January 2nd is National Personal Trainer Awareness Day, and it cannot come at a better time! New year, new you, new habits, and new goals, right? For fitness goals, a personal trainer is the best tool to achieve results in a healthy, fun, and long-term way. Personal trainers are not just glorified rep-counters, they offer something unexpected to clients who are serious about achieving their goals.

A Holistic Approach

Personal training is not simply about lifting weights and putting them back down. A good personal trainer will also train your mind when thinking about why you have your goals, how you can achieve them, and the things  that are holding you back. Health is not simply physical, it also has mental and social components that could play into why one feels ‘out of shape’ to begin with, or what stops someone from giving their full effort. Moving past barriers, whether physical or mental, is what will show the greatest results.

Motivation

Let’s be honest: motivation is at an all-time high every January! Sadly, by the time February comes around, most goals are forgotten or given up on. Seeing a personal trainer can keep your motivation to achieve your resolutions in a number of ways. Firstly: with training comes a financial investment. By purchasing a month or a year worth of training in advance, you can use this opportunity to hold yourself accountable and show up every session. You know someone is waiting for you, otherwise, why pay money to sit on the couch? Some clients work with trainers to overcome the mental cost of “feeling guilty” and losing confidence in their abilities to stick to this new habit.

Next, by the time your motivation plateaus or hits a low, your trainer can recharge your battery by showing you how far you have come! Often we don’t see our own progress as it can be incremental on a daily basis, and it takes someone else to help you see your improvement. For some people, they have “moving goalposts syndrome” – if their initial goal was to do 5 pushups with good technique, March rolls around, they’ve lost motivation and can now do 15 pushups, but because they moved their goal to 25 reps, they still feel like failures on the inside because they “didn’t reach their goal.” This is where a trainer can show clients the results they have achieved in all areas from a day 1, objective standpoint.

Some people have an “all or none” perspective when it comes to health goals. At the start of the year, we can feel unstoppable and create our own spectacular 4 day a week ultimate workout plan. But then life comes at you and going to the gym 3 times a week becomes unsustainable – this is where many people quit, all that work put into the ultimate 4 day plan gets pitched. A trainer can help you with effective workouts at 2 sessions a week, or even 1 with some short and sweet mini home routines. Either way, you are still going- once a week for a year is still 52 more times that you went to the gym than you otherwise would have!

Finally, by making workouts fun, personal trainers make working out something to look forward to. Instead of dragging yourself to the gym and counting down the time until you can go home, personal training can help bring life and energy into workouts. By learning how to properly complete exercises, confidence in the gym goes up. A strong relationship with your trainer can be formed, and a session with them can help you relax after a long day of work or help you with a problem you’ve been struggling with.

Skills

Personal trainers are trained to help you bridge the gap between where you are now and where you want to be. Experienced and educated trainers like Kinesiologists have extensive knowledge, training, and education, to provide you with strategies and techniques that can help you to reach your goal faster, in a safe way. Watching a workout video on YouTube or Instagram can give you some solid information, but it won’t be able to tell you if your technique is spot on, without the assistance of a professional’s eye on your knee alignment from the back, especially as you fatigue. Will your downward dog look like the instructors? Maybe, maybe not. Or with a little back pain, will this hyperextension move be right for you? How should you change it or should you even do it at all? Working under the safety of a professional that can help you set up the appropriate weights or getting the right corrections will reduce the risk of injuries, which are very common for new gym-goers. A good instructional video has it’s limits.

We trainers are here to serve you, no matter what your goals are. Whether it’s a few training sessions to check up on your program or technique, or consistent and ongoing training, personal trainers are an invaluable resource for all of your health and fitness goals.

Mika Fogelman- Client Care Manager

Mika is passionate about helping others in any way she can. Having danced since she was five years old, she discovered excitement for fitness through teaching Zumba dance fitness classes, and loves to help others develop their confidence through exercise.

The post New Year’s Resolutions? How a Personal Trainer Can Help first appeared on Le Physique | Vancouver Personal Training.

