Category: #MyFit

March 2, 2020

Glen & Jocelyne’s #MYFIT Story

2018

2020

Our Retirement was pending

But the energy was ending

One look in the mirror

Had left us in fear

With bodies obese

And more than 1 crease

We were sick and tired

So..a trainer was hired

We joined SVPT

To create a new me

What a place we found ourselves in

Let the exercise now begin

A start was made and it was slow

We felt embarrassed and on show

Commitment was the #1 key

To the success of this new journey

Improvement did not come with ease

The option to quit was always a tease

But three times a week we went without fail

Three years went by and we did prevail

Four trainers we did outlast

Brittany is the most steadfast

Lifting, flexing, lunging….we began to move

But the weight we simply could not lose

Training alone was not enough

Diet too made the right stuff

A full lifestyle shift is what was needed

And with our tenacity it was completed

Together 170 lbs we did drop

Simply because we did not stop

Another look into the mirror

No longer brings that same old fear

Italy, Austria, Croatia and more

Off to challenge ourselves galore

A thousand kilometers we did ride

And taller mountains we could stride

Injury, illness, surgery, depression

Tried to derail us but taught us a lesson

The motto upon which we relied

And to our success it did provide

That everyday No matter what

It’s really simple; “JUST SHOW UP”

Now we feel our future’s secure

Because we know we can endure

Biking Pilgrim’s Trail in Spain awaits

Without guides and carrying our freight

We cannot afford to be lazy

Instead we need to train like crazy

Can’t thank you enough SVPT

In helping dreams become reality

February 1, 2020

Aislinn’s #MYFIT STORY

“I’ve really just started my fitness journey. For most of my life, I’ve been somewhat inactive, but I figured we have a finite amount of time on this earth and it would be a shame to die without knowing what my body is capable of. I can’t say I look forward to working out, but I challenge myself to do it anyway to achieve my goals. I want to feel strong—prepared for life’s challenges and capable of handling daily tasks (e.g. carrying Costco groceries, rearranging my furniture, cradling my great dane like a baby, etc.). After each session, I feel more energized (funny how that works) and proud of what I’ve accomplished. It may be relatively small, but it’s a big deal to me.”

April 1, 2019

George’s #MYFIT Story

“Balancing life will always be a struggle. Between running a business, having a family, attempting to be a good role model for my kids, and trying to be a good husband, there is not always a lot of time to look after myself. It becomes very easy to sacrifice my own well being for everyone else’s.

With 40 on the not so distant horizon, I was finding myself getting frustrated with my lack of energy, irritability, inability to deal with daily stress and my changing body shape. I decided that I could not rely on someone else to fix this for me. I had to do this myself.

I had gone to gyms casually in the past but I knew from previous experience that I would need someone to help push and guide me if I ever wanted to stick with it. I was pleasantly surprised to find SVPT was not only close to my office but also very well reviewed. I sent the owner, Shara, an email describing who I was and what I was looking for. I received a very quick reply and was set up with an assessment appointment right away. I met my new trainer, Brittany, and quickly connected with her. I wish I could say that the next few weeks were enjoyable, but they were not. The workouts were designed specifically to push me and they did. I found myself sore and completely drained after every workout in the early stages.
It was after the first month when I started to have those feelings of not wanting to do this anymore that I started to get compliments from my wife and those I worked with.

My energy levels were increasing, my sleep improving, my snoring substantially reduced and my physical body was changing for the better. I was finding myself better equipped to handle the ups and downs of my day and still have energy when I get home to spend with my family.

I have been going to the SVPT diligently, twice a week, for almost a year now. It has become such a part of my routine that I can’t imagine not doing it anymore. That one hour, twice a week that I get to have just to myself is a real blessing. For me, going to the gym is not about getting a six pack and all those other gym stereotypes. I go to the gym to challenge myself, improve my confidence and improve the lives of those around me by taking care of myself so that I can take care of them.

The first step was the hardest but I am grateful to Brittany and the crew over at SVPT for making this a powerful experience for me and for continuing to push my boundaries.”

