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2023 blogs for SVPT Fitness

Embracing Fitness at Every Level: Edmonton’s Premier Body-Positive Private Personal Training Facility

In south Edmonton, a private personal training facility stands out for its state-of-the-art equipment or top-tier personal trainers and its 15-year commitment to fostering a truly inclusive, welcoming, and body-positive atmosphere. This haven is where all ages, fitness levels, and body types converge to embark on a physical and mental well-being journey.

Why Body Positivity Matters in Fitness

Fitness is often misconstrued as a pursuit exclusive to those already in shape, but our private gym challenges this notion head-on. Body positivity isn’t just a buzzword here; it’s a core philosophy. We recognize that every individual’s journey to health is unique and deserves respect and support. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or taking your first step into a gym, our environment is designed to make you feel comfortable and motivated. Every age, every fitness level and every body is welcomed in the pursuit of mental and physical health.

Inclusivity at Its Core

Our facility thrives on inclusivity. We understand that the path to fitness is diverse and personal. Our best personal trainers in Edmonton are not just experts in physical training; they are empathetic guides who tailor their approach to meet your specific needs and goals. From teenagers looking to build confidence to seniors aiming to maintain strength and mobility, our personal trainers are equipped to assist all.

A Comfortable Space for All Fitness Levels

The thought of entering a gym can be daunting for many. Recognizing this, we’ve designed our space as welcoming and non-intimidating as possible. Our private training area allows for focused, one-on-one sessions with your trainer, ensuring privacy and a sense of ease during your workouts.

Inclusive Approach to Mental and Physical Health

Our philosophy extends beyond physical fitness; we deeply value the connection between mental and physical health. Our trainers are skilled in creating regimes that build physical strength and enhance mental well-being, resulting in a more inclusive approach to health and well-being.

Personalized Training for Every Body

Personalization is key to our approach. Our formally educated personal trainers are well-versed in various techniques, from strength training and cardio to mobility and rehab exercises. They work closely with you to develop a program that aligns with your lifestyle, body type, fitness level, and personal goals, ensuring a personalized, safe and effective workout experience. We meet you where you are at right now.

Community and Support

At our gym, you’re not just a member; you’re part of a community. The support from trainers and fellow gym-goers creates a unique, encouraging environment where everyone’s achievements are celebrated. This sense of community is vital in keeping motivation high and making the fitness journey enjoyable. Fitness can be much more enjoyable when surrounded by people who celebrate your wins and encourage you to keep pushing through the challenging times.

Safe and Professional Environment

Safety is paramount. Our personal trainers are the best in Edmonton and are committed to ensuring that each session is conducted with the highest level of professionalism and safety. This commitment helps build trust and confidence among our clients, making them feel secure in their fitness journey and investment.

Accessible to All Ages

We proudly cater to a diverse age group. Our personal training programs are designed to be adaptable, catering to the vibrant energy of youth as well as the specific needs of older adults. This inclusivity makes fitness a family affair, welcoming parents, children, and even grandparents to join in.

A Revolution in Personal Training

Our private personal training facility in Edmonton is more than just a gym; it’s a movement towards a more inclusive and body-positive approach to fitness. We welcome everyone, regardless of age, fitness level, or body type, to join us towards better mental and physical health. Here, wellness is for everyone, and every victory, big or small, is celebrated.
SVPT is not just about achieving fitness goals; it’s about transforming lives. We invite you to experience the comfort, support, and excellence that make us the best in Edmonton for personal training for the last 15 years.

Contact Us to Set Up a FREE Assessment to see if we fit you!

Why Starting with a Personal Trainer Before January is a Game-Changer for Your 2024 Health and Fitness Goals

As the year winds down, many of us start to think about our New Year’s resolutions, with health and fitness often topping the list. However, there are better approaches than waiting until January to start working on these goals. Here’s why starting with a personal trainer before January, especially at a private facility like SVPT Fitness & Athletics, is not just a smart move but a game-changer for your fitness journey.

1. Getting Ahead of the Curve

Starting early means you’re ahead of the game. While others are still pondering their New Year’s resolutions, you’re already making strides toward your health and fitness goals. This head start can be incredibly motivating and set a positive tone for the year ahead. Building gym confidence and improving health now rather than later will help ensure long term success.

