Showing posts with label dance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dance. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Phoenix Fitness - Hamilton

Hamiltonians sure are lucky. We have alot of choice when it comes to choosing a gym membership. Today I was fortunate to visit two locations of Phoenix Fitness One is in Ancaster and the other is in Stoney Creek.
According to my research Phoenix Fitness was established in 1984. This is the only gym I have visited in two years that was completely up front about their fees right from the start. They're even posted on their web site! I found a couple web sites for Phoenix Fitness, both seem to have the same information.
The facility in Ancaster is quite small, however; the gym was bright and airy. The equipment was well maintained and the gym and changeroom areas were very clean.
The facility in Stoney Creek was about 4 times larger, was also bright and airy and very clean and well maintained.
Customer Service
I received excellent and friendly service at both locations. The staff at the front desk were both very knowledgeable about they gym, the various services and explained briefly the fee schedule.
Staff
At the Ancaster location I saw only one staff member at 7:30am this morning. He was incredibly friendly and helpful and was very enthusiastic about Phoenix Fitness. In Stoney Creek there was one woman at the front desk who was also very enthusiastic and helpful.
Changerooms
The changerooms are very basic. Members are provided with showers and lockers. Again I was very impressed with the cleanliness of the changeroom. 
Classes
I was given a class schedule at both locations. They were easily available right at the front desk and also are online. The variety of classes is pretty impressive. For me, its like looking at a buffet table; I will probably have to sample a bit of each one before I can decide which one(s) I like best.  
Personal Trainers
I did not see any PT's however I was at these locations pretty darn early. I did ask about personal trainers and was told that there were several available. You could book single sessions or purchase packages of 12 or more sessions. 
Hours & Parking
The Ancaster location is open:
Mon - Thurs
Fri
Sat
Sun
5:30am - 10pm
5am - 9pm
7am - 6pm
7am - 5pm
Parking is shared at this location Staples and a few other stores in the plaza.

The Stoney Creek location is open: 
Mon - Thurs
Fri
Sat
Sun
5:30am - 9:30pm
5:30am - 9pm
7am - 6pm
7am - 5pm
Parking here is also shared with other stores in the plaza. The only suggestion I have for this location is to get a more prominent sign that can be seen on Hwy 20. The building is actually behind several taller establishments and cannot been seen very well from the road.
 
Special Features
Phoenix Fitness does not have any "fancy" features like saunas and lap pools or running tracks. However, my first impression of this club is that they're emphasis is on making sure the members are happy with the gym and happy with their workouts. That, I would say, is a special feature. They also have a boxing area, which is very cool.
In addition, child care is included in the cost of membership, members have access to all three locations (Dundas, Ancaster and Stoney Creek). Memberships are pay-as-you-go, which means no contracts. Another cool thing they offer, is they will pause your membership if you are out of town or unable to use the gym for whatever reason. During the "pause" you are not charged fees. Very nice!
Overall
Overall, my first impression of both locations is favourable. I was unable to actually workout today, but I plan to go in on the weekend and try out the equipment. I suppose some people prefer a larger gym establishment just like they might prefer a "big box" store. While others prefer a smaller gym, a local establishment. These people often prefer to support local companies and small businesses. There are pro's and con's to both. So you would have to try it out to see whether you like it or not. It costs nothing to "try it on".  

As always, I welcome all comments, suggestions and ideas
don't sweat the small stuff