December 1, 2019

Jackie’s #MYFIT STORY

SVPT is proud to present #MYFIT – a celebration of our clients who live a fit and balanced lifestyle.
**
#MYFIT is not about a 6 pack or a bikini body, it’s about showing that fitness comes in ALL SHAPES AND SIZES, and truly is training to live a more full life. It’s not about young and skinny, it’s about showing that fitness can be a part of ANYONE’S life, regardless of age.
**
#MYFIT celebrates clients who challenge themselves physically and mentally to move better, perform better and live better. #thesvptway
**
We are grateful to long time client, Jackie, for sharing her #MYFIT story:
“I have been going to a gym of some sorts since I was old enough to get a membership. And for many years I had my own home gym. While I remained committed to my workout routine, I never really saw results. A minor car accident 9 years ago led to a nagging back injury. Physio and massage helped provide relief in the short term, but I couldn’t get rid of the ache. Regular massage therapy became my crutch. One day I decided I needed to make a big change to the way I was doing things. I became an SVPT client 3 years ago.
SVPT trainer, Cam has taught me how to work out correctly and efficiently. I have surprised myself with how much weight I can now lift, push or carry. The progress I have seen with my endurance and strength has been empowering.
I know now what #MYFIT means to me.
It means focusing on my muscle and strength, not the weight on the scale. And making my back healthy, strong and pain-free.
It means moving freely, easily and without limitation.
It means setting a goal I never imagined I would set, doing something I didn’t think I could do….I completed the Melissa’s Road Race 5K in Banff this past September, setting my own personal best of 31min20sec.
It means not working out alone in a big box gym or in my basement; rather being part of a community of like-minded, supportive and fun people.
And it means turning 50 in a few months feeling the fittest I have ever been.”

October 1, 2019

Trevor’s #MYFIT Story

“I’ve always been very active person and in the past exercise was all about short term success. I played high level fastball and wanted to be in shape and at my best for the sport, I would constantly ignore injuries because I wanted to be on the field competing regardless of what my body was telling me. I used to only do workouts for aesthetic purposes instead of working on what would actually benefit me because I felt pressure to look a certain way. I would go to the gym to be social because it was the cool thing to do, not because I was serious about improving my quality of life. I was very short sighted about why exercise was a part of my life, but as time went on that shifted.

#MYFIT now is about thinking long term and seeing exercise as part of the bigger picture. I stay active now so that when I’m older nothing holds me back from living my life. I want to be able to stay active with my wife and not be limited to what we can see and do as we grow old together. I want to be able to play sports with my future children the way I am able to play hockey with my Dad (10 years and counting). I want to be like my Grandma at 85 years old still curling and golfing and being active in the community because she has committed to being fit and healthy her whole life. #MYFIT now is about staying mentally and physically healthy so that as the years go by I can live a life full of health and happiness with nothing holding me back!”

May 1, 2019

Bryan & Jo-Ann’s #MYFIT Story

“We have always been active in recreational sports like skiing, slow-pitch and volleyball. We walked, biked and hiked and were generally in pretty good shape.

As a few more years have rolled by however, we have each had our physical challenges. Bad back for me, sore joints for Jo-Ann. We decided we needed to “up” the effort at maintaining our physical fitness. Jo-Ann especially had a desire to be stronger and leaner. Bring on the “gun” show!

We tried going to big box and city gyms to work out but didn’t enjoy the environment and found it hard to motivate ourselves or each other.

A colleague of Jo-Ann’s told us about personal fitness training at SVPT. We met with Trevor Aime to discuss a training plan and to see the facility. We told Trev that we had no specific body weight or measurement goals. We just wanted our bodies to be stronger and more injury resistant.

Unfortunately, after only a few sessions, Jo-Ann ruptured her Achilles tendon playing pickleball. Dang. Too late with the training apparently.

Not to be discouraged, we resumed training with Trev while Jo-Ann was still in a boot cast at only 3 weeks post-surgery. Trev did an awesome job of providing a plan for both of us while accommodating Jo-Ann’s gradual transition from peg-leg pirate back to normal. Trevor may argue that she is not “normal” but we always have fun at our workouts. Especially when we are helping Trev with his dance moves.

Fast forward three years. We are both so encouraged when we look back and realize how significantly our abilities have improved over this time. This is a journey we will surely continue. It has a positive impact on our quality of life EVERY DAY. We’re not getting older. With #MYFIT – we’re getting better!!”

June 1, 2019

Tyler’s #MYFIT Story

“For as long as I can remember I was a perfectionist. Up until last year I always thought this was a good thing. The problem however is that there isn’t enough time in a day to strive for perfection in everything. Perfectionists are the worst procrastinators because of the all or nothing approach we take in life. For years I went all out in some areas of my life and totally neglected others. Unfortunately, my fitness was one of the areas I neglected.

In September 2018 I started walking 10,000 steps daily and then upped my game in November 2018 by joining SVPT. I was determined to achieve balance in my life. Since then, I’ve experienced so many positive changes! I’ve lost a total of 95 pounds. I’m the strongest and leanest I’ve been since my early 20s. I’ve fully overcome knee and shoulder injuries I had for years. I’m able to enjoy nature and have recently hiked 25km no problem whereas this time last year two flights of stairs would wind me. My doctor calls me a success story because my blood work and blood pressure are now at optimal levels. I’m the happiest I’ve been in a long time and I’m going to live longer.

#MYFIT is progression. It’s turning my dreams into goals, goals into realities, then dreaming bigger. Lower numbers on a scale are great but it’s more than that… It’s lifting heavier, feeling better, having more energy, having more mobility, and moving faster.

