in there."

The experience "has been extremely positive," said Courbat. "The students, they love to come over here. I think it's been a good thing all the way around."

Roth and Courbat both talked about the possibility of holding classes at the YWCA again next school year.

"It's been such a wonderful situation that we hope they'll continue to come," said Roth.

Contact Andrew Wind at (319) 291-1507 or andrew.wind@wcfcourier.com.