Anxiety? Try Bikram Yoga

It has been shown that Bikram yoga reduces cortisol levels and therefore decreases the body’s stress response. A special breathing portion unique to Bikram yoga called pranayama has calming effects. Done at the very beginning of class, pranayama forces the participant to slow down and deepen the breath, resulting in a relaxing state.

Heart Disease? Try Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga yoga, with its fast pace and aerobic poses, can help improve many factors related to heart disease. Ashtanga can improve cardiovascular health by boosting blood circulation, increasing lung capacity, and improving heart rate. Yoga also reduces stress, which plays a factor in blood pressure.

Injured? Try Iyengar Yoga

Iyengar yoga focuses on body posture alignment and strength. Each pose is held for a long period of time, but the use of props helps alleviate pressure on joints. This reduces pain and fatigue of the body by keeping the poses within the body’s boundaries yet builds strength, stability, and flexibility. By focusing on precision, Iyengar is less likely to cause further injury, as an instructor keeps a careful eye on every pose.

Premenstrual Syndrome? Try Vinyasa Yoga

Bloated, sore, cramped, or cranky? Vinyasa yoga just may be your solution! Although instinct may be to curl up in bed and eat a chocolate bar while you are on your cycle, getting active will help relieve PMS symptoms. As Vinyasa flows through a variety of poses, blood flow through your body increases, helping oxygenated blood reach the reproductive organs. Yoga has been shown to release endorphins, elevating your mood decreasing stress, further helping relieve those time-of-the-month symptoms.

Have you tried yoga for any of these conditions? Share in the comments!

Mika Fogelman – Client Care Manager

Mika is passionate about helping others in any way she can. Having danced since she was five years old, she discovered excitement for fitness through teaching Zumba dance fitness classes, and loves to help others develop their confidence through exercise.

The post Which Yoga is Right for You? Pt. 2 first appeared on Le Physique | Vancouver Personal Training.

Royal Canadian Family Circus

Date: May 17 – June 3

Location: Guildford Town Centre, Tsawwassen Mills, and Lansdowne Centre

Acrobatics, magic tricks, horses, and stunts – you can only find all of that at a circus. Starting May 17, the Royal Canadian Family Circus will be having events at various malls in the Lower Mainland. If you love watching a good show or need a great family event, mark this on your calendar! See the full schedule here.

Craft Beer Festival

Date: May 25 – June 3

Location: PNE Fairgrounds/Hastings Park

Calling all lovers of craft beer! Vancouver’s Craft Beer Festival features over 20 breweries collaborating to put on an event for all beer drinkers. There’s more than just drinks there – enjoy the variety of food trucks, and watch some “feats of strength”. Curious? Head over to their website to see a list of events.

International Children’s Festival

Date: May 28 – June 3

Location: Granville Island

Where’s the best place to enjoy sunshine, warm weather, and have a festival? Granville Island of course! The annual Children’s Festival features a variety of performers and activities aimed to inspire creativity in kids of all ages – young and old. Tickets can be purchased at their official website.

5km Foam Fest Run

Date: June 2

Location: Abbotsford

Who likes obstacle courses and loads of bubbles? This is more than just your typical 5km run. The race is broken up with several obstacles, including a huge bouncy slide, and a pit of foam to end with. Proceeds go towards the Make a Wish Foundation. If you’re up for an adventure, register at this link.

Have you been to any of these events before? Let us know in the comments!

Written by James Hsin – Client Care Manager

James is currently going into his 4th year at kinesiology at UBC, and grew up a relatively active individual. He has been training primarily in Muay Thai for the past 4 years, training with champions and beginners alike. James is a firm believer that exercise should be like playing around – it’s better if its fun! James hopes he can share how his fitness journey has encouraged him to grow, and hopes to inspire you to do the same.

The post Out and About – Ready for Summer! first appeared on Le Physique | Vancouver Personal Training.