2. Beating the Holiday Rush

Gyms are notoriously crowded in January. By starting in November or December, you get the luxury of less crowded facilities, and more availability of personal trainers. Many people get so busy over the holidays that fitness and health take a back-seat. This is a great time to capitalize on the calmness of a less busy training environment.

3. Navigating Holiday Stress

The holidays can be a stressful time, with overindulgence in food and drink and reduced physical activity. Having a personal trainer during this period can help you maintain a balance, keeping stress at bay and keeping you on track to your fitness goals.

4. Customized Training at SVPT Fitness & Athletics

Private training facilities like SVPT Fitness & Athletics offer a more personalized approach than standard gyms. Your personal trainer will design a program tailored specifically to your needs and goals, taking into account any previous injuries or specific concerns you might have.

5. Accountability and Consistency

One of the biggest challenges of maintaining a fitness regimen is staying consistent. A personal trainer provides that much-needed accountability. They ensure you stick to your schedule and maintain the momentum, even when motivation wanes.

6. Safety First

Starting your fitness journey with professional guidance ensures that you’re exercising safely. Personal trainers teach proper form and technique, reducing the risk of injuries and making your workouts more effective.

7. Setting Realistic Goals

A trainer helps you set realistic and achievable goals. This is crucial, especially if you’re new to fitness or have had challenges in the past. Achievable goals keep you motivated and prevent the frustration that often comes with unrealistic expectations.

8. Overcoming Plateaus

It’s common to hit a plateau in your fitness journey. A personal trainer can help you navigate these standstills by adjusting your training program, ensuring continuous progress towards your goals.

9. Mental Health Benefits

Regular exercise is known to improve mental health, and having a personal trainer can amplify these benefits. Regular exercuse can help manage stress, anxiety, and depression, especially important during the hectic holiday season.

10. Building a Sustainable Lifestyle

A personal trainer helps you see fitness as a journey, not a destination. This perspective is crucial for building a sustainable, healthy lifestyle, rather than chasing short-term gains.

11. Education and Empowerment

A good trainer does more than instruct; they educate. This fitness, nutrition, and healthy living education empowers you to make informed decisions about your health, even outside the gym.

12. Social Support

Working with a trainer, especially in a private setting like SVPT Fitness & Athletics, can provide a sense of community and support. This social aspect of fitness is often underestimated but can be a significant factor in long-term success.

Starting with a personal trainer before the new year allows you to pre-emptively tackle your upcoming fitness goals, manage holiday stress healthily, and set the stage for a successful, healthy new year. Facilities like SVPT Fitness & Athletics provide the ideal setting for such a start, with their personalized approach and focus on individual goals. By beginning your journey now, you ensure that you’re not just ready for the new year but already on your way to a healthier, fitter you.

Contact Us to Set Up a FREE Assessment to see if we fit you!

A Day in the Life of a Private Personal Training Session with Your Personal Trainer: Tailored Fitness in Edmonton

When you show up for your personal training session at our private personal training facility in south Edmonton, you embark on a journey meticulously crafted for your unique needs, goals and lifestyle. Our sessions, led by formally educated and certified personal trainers, are more than just workouts; they are an inclusive approach to fitness, combining expertise, personalization, and a deep understanding of the individual. Let’s walk through what a typical session looks like.

Initial Assessment: Understanding Your Unique Needs

Every fitness journey with us begins with a thorough assessment of your biomechanics, history, lifestyle, needs and goals. This isn’t just about measuring physical capabilities; it’s about understanding your daily routine, habits, past injuries, and personal fitness goals. Our trainers, equipped with formal education and experience in fitness and health, use this information to create a training plan that’s as unique as you are.

After assessing you, our personal trainers create a training plan tailored to you, but that encompasses our training philosophies and systems – building a foundation with safe and effective exercises that will not only get you to your fitness goals, but help you live life beyond the gym walls.