Monday, March 26, 2012

My Wishlist for Fitness Clubs

So my last post reviewed some items that are required and recommended for fitness clubs in Canada. Now I'd like to tell you about my wish list for fitness facilities. My "dream" fitness club, if you will.
First lets discuss briefly some aesthetics. Nice bright natural light coming from large windows and skylight(s). Large, open, airy main gym area. Brightly lit boxing studio with several different sized bags, including a speed bag. A quiet area with a padded floor for cool-down stretching. Equipment that is fully functional, clean and well maintained (so that you don't have to stop your workout partway thru because the treadmill you chose sounds like a walrus in labour!!)
Everything, all the floors, equipment, changerooms, washrooms, showers, everything everywhere is clean, clean, clean!!!! (there is a full time staff member(s) ensuring this is taken care of)    
This picture is actually a scene from a gym at a resort in Portofino. Not likely it is used very often. Probably not too many people will workout while on vacation. However, I would be one of the few. I did get to the gym while on vacation last year, three times during the week I was away.
What I like best about this picture is the bright atmosphere and the great view from the treadmills. How awesome is that?? I'm also a sucker for the woodwork, it gives the interior a warm and inviting appeal. But, it is also costly and not a top priority on my wish list.
Another awesome feature I'd love to see at my gym is one or two staff members who "float" the gym. Their job is to assist members when necessary. (if a member seems to be puzzled about how to use some equipment, or maybe they are using something incorrectly) They would also be able to see when an area needs to be cleaned, towels need to be replaced, cleaning fluid topped up. In addition to all that, they could also recommend personal training sessions to members throughout the day. Yes, why not offer services to existing members??? 
So many companies, not just fitness companies, offer "introductory" services and features to draw in new customers/members. Then, once a customer/member is signed up, the sales dept moves on to the next new customer/member. Hmmmmmm..........hey, what about customer retention?? Why not try to keep your current members happy by continuing to offer them services that will enhance their experience at the gym???
Happy members = more happy members
Remember???

Anyway, that's just my opinion...............
Here is my wish list, in list-able format:

My Dream Fitness Club is:

1) CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN facilities
2) Fully operational equipment and changeroom facilities  
3) Open early or 24 hours
4) Nice, clean, quiet boxing studio
5) Quiet area with padded floor for cool-down stretching
6) Staff available in the main gym to assist with questions about equipment, exercises etc
7) Comfortable facility temperature and ventilation system




Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Exercise - Home vs Gym

Here it is, the long anticipated low down on exercise routines at home vs in a gym.
For years prior to my joining a gym, I was sure that I was getting enough exercise on my own at home. I wasn't a couch potato. I was busy all the time, going here and there during the week. My job was relatively sedentary. I sat in front of a computer 98% of the time. But on weekends I went out when the weather was nice. Walking, hiking, roller blading etc. Took my kids to the park. Did yard work. Washed the car (in my driveway). Housework.
I thought that I was at least as active as the average person, if not more.

Strangely, even with all this activity, I was still overweight. 

When I joined the gym; well, I've already explained here in another post, I lost 6" on my waist in the first 8 months. I found muscles!! My energy level increased. I slept better. And my overall mood was happier.

Why?????

Well, its a very simple matter of money and commitment. When you join a gym, you make a commitment, both with your cash and with your time. The cash commitment usually motivates you to keep your time commitment. Paying for something you never or rarely use seems silly. YET, there are many people who do just that!! Bizarre!! I know!!!

Even more common, are those who buy a gym for their home with great intentions that quickly fade to regret. Those home-use treadmills and fancy gizmo gym-in-one contraptions are not cheap!!  You bring it home. Like a proud parent. And the first few months or so, you actually stick to a routine. You plan your workouts and you commit to a schedule. Then something happens. You change jobs. You strain your knee. You meet a new partner. And now your "routine" is changed. So you put off your workouts. Reschedule your visits to your gym. Pretty soon the treadmill you bought is dusty and forgotten, or the membership card to your shiny new gym membership sits lonely on your dresser. Forgotten. Unloved.
HA!!

Only YOU can change your excuses into reasons to keep up your commitment to your exercise routine. You certainly didn't stop eating, or driving, or sleeping or talking when your lifestyle changed. Why would you stop exercising??? As I've said before; think of regular exercise as something that you do, like brushing your hair or vacuuming your house. Its a routine. Its part of your lifestyle. And its here to stay. No excuses!!

Bottom line??
Gym and home workouts are equally valuable. But neither have any value if you are not committed to exercising as part of your everyday/weekly lifestyle.