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Big Easter Run

Dates: March 31, 2018

Location: Jericho Beach

The Big Easter Run has 1km, 5km, and a 10km run available! If you’re looking for an Easter themed outing for the family, or a run to challenge yourself, this is a great option. The 5km and 10km runs can be timed as well. The event is stroller and dog friendly too! All proceeds go towards Canuck Place Children’s Hospice. Click here for details on how to register.

Great A-Maze-ing Egg Hunt

Dates: March 30 – April 1

Location: VanDusen Botanical Garden

VanDusen is putting on a huge egg hunt for children aged 0-8 years. The event features 6 different easter hunt areas, including the cedar maze in the garden! Be advised to bring your own basket for the hunt. You can purchase tickets online or view more about the event here.

Stanley Park Easter Train

Dates: March 29 – April 2

Location: Stanley Park by Pipeline Road

If you didn’t get a chance to ride on Stanley Park’s train during Christmas – there’s a second chance! Stanley Park will be running a themed train ride, face painting, crafts, and an egg hunt for the young ones. More information can be found here.

Grouse Mountain Easter Brunch

Dates: April 1

Location: Grouse Mountain

A long weekend wouldn’t be complete without a brunch. Grouse Mountain will be holding its annual Easter Brunch on April 1st this year. The brunch is buffet style – so fill up on hash browns, roast beef, and french toast! Children can join an Easter Egg hunt with the Easter Bunny during the event. Make sure you call to reserve your spot today.

Written by James Hsin – Client Care Manager

James is currently going into his 4th year at kinesiology at UBC, and grew up a relatively active individual. He has been training primarily in Muay Thai for the past 4 years, training with champions and beginners alike. James is a firm believer that exercise should be like playing around – it’s better if its fun! James hopes he can share how his fitness journey has encouraged him to grow, and hopes to inspire you to do the same.

The post Easter Events – Out and About first appeared on Le Physique | Vancouver Personal Training.

Celtic Fest

Dates: February 25 – March 17

Location: Various

Celtic Fest is back this year to celebrate everything good and green! If you happen to be busy on St. Patrick’s Day, but still want to celebrate, look no further. Celtic Fest has shows starting February 25 up until St. Patrick’s Day, featuring live music. Check out their site for locations and showtimes.

Irish Family Day

Date: March 11

Location: The Blarney Stone

The Blarney Stone is possibly Vancouver’s best known Irish hospot. Yes – normally it is a pub – but The Blarney Stone promises fun for the whole family! Featuring face painting, Irish dancing, and silt walkers, grab brunch with the family anytime between 11am – 3pm. If you’re interested in other Irish events they’re hosting, check out Irish Appreciation Night on March 12, and Irish Trivia on March 14.

St. Patrick’s Day 5km Run

Date: March 17

Location: Stanley Park Pavilion

If you’re looking to do something more active to celebrate St. Patty’s, try BMO’s 5km run. The run takes place in side Stanley Park, starting at Pipeline Road and ending at the Stanley Park Pavillion. Don’t miss the after party at Granville Island Brewery featuring green beer! Registration is currently open until March 12th.

What are your plans for St. Patrick’s day? Let us know in the comments below!

Written by James Hsin – Client Care Manager

James is currently going into his 4th year at kinesiology at UBC, and grew up a relatively active individual. He has been training primarily in Muay Thai for the past 4 years, training with champions and beginners alike. James is a firm believer that exercise should be like playing around – it’s better if its fun! James hopes he can share how his fitness journey has encouraged him to grow, and hopes to inspire you to do the same.

The post Out and About – St. Patrick’s Day Edition first appeared on Le Physique | Vancouver Personal Training.

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Meet Kamal, currently the only male Kinesiologist on our team’s roster. Bet you didn’t know he’s a Star Wars fan and is a pretty philosophical guy. Read his Q&A below!

Q: What’s your role at Le Physique?