Warming Up: Laying the Foundation

A warm-up is essential, and ours are tailored to prepare your body for the specific workout ahead. This might include dynamic stretching, light cardio, or mobility exercises. The aim is to increase heart rate, enhance blood flow, and prepare your muscles and joints for the session, reducing the risk of injury. We also focus on your movement patterns. Our personal trainers help you refine your technique for the exercises to come, ensuring that you perform each exercise correctly and effectively. This is crucial, as proper movement forms the foundation for more advanced training, ensuring you progress safely and efficiently.

Power Training: Staying Fast

Power training is where things start to intensify. Depending on your fitness level and goals, this could involve plyometrics, throws, or explosive weight lifting, which is progressed and/or regressed to cater to your current fitness levels and abilities. The focus is on improving your speed and power, which are crucial for fitness performance and functional daily activities. For every year we age, we lose power and the ability to move quickly. It is essential to keep this function so we can prevent injury and falls. Power training is always modified for your age, fitness level and goals.

Strength Training: The Core of Your Workout

This is the heart of your session. Our personal trainers guide you through a series of strength training exercises and functional exercises, chosen to align with your specific goals. Whether it’s weight lifting or bodyweight exercises, each movement is selected to maximize your strength gains and overall physical development.

Conditioning

The session concludes with conditioning work to improve your ability to tolerate more work. This could range from high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to endurance exercises, depending on your needs, goals and abilities. Conditioning is vital for improving your cardiovascular health, stamina, and overall fitness.

Customized Training Plan: Beyond the Gym Walls

Our responsibility doesn’t end when the session does. We provide you with a customized training plan, including exercises and routines that you can do outside of our private personal training sessions. This “homework” ensures that you continue to progress, even when you’re not in the gym.

Continuous Assessment: Tracking Your Progress

In subsequent sessions, we continuously assess your progress, tweaking and advancing your training plan as you evolve and progress. This approach ensures that you are constantly challenged and progressing, and that your workouts remain effective and engaging.

A private personal training session at our Edmonton facility is a comprehensive, personalized experience. From the initial thorough assessment to the customized training plan and nutritional guidance, every aspect is designed to cater specifically to you. Our certified personal trainers are not just instructors; they are your partners in this fitness journey, dedicated to helping you achieve your best self physically and mentally.

So, whether you’re looking to start your fitness journey, break through a plateau, or reach new heights, our private personal training sessions are the key to unlocking your potential. Join us and experience the difference of a truly personalized approach to fitness.

Contact Us to Set Up a FREE Assessment!

Celebrating 15 Years of Raising the Bar: SVPT Fitness & Athletics’ Best Personal Training in Edmonton

Not all gyms are created equal when it comes to achieving your fitness goals. We’re proud to say that after 15 years of successful operation and growth, our facility remains a benchmark for quality personal training in the Edmonton fitness community. The secret? Our unwavering commitment to raising fitness industry standards, private and partner personal training, superior customer service, and a foundation built on real formal education and continuing education. We are constantly getting better for our clients.

Customer Service Beyond Compare

We understand that personal training is more than just about dumbbells and treadmills; it’s about relationships. Our customer service reflects this core belief, setting our business apart from generic and big-box fitness centers and gyms. Customer service isn’t just a department in our gym; it’s ingrained in our culture. From the moment you step into our facility, you’ll notice the difference. Our friendly and knowledgeable team of certified personal trainers makes it a point to know your name, your goals, and how best to assist you in reaching them. We aim to create an environment where you feel at home, supported, and motivated to give your best in each session.

Industry-Leading Personal Training

Our reputation as a personal training powerhouse doesn’t just come from excellent customer service but from the customized personal training itself. The SVPT team consists of certified professionals who bring experience and cutting-edge methodologies. Whether you are a professional athlete or taking your first tentative steps into the world of fitness, you will find a trainer and a program that is right for you.

Our team doesn’t offer one-size-fits-all workout regimens; each program is custom-designed around individual clients’ unique goals, abilities, and life circumstances. A personalized training plan is tailored to deliver fitness results and exceed expectations. Support does not end when you step out of the gym; the SVPT team is always available to answer questions, offer advice, provide homework for you to do independently, and give you the extra motivation you might need.

