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Mixing Business with Pushups - Part 1
The health and fitness world continues to change and evolve
By Devon Babin
Calgary is generally seen as an active, healthy city. Calgarians rank among the most active in Canada, with the city earning the title of Canada’s Most Active City in 2009 by Maclean’s magazine and the Canadian Council on Learning. The ranking was also high this year, with Calgary coming in at number 6. With the mountains so close and two rivers running through the city, along with some impressive sports facilities, the potential for an active lifestyle in the city of Calgary is almost limitless.
For the professional business person, it can be more difficult to go to a gym for a workout, hike a trail or take a weekly exercise class. The biggest hurdle for most people is time. The City of Calgary Social Outlook for 2009-2014 surveyed Calgarians and nearly 20 per cent said their main barrier to participating in recreation programs is lack of time while just over 10 per cent said work commitments.
“At least 90 per cent of our members are professionals. Because our location is so close to downtown and many professional buildings are our neighbours, we have a high population of professionals,” says Jessica Power-Cyr, fitness director for Heavens Elevated Fitness on 11 Avenue SW. “The biggest thing we hear [about] is time, definitely. Secondly it’s getting an intense workout in that time.”
One option for the busy professional is personal training which has been “steadily growing” over the past few years, says Darren Kanwischer owner of the Fifth Avenue Club in downtown Calgary. Personal training can help busy professionals immensely, even with hectic schedules.
“That’s where personal training comes in,” he says.
The benefits to investing in a trainer are numerous. The flexibility of a trainer’s schedule allows them to work around a busy schedule, so early risers can get a session in before work or night owls can fit in a workout in the evening. Having a personal trainer ensures a person gets the most out of their workout, the individual’s technique is constantly being monitored and there is the motivation coming from the trainer that pushes the individual to improve and challenge themselves. That human connection with the trainer also helps ensure the busy business person doesn’t shrug off a workout and start a negative trend.
“Personal training is [definitely] on the rise. As people become better educated and knowledgeable they crave a more efficient and effective workout that only a personal trainer can provide. It’s about the knowledge of the exercises and the ability to keep participants motivated and challenged,” says Power-Cyr. “It’s not as scary as people think. Invest in a trainer and take classes. It doesn’t have to be every day. Even if it’s once a month to have them check-in and keep you in check.”
Click here for part 2 of this story... |
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