#MYFIT is balance. It’s ensuring I focus on my fitness but don’t overdo it at the detriment of other areas in my life. I finally understood the interconnection between fitness, nutrition, relationships, career, and mental health & wellness; you can’t put all your eggs in one of these baskets!

#MYFIT is community. The SVPT community is positive, encouraging, and non-judgmental. I’ve only ever had positive experiences with Ryan, Shara, the rest of the team, and SVPT’s clients. This positivity is contagious and I find that I spread it wherever I go these days.

#MYFIT is the end game. There is no turning back to a sedentary, stress-filled lifestyle for me. Been there, done that. No thanks! I’ve seen the rewards a long-term commitment to my fitness provides and I’m not willing to give these up.

Thank you to Ryan, Shara, and the rest of SVPT for your help and support in shaping #MYFIT!”

July 1, 2019

BRITTANY’S #MYFIT STORY

“I have always been an active person and I enjoy challenging myself through fitness. I have never been known to able to sit still for long periods of time. As a trainer, I often get asked what I do for myself when I am not working or training, and the answer is usually playing soccer or exploring the outdoors. Like many others though, I do enjoy binging Netflix on a Sunday morning with a coffee in hand.

For me #MYFIT is being able to take on whatever adventure I want. Whether it be a full-time trainer, soccer player, hiker, concert go-er, moving helper, and everything in between. I want my physical and mental wellbeing to support that lifestyle.

#MYFIT is knowing whether training, or going for a walk on trail, or reading a book will help most.

#MYFIT is taking advantage of opportunities that come up that is challenging but know I can handle it.

#MYFIT is getting a new personal best when lifting, climbing up a steep mountain, or outlasting an opponent in soccer.

Most importantly though, #MYFIT is taking care of myself so I can do any and all adventures for a lifetime. “

September 1, 2019

Lee’s #MYFIT Story

“In late 2015 I committed to hiking the West Coast trail, a hike I had always wanted to do. I really wanted the experience to be a good one so I did a lot of planning and research. My wife suggested that although I was in fairly good shape, I might want to do some intensive training to prepare physically for the hike. She did some research and in early 2016 I started attending SVPT.

In July 2016 I completed the West Coast trail and it was everything I hoped it would be and more. Physically preparing for the ladders, the tricky footing and the various demands of the trail gave me the confidence and ability to make the most of the experience.

Since that time I’ve continued to attend SVPT to prepare for my retirement. It is important to me to be healthy and fit as I have so much that I want to do in the future. On June 30th of this year I retired after 37 years of policing. After a career that was often stressful and included an administrative desk job for the last ten years, continuing to see Shawn weekly is a priority for me. The benefits, both physically and mentally, are well worth the work.

There are so many opportunities ahead, and maintaining my physical fitness is an integral part of being able to enjoy every experience, from athletic pursuits to travel to grandchildren (hopefully!).”

Thank you Shawn and Shara

November 1, 2019

Denyse’s #MYFIT STORY

SVPT is proud to present #MYFIT – a celebration of our clients who live a fit and balanced lifestyle.
**
#MYFIT is not about a 6 pack or a bikini body, it’s about showing that fitness comes in ALL SHAPES AND SIZES, and truly is training to live a more full life. It’s not about young and skinny, it’s about showing that fitness can be a part of ANYONE’S life, regardless of age.
**
#MYFIT celebrates clients who challenge themselves physically and mentally to move better, perform better and live better. #thesvptway
**
We are grateful to client, Denyse, for sharing her #MYFIT story:
“#MYFIT has been a journey of overcoming obstacles and redefining the way I think about my body and my identity. After sustaining several injuries from long-distance running, I began to look into alternative ways to maintain an active lifestyle. I soon realized I needed to go beyond “just running” to perform more optimally; a balanced approach of building strength, endurance, and better body mechanics would allow me to pursue the activities I loved and my goals of a healthy body without perennial injury.
There was one problem however- finding an approach for lifting weights wasn’t easy. I was born without much of my left hand in a condition known as symbrachydactyly. I knew how to use resistance machines but wanted to make the progressions that dumbbell and barbell exercises could afford me.
The journey to find prosthetics that could work for me in a way that was pain-free, and most of all safe, is one I’m still on. As in all things, I found being my own advocate, doing the research, and not taking bad solutions for an answer allowed me work through many sub-par prosthetics to find options that work for me. I’ve never let my limb difference define or limit me, but I now have the tools I need to do deadlifts, overhead presses, complex dumbbell movements—all exercises I’d once been unsure if I’d be able to figure out how to do.
Lately, #MYFIT has been about setting goals, achieving them, and showing myself what I’m capable of in the process. Everyone has challenges in pursuing their fitness goals—I encourage everyone to embrace those unique challenges, be brave enough to find solutions, and love themselves throughout the whole experience. You’re worth the time and effort of doing so.”