Setting High Fitness Industry Standards

In a world where fitness fads come and go, we’ve always been steadfast in our mission to set high fitness industry standards. How do we achieve this? It starts with our team of certified personal trainers who have undergone extensive formal education in exercise science and biomechanics. These professionals aren’t just certified; they continually advance their knowledge through seminars, workshops, and research to ensure that our training methodologies are evidence-based and effective. Our approach to long-term health and well-being sets us leagues apart in an industry often focused solely on aesthetics and short-term results. Furthermore, in a field often plagued by misinformation, our focus on real formal education serves as a cornerstone of our gym’s philosophy.

We want you to leave the nest and learn and be empowered enough to train independently. Many clients stay with us for upwards of 1 year, but many have been with us for ten years, as they prefer to have consistent accountability and to have their programs constantly monitored and progressed as they progress. We have some clients who only stay for a while to learn enough to train on their own confidently, and we love that. We have always been about educating clients so they know better. When you know better, you do better.

15 Years and Counting

After 15 years in the business, our commitment to raising the bar in fitness industry standards remains as strong as ever. Through our focus on private, partner and semi-private personal training, exemplary customer service, and an educational foundation emphasizing real formal education and continuing education, we have set ourselves apart as the best in Edmonton. While it may sound like we are tooting our own horn, we are celebrating the growing pains, successes and failures in an industry that has so many gyms come and go. We have beaten the odds!

Whether you’re brand new to fitness or a seasoned athlete, we invite you to experience the difference that a truly personalized approach to wellness can make. Join us and become a part of a community that values quality, expertise, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

https://www.svptfitness.com/get-started-today/

Elevating Senior Health: The Power of Personal Training

Ageing gracefully isn’t just about looking good; it’s about feeling your best and making the most out of life. As we age, maintaining good health becomes increasingly critical, and it’s more than just staying active; it’s about doing the right activities that provide health benefits without causing injury. This is where personal training can significantly impact the quality of life for seniors. Here’s a closer look at why personal training is an excellent option for those in their golden years.

Customized Personal Training

One of the primary benefits of hiring a personal trainer for seniors is the customization of workout routines. A “one size fits all” exercise approach is ineffective, especially for seniors with specific or chronic health issues like arthritis, osteoporosis, or heart conditions. A qualified and certified personal trainer assesses your physical condition, notes any medical history, and creates a program that targets your specific needs.

Injury Prevention

The risk of injury can be a significant concern for seniors when engaging in physical activities. Unsupervised exercise can result in strains or falls, which could have serious implications. Personal trainers understand the biomechanics of the ageing body and can design workouts that are both safe and effective. They instruct you on proper form and technique, significantly reducing the risk of injury during exercise, everyday life, and daily activities.

Balance and Mobility

Balance and mobility are among the most important yet often overlooked aspects of senior fitness. Poor balance can lead to falls, which are the leading cause of injury among seniors. A personal trainer incorporates functional strength and mobility exercises that improve balance and mobility.

Improved Cognitive Function

Several studies indicate that regular physical exercise can improve cognitive function and may even delay the onset of conditions like Alzheimer’s. Personal training offers more than just a physical workout; it’s a mental workout as well. Following complex exercise sequences requires concentration and coordination, keeping both your body and mind engaged.

Accountability and Motivation

It’s easy to skip a workout when no one holds you accountable. A personal trainer provides that accountability, ensuring you stick to your routine. This consistency is crucial in maintaining long-term health benefits. Moreover, having a scheduled session with a trainer gives you something to look forward to, enhancing your overall mental well-being.

Social Engagement

For many seniors, social interaction becomes limited due to various life changes like retirement or loss of friends and family. Personal training provides a form of social engagement that is not just beneficial for your physical health but also for your emotional well-being. Many trainers go beyond just being a fitness instructor; they become confidants and friends, adding another layer of social support.

Adaptive Methods

Personal trainers are highly adaptable, changing your workout routine as your needs and health conditions evolve. Whether you are recovering from surgery or you have achieved a specific fitness milestone, a certified personal trainer will adapt your exercise program accordingly. This adaptive methodology ensures that you are always progressing safely and never plateauing, keeping you engaged and motivated.

Boosted Independence

The ultimate goal of personal training for seniors is to boost independence. Strengthening muscles and joints and improving balance equips seniors with the physical capability to perform daily activities without assistance. This self-reliance has a profound impact on quality of life, leading to increased happiness and longevity.