Home workouts may be more suited to those who:
-prefer privacy
-easily self motivated
-have a hectic and varied work/home schedule

Gym memberships may be more suited to those who:
-enjoy the social aspect of working out
-prefer to meet up with a workout partner to help motivate them
-have a work schedule that allows for some personal time during the week
-like to have a variety of equipment and activities available
-like to have the option of booking a personal training session 

Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Make a commitment to yourself and enjoy your workout.

don't sweat the small stuff......

Monday, March 12, 2012

What Do You want In your Gym Membership??

Today I visited the newly ordained Century Fitness at Upper Wentworth in Hamilton. Did my usual workout thing with a slight twist; I added 10 mins on the elliptical at the beginning of my workout. I still feel bizarro on that machine. Must get my bf to show me how to use this equipment properly. I find the staff here quiet friendly and helpful. I had a few membership questions this morning which they were very helpful with answering.

On to the topic of the day; "What do you want in your Gym Membership"?
With so many choices available, unless you have some previous experience at a gym, most people really aren't sure what they want. The obvious is clean facilities. I don't know how often gyms are inspected or even if that is a norm of the industry, but cleanliness can be a hit or miss thing. Overall, most gyms are reasonably clean. I mean, consider how many people are going in and out of that gym every day! While this is no excuse for a gym that is not clean 24/7, I can imagine it is a full time job requiring several full time staff to manage in order to keep a facility such as this at optimal cleanliness.

The not so obvious features of gym memberships include things like access to multiple locations, all inclusive memberships that include all features of the gym (group classes, main gym, specialized areas such as boxing studio, daycare, saunas, running track and/or lap pool ) Before you sign anything, make sure you ask if ALL the services are included. Some may not be included and its better not to be disappointed later when you find out that the saunas/pool/boxing studio are off-limits to you.

Some gyms also offer specialized services such as fitness tests, medical health exams, fat or cellulite reduction services and procedures, personal trainers and diet programs. Most of these programs require additional fees for the service. Some might be included in your membership as "introductory offers". If your membership includes one of these as an introductory offer, be sure to USE that offer, even if you don't intend to pay for additional services or treatments later. I mean, it is a perk of membership, and its being offered for free so why not give it a try?

Personally, the only additional service I have used so far is the personal training sessions. In my opinion, as a common average person; these personal training sessions are wonderful!! Why? Simply because the one-on-one attention you get from a trainer is a gentle kick-in-the-butt to get you started on your gym membership. A personal trainers job is not only to teach you proper technique on the various equipment at the gym, but also to encourage you to make your trips to the gym a regular part of your lifestyle routine. Just like diets don't work, neither does working out for 3 months before summer then not returning to the gym again until the following spring. Healthy diet and regular exercise are a part of a healthy lifestyle. Which means its just something you do, like combing your hair or taking a shower. But, I've already extrapolated on this topic once before in my posts, so I won't go on too much.

The bottom line is be sure to go in to a gym with a "shopping list" of things you want. Ask questions if you don't understand what the membership includes. And don't, don't, don't sign anything until you have had your 7-10 days trial period. If you live in Ontario, this website has some great tips and also lists and explains your consumer rights with regards to gym memberships. Ontario Ministry of Consumer Services

To the left of your screen, you'll find a quick little poll. I'd love you to take 2 seconds and check off the top two or three features you feel are most important  to you in your gym membership. I will post the results next week.

until then; don't sweat the small stuff

Friday, March 9, 2012

Proper Form on a Treadmill

I just have to talk about this subject. I've watched too many people holding on for dear life on the incline setting, their bodies at a 45 degree angle to the floor. Now, I'm no expert, but I'm thinking that if you were running or walking uphill on a real hill, your body would not be at a 45 degree angle to the ground. Because if it were, you'd probably fall backwards!! (hence why I see people holding on to the bars while at an incline on the treadmill) And then there's this thing called gravity, that tells to pull us downwards in a straight line.........
Of course, I just had to do some research on this, to see if my initial suspicions were correct, or if possibly I was the weirdo at the gym.