A:  I help people build confidence around their body through movement and teaching. You are going to be stronger and it’s my job to set it up in a progressive, logical next step process and next thing you know you’re going to have all this knowledge, fitness and strength. My role is to empower.

Q: What inspired you to work in this field?

A: When I was young, my father died early from a heart attack. He had all the symptoms and he would tell me things like “this is tingling” or “I feel off.” When he died I took it really hard. Initially I wanted to be a doctor but the idea of helping people when they are healthy and being preventative appealed to me.

Q: What is your favourite thing about working at Le Physique?

A:  At Le Physique, I love knowing I can come to work and do what I do best, which is train my clients. I really enjoy the personal connection with people that I’m helping and working as a kinesiologist really lines up with my personal beliefs.

Q: Outside of work, where can people most often find you?

A: With my kids

Q: What’s your favourite exercise?

A: Military Press

Q: What’s your favourite muscle?

A: Adductor longus

Q: What did you want to be when you were growing up?

A: An astronomer! I wanted to know everything about the universe!

Q: What’s your spirit animal?

A: Stallion

Q: Favourite TV show?

A: Star Wars: Rebels

Q: If you could be on any TV reality show what would it be?

A: I don’t want to be on a TV show! But if I had to choose, I’d say Wheel of Fortune.

Q: Celebrity crush? 

A: Kate Upton

Q: What’s your guilty pleasure?

A: Dark Chocolate 70%

Q: Pet peeve?

A:  Surprises

Q: Favourite hobby?

A: Listening to audiobooks & podcasts, and philosophizing.

The post Meet Kamal Shah first appeared on Le Physique | Vancouver Personal Training.

Meet Gillian! She is a kinesiologist, MAT specialist® and likes eating popcorn.

Q: What’s your role at Le Physique?

A: I’m part of the team of kinesiologists at Le Physique. I also am a Muscle Activation Techniques® specialist. I like puzzles! If someone has a nagging issue or injury, I like to discover what is “not working” (from a musculo-skeletal perspective) and help them move more efficiently and feel great about themselves.

I started doing M.A.T.®  at Le Physique in 2012, then joined as a kinesiologist in 2013.

Q: What inspired you to do what you do?

A: After 2 decades of working in the fitness industry, I wanted to get more knowledge – you know, delve deeper into how things work. I was the kind of kid that would take apart clocks to see what makes them tick. I had the opportunity to continue my education so I jumped in with both feet and went back to school for Kinesiology.

There was one person who really inspired me; one of my professors came up to me after a kinesiology exam and said “Have you always been this brilliant in kin?” His passion was contagious! That question really encouraged me to continue and I knew I was on the right path.

I love the fact that I can understand how things work and continue to grow and learn.

Q: What is your favourite aspect about what you do?

A: There are so many things I like about this industry. What I love the most, is when a client realizes they’re getting stronger and has a better understanding of themselves.

Q: Outside of work, where can people most often find you?

A: On the couch, out for a run…or at Stanley park, having a nice walk with my better half.

Q: Favourite hobby?

A: Sailing

Q: What’s your favourite music?

A: I like so many different genres (classical to Jazz to hard rock). Right now? I’m having a revival of AC/DC

Q: What’s your favourite exercise?

A: Push-ups!

Q: What’s your favourite muscle?

A: Gluteus Maximus

Q: What are 3 things people don’t know about you?

A: I was born in Paris, France.

I was supposed to be a marine biologist.

I can move my eyes independently and gross Nicole out (we have video proof).

Q: What did you want to be when you were growing up?

A: It was sort of half and half – a cowgirl and an astronaut!

Q: What’s your spirit animal?

A: Dragon

Q: Favourite TV show?

A: At the moment, The Bridge (original)

Q: If you could be on any TV show what would it be?

A: The Price is Right

Q: Celebrity crush?

A: Benedict Cumberbatch

Q: What’s your guilty pleasure?

A: Beer and popcorn

The post Faces of Le Physique: Gillian Morrow first appeared on Le Physique | Vancouver Personal Training.