The Takeaway

Personal training can lead seniors to healthier, happier, and more independent lives. Through tailored exercise programs, injury prevention, functional strength training, and even social engagement, seniors can find a comprehensive solution for ageing gracefully. In the golden years, health becomes the real wealth, and investing in a personal trainer might be the best decision you can make for your physical and mental well-being.

Seniors 65+ get 10% off all private and partner personal training at SVPT!

Seniors fitness discount - Personal Trainer Edmonton

Set up a FREE Assessment: https://www.svptfitness.com/get-started-today/

The Game-Changer for Fitness Over 40: Hiring a Personal Trainer

Age is just a number, but when it starts to tip over 40, it seems your body scribbles memos to remind you. Activity levels slow down, muscle mass begins to decline, and suddenly, those few extra pounds don’t seem to budge as they used to. It’s tempting to take the path of least resistance, blaming age for your fitness hurdles. But what if you could defy age and reclaim your health, fitness and well-being? This is where hiring a personal trainer can be a game-changer, especially if you’re over 40. Here’s why.

Targeted Workouts

Depending on your fitness history, as we age, our bodies require modified forms of exercise to maintain good physical health. Also, our fitness interests change as we age. What we did for fitness in our 30s might not appeal to us anymore. Strength training becomes increasingly important to combat muscle loss, but cardio must also be considered for heart health. An experienced personal trainer can design a balanced workout routine tailored for the 40+ demographic, factoring in your specific health conditions, lifestyle, interests and fitness goals.

Accountability

Let’s be honest. The 40s are a busy time, often juggling family, career, and many responsibilities. Skipping a workout might seem insignificant in the grand scheme, but those missed workouts add up over time. A personal trainer is an accountability partner, ensuring you stick to your fitness regimen to reach your goals and build better fitness and health into your 50s. They keep tabs on your progress, tweak your workout plan as needed, and inspire you to put your fitness goals into action so you reach your potential.

Expert Guidance

Fitness and personal trainers are often certified professionals with a deep understanding of human anatomy and physiology. As our bodies age, the risk of injury increases, making it crucial to use the correct form and technique during exercise. What we got away with in our 20s and 30s, we can’t in our 40s. A trainer provides expert guidance, minimizing the risks of strains, sprains, and other injuries. This becomes especially important for those embarking on a fitness regime for the first time or returning after a long hiatus.

Psychological Benefits

Turning 40 is often a significant emotional milestone, bringing along its own set of anxieties and self-doubts with our changing bodies. Exercise has been proven to improve mental health, and personalized attention from a personal trainer can boost your self-esteem and confidence. Not only are you transforming your body, but you’re also making positive changes to your mental health and well-being.

Social Interaction

Let’s face it: social circles can often shrink as we age. Hiring a personal trainer brings professional interaction into your life and can introduce you to a community of like-minded individuals. Many trainers offer partner sessions or semi-private personal training, creating a community of people who share similar goals and challenges.

Long-term Investment

Investing in a personal trainer is an investment in yourself. By setting the foundation for a healthy lifestyle in your 40s, you’re also setting the stage for your 50s, 60s, and beyond. With better health and fitness comes a better quality of life, whether it’s having more energy to play with your kids (or grandkids), tackling that hiking trail, you’ve always wanted to conquer with your friends on the weekend, or simply making daily activities easier.

Wrapping It Up

Hiring a personal trainer in your 40s isn’t a sign of weakness or an extravagant luxury; it’s an empowered choice to take control of your health and well-being. A good trainer provides more than just a list of exercises. They offer targeted workouts, accountability, expert guidance, and emotional support that can be incredibly beneficial for those navigating the changes that come with this life stage. If fitness over 40 is a priority for you, a personal trainer might be the game-changer you need.

Let us show you how your 40s can be better than your 30s and set you up for your 50s and 60s!

FREE Assessment: https://www.svptfitness.com/get-started-today/

Benefits of Personalized Training Programs

In the quest for optimal health and fitness, personalized training programs have emerged as a powerful tool for unlocking one’s full potential. Navigating the myriad of exercise routines and fitness advice can be overwhelming, leaving you needing guidance on where to begin or how to proceed. This is where a certified personal trainer and custom personalized training come into play. By combining the expertise of a professional with a tailored approach, you can significantly increase the likelihood of achieving your fitness goals. Tailoring exercise regimens to an individual’s unique needs, goals, abilities, and lifestyle will lead to more significant and lasting results than generic and one-size-fits-all workout routines or random workouts on social media.

Customization to Your Specific Needs and Goals

Personal trainers meet you where you are at.  Personalized training programs are designed for YOUR success and where you are starting. One of the most significant advantages of personalized training programs created by certified personal trainers is their ability to be customized to your unique needs and goals. A certified personal trainer will assess your current fitness level, medical history, fitness history, lifestyle and personal objectives to create a tailored workout plan to optimize your results. This individualized approach ensures that every aspect of your training program is geared towards helping you achieve your goals: strength, building muscle, improving mobility, increasing cardiovascular function, improving athletic performance, or enhancing overall health.

Greater Accountability and Motivation

Working with a certified personal trainer in a private gym setting provides a higher level of accountability and motivation. Knowing someone closely monitors your progress and expects you to attend your workouts can be a powerful motivator. Additionally, your trainer will provide ongoing encouragement and support, helping you stay on track and committed to your fitness journey.

Optimal Exercise Selection and Technique

Personalized training programs incorporate exercises specifically chosen to target your individual needs and goals. A certified personal trainer will ensure that your workout routines include the most effective exercises for your objectives and will teach you the proper technique to perform them safely and efficiently. This attention to detail maximizes the benefits of each workout and reduces the risk of injury.

Adaptability and Flexibility

Your needs and abilities may change as you progress through your fitness journey. Personalized training programs are designed to adapt to these changes, ensuring your workouts remain challenging and effective. Your personal trainer will continually assess your progress and adjust your schedule, helping you stay on track toward your goals and avoiding plateaus.

Time Efficiency

With busy lives and limited time, making the most of your time available for exercise is essential. Personalized training programs are designed to be time-efficient, ensuring that you get the maximum benefit from each workout. You can achieve better results in less time by focusing on exercises explicitly targeting your goals.

 

Ongoing Education and Support

Getting a personalized exercise program from a personal trainer allows for ongoing education and support throughout your fitness journey. Your trainer can teach you about healthier habits, exercise techniques, and other aspects of a healthy lifestyle. This knowledge can empower you to make informed decisions about your health and fitness, leading to lasting health and well-being.

Personalized exercise programs offer numerous benefits to help you unlock your full potential and achieve your fitness goals. By providing a customized approach, greater accountability, optimal exercise selection, adaptability, time efficiency, and ongoing education and support, these programs can lead to more significant and lasting results than cookie-cutter workout routines. So, if you’re ready to take your fitness journey to the next level, consider investing in a personalized training program from a certified personal trainer and experience the transformative power of tailored exercise regimens.

 

Shara Vigeant, BA, NSCA-CPT, CFSC

The Cost of a Personal Trainer

You get what you pay for; quality and luxury will always cost more. 

This especially applies to personal training and personal trainers. A formally educated personal trainer will ALWAYS be a better investment than a weekend certified trainer and, unfortunately, more expensive. However, consider when hiring a formally educated personal trainer that you are not just paying for that 1-hour service; you also are paying for their years of experience, formal education, certification and continuing fitness education that helps create high-quality, high-value sessions.

A formally educated certified personal trainer typically has a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of exercise science, anatomy, physiology, and other fields. They usually hold a degree in exercise science, kinesiology, or a related discipline, which requires several years of study and hands-on experience. As a result, they are typically better equipped to create individualized training programs based on a client’s specific needs and goals, considering any pre-existing medical conditions or injuries. They also tend to have better problem-solving skills and a more nuanced understanding of adjusting exercises and programming to accommodate different types of clients.

In contrast, a weekend certified trainer has only completed a short course or workshop covering very basic personal training topics. As a result, has a different depth of knowledge or experience than a formally educated personal trainer. A formally educated personal trainer will cost more because they invest in more comprehensive education and continuing education. 

Think of hiring a certified personal trainer as an investment. Ideally, you want to put your money into an investment with a great return over time. What does that return entail? You should learn proper training techniques and programming, experience physical improvements, and feel supported and heard in every session. We expect you to leave the nest eventually, and we want you to do so confidently. Our job is to teach you how to train correctly and effectively on your own. You should feel empowered to walk into any gym and know what to do and how to do it safely and effectively.

We have been in the personal training business for 15 years and have had clients leave to try a more budget-friendly trainer and return because they did not get the return on investment. They wasted their time and money with a trainer needing the knowledge, expertise or experience that our certified personal trainers have. Better quality equals a better return on investment. If you hire a $30 per hour, weekend certified personal trainer, you will get a $30 per hour weekend certified quality of training and experience. 

While we understand that being able to afford a personal trainer is not in everyone’s budget, it is one of those investments that, if you spend wisely, you will have significant long-term returns. The better the investment, the better the returns; crappy investments have crappy returns. There is nothing more frustrating than wasting money and time.

We do understand that having a certified personal trainer 3-5x a week isn’t an option financially for many people, which is why we have created many opportunities for our clients to give them accessibility to high-quality personal training, including:

  • Partner Personal Training – you and a friend, spouse, or family member share a trainer’s cost while doing your own customized training program
  • Semi-Private Personal Training – you and 2-3 others share a personal trainer while doing your own customized training program
  • Homework – when you purchase a private or partner personal training package, you get homework to do on days you don’t see us, so even if you don’t see us, you can still be assured your programming is safe and effective, and you are continuing to progress to your fitness goals
  • Small Group Classes – we offer small group classes of up to 10 people maximum for you to work on conditioning and mobility outside of your personal training sessions, so you can be assured you are still progressing toward your fitness goals;  classes are specifically programmed to compliment the private sessions with your trainer.

We also have many clients come and see us for 6-8 sessions, learn a new custom training program, then do it on their own for a few months and return for a new program once they have mastered that program. This is a great way to keep fitness and training progressing while knowing you are training safely and effectively. 

Whatever your fitness goals, and if you are a beginner or an advanced trainee, you are worth the quality investment into your health, fitness and longevity. You get one body in life, and your body and health can dictate your quality of life, so invest in your body and health wisely.   

Shara Vigeant, BA, NSCA-CPT, CFSC

Functional Training to Improve Everyday Life

Functional training is exercise that focuses on improving the body’s ability to perform everyday activities efficiently and safely. The primary goal of functional training is to enhance functional fitness, which encompasses various aspects of physical well-being, such as strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, and endurance. Functional training typically involves compound movements that engage multi-joint, multi-muscle movements, which can provide numerous benefits for your everyday life, including reducing the risk of injury and making daily tasks easier and more efficient.

While it’s true that most exercises can provide some functional benefits, not all exercises are designed to improve daily life functionality. Functional training exercises aim to target the body as a whole rather than isolating body parts;  think of training movements rather than muscles. Instead of machines, functional training often incorporates body weight, resistance bands, free weights and medicine balls.

Some key characteristics of functional training include:

  1. Compound movements: Functional exercises often involve multiple joints and muscle groups, simulating real-life movements. Exercises like squats and deadlifts involve hips, core and legs, which are all muscles and joints you need to sit down and, get up, lift boxes. The more muscles and joints involved in training, the better.

  2. Balance and stability: Functional training emphasizes improving balance and stability by incorporating exercises that challenge these aspects. You can improve your ability to control your body and maintain your balance which is particularly important as you age, as falls are a common cause of injury in older adults. Single-leg exercises like a single-leg deadlift or skater squat are great for challenging balance and stability.

  3. Multi-planar movements: Many functional exercises require training in multiple planes (sagittal, frontal, and transverse), as opposed to traditional ones focusing on single-plane movements, such as lateral lunges. Life doesn’t happen just moving forward, so training in all directions is essential.

  4. Core strength: A strong core is essential for overall functional fitness and everyday tasks. Functional training often involves exercises that engage and strengthen the core muscles, such as plank rows, dead bug variations, and medicine ball throws.

  5. Adaptability: Functional training can be adapted to various fitness levels and specific needs, making it suitable for a wide range of individuals, from beginners to advanced athletes. The exercises can be modified in intensity, complexity, and equipment used.

So how do you add functional training to your exercise regime?

Consider an exercise like bicep curls, which is a body part isolation exercise. Bicep curls isolate the bicep muscle and primarily focus on building muscle size and strength only in that area. Although bicep curls can contribute to overall arm strength, they are less functional than exercises like rows or pull-ups, which involve multiple muscle groups and joints. If you want to do a bicep curl, do it in a half-kneeling or tall-kneeling position to utilize more core stability and hip stability or add more movement by adding a reverse lunge or squat. These additions make the bicep curl more functional.

Incorporating functional training into your exercise routine can provide numerous benefits, including improved muscle balance, increased joint stability, better movement efficiency, and enhanced physical performance. It can also help you become more agile and better prepared for the physical demands of daily life or recreational activities.

Shara Vigeant, BA, NSCA-CPT, CFSC

The SVPT Difference in Small Group Fitness Classes in South Edmonton

Fitness classes come in all shapes and sizes, from high-energy dance classes to low-impact yoga sessions. But there’s something truly unique about the small group fitness classes offered by SVPT Fitness & Athletics in South Edmonton. They embody an ideal balance of camaraderie, motivation, and individualized attention, setting them apart from other fitness classes in the city.

So, what should you look for in the best fitness classes, and how does SVPT bring this to life?

Small Class Numbers: For Personal Attention and Safety

One of the defining factors of quality fitness classes is small class numbers. Classes that are packed to the brim may create an energetic ambiance but often at the cost of personal attention and injury. Small group fitness classes at SVPT are capped to ensure every participant receives individual attention and instruction, ensuring their form and technique are on point.

This personalized approach amplifies safety, reduces the risk of injury, and enhances the effectiveness of your workout. It also enables our trainers to modify exercises according to each individual’s fitness level and needs, making the session more efficient and productive for every participant.

Proper Instruction: For Optimal Workout Performance

Proper instruction is a crucial aspect of any fitness class. At SVPT, our trainers don’t merely supervise workouts; they educate and inspire. They are passionate about teaching participants the ‘why’ behind every movement, fostering an understanding that transcends beyond the four walls of our gym.

Our certified personal trainers correct form on the spot, provide useful tips to maximize the efficiency of each exercise and offer alternatives for different skill levels. Their insightful instructions empower participants to get the most out of every session and gain the knowledge necessary to maintain their fitness independently.

Scalable Exercises: For Inclusive Fitness Progress

Fitness classes should be adaptable, catering to a wide range of abilities and fitness levels. SVPT sets the standard with scalable exercises designed to accommodate everyone, from beginners to seasoned athletes. This scalability ensures that everyone can engage, challenge themselves, and progress at their own pace.

Our trainers are adept at modifying workouts to be easier or more challenging based on individual requirements and goals. This flexible approach makes our classes truly inclusive and ensures everyone leaves feeling accomplished, no matter their starting point.

The SVPT Difference

What makes SVPT Fitness & Athletics truly stand out from other fitness classes in Edmonton are the intangible elements – our commitment to community, our belief in the power of motivation and education, and our dedication to transforming lives through fitness.

We foster a supportive and encouraging environment where everyone knows your name, goals, and journey. It’s not just about burning calories or building muscles; it’s about becoming a better version of yourself to live a more full life outside of the gym and being part of a community that celebrates each other’s achievements.

SVPT small group fitness classes are also designed to be dynamic and engaging, with diverse routines to keep participants motivated and challenged. We blend different exercise modalities, keeping sessions fresh and exciting while promoting comprehensive fitness.

The best fitness classes offer more than just a workout—they provide an experience. They ensure small class numbers for personal attention, deliver proper instruction for effective performance, and incorporate scalable exercises for inclusivity.

At SVPT Fitness & Athletics in South Edmonton, we go the extra mile to integrate all these elements into our small group fitness classes. But more than that, we offer a community that encourages, a learning experience that empowers, and a journey that transforms. Experience the SVPT difference today, and embark on a fitness journey you’ll never forget.

Learn more about our small group classes and schedule here.