First off, the basic form for using a treadmill are generally the same tips found on any site I visited and are as follows: 
1) Posture and spine should be straight, that is at a perpendicular angle to the ground; don't hunch forward, don't lean back
2) Keep head up and looking forward
3) Hold your arms at 90% and at waist level, swing naturally from the shoulders
4) Relax your hands, don't clench your fists
5) swing your arms back and forth not side to side
6) Relax your shoulders and square them up forward to maintain good posture
7) Land in the middle of your foot and roll through to your toes to avoid foot and knee stress

Advice for using the treadmill at an incline:
I found many sites that recommended using an incline to maximize the fat burn of your workout. In general, the advice is to start off slowly, allow 5-10mins for a warm up at a slow speed and low incline and gradually work your speed and incline up. There is no hard fast rule as to what speed or incline works best. What is most important is to watch your heart rate. I try to work towards a heart rate of 140-150. I've found that each time I increase the incline a few degrees, my heart rate response by increasing an additional 10 beats per minute. As everyone is different; age, body shape, weight etc, you will need to experiment to see what is most comfortable for you. When I had a personal trainer, he would be happy when he started to see me sweat. He would say, "NOW you are starting to work!!". So I tend to use that as an indicator to whether I'm pushing hard enough. I find it takes me 15mins on the treadmill before I start to really sweat. So for me, I need at least 30 mins to have an effective workout. A word of caution, if you smoke or have not worked out much before or only visit the gym occasionally, you should see a professional trainer at least once but several times is better. The trainer can help you develop a workout routine that is best suited to your immediate capabilities and needs. Once you have learned the workout, you can use it yourself during your gym visits. After a few months, you probably want to book another session or two with a trainer, to revisit your workout so that you continue to benefit from your efforts.
Again, I have to make sure you understand that I am in no way a professional. I'm just an average person, like you. I know what has been working for me, and I see what other people do in the gym. What works for you is something that only you and your personal trainer can decide.
Finally, above all else, you should truly enjoy your time at the gym. If you hate going to the gym then its not going to work for you. Whatever activity you chose to get your recommended 60mins of daily physical exercise it needs to be something you enjoy doing. Strangely, I never expected to enjoy working out at the gym, but I really do like it and I look forward to my morning work outs every day.
    

Monday, March 5, 2012

Todays Work-Out update

So as mentioned, I've been a gym guru now for about 2 years. I started with 30mins of boxing activities and exercises, and this winter I've added 20mins of weight machines and 30-40mins of cardio on the treadmill.
I've been doing the cardio for about 5 weeks now and I really expected to see more results than what I see. My belly is still jelly. Not happy about that. Maybe it takes longer?? I dunno really. I'm going to do some internet research later today and post my findings. Maybe theres something I'm missing.
I'm also considering booking more personal training sessions to kick-start my new work-out routine. The idea being that a professional will probably know what I need to do to get the results I want. I will let you know how that works out, when I decided to take this step.
So today I went to the Upper Wentworth Premier gym. I wanted to try out their boxing studio as I have not done this previously. I got the key at the front desk. It was attached to a 3 foot wooden plank, a 1X6 I think would be the term. LOL!!
I dragged it upstairs and got access to the studio. The studio is packed with lots of bags, all various sizes. They had a generous supply of gloves, I have my own so I didn't need to use theirs. In the center back of the studio is a small boxing ring, kinda cool, but not something I would use. I could never actually hit anyone, I just like the feeling of tension release when hitting the bag during a workout. One thing missing was a speed bag.
After about 20mins in the boxing studio, I locked up and brought the planked key back to the desk. I decided to try an eliptical. I'd never tried these before. I spent 5 mins on this. I found it felt odd to have my arms moving strangely while my feet were seeming to climb upwards. I could really feel my upper thighs start to burn so I kept it to a modest 5 min trial.
After the eliptical, I went over to the treadmills and did my usual 30mins.
One thing I've noticed since going to the gym, is that only a small percentage of members warm down or stretch after their workout. As I was a competitive figure skater in my youth, I was taught early on the importance of a proper warm down and stretch after each training session. Stretching after a workout is especially good, because the muscles are warm and will respond to a nice slow stretch. This lengthens the muscle and when you cool down, you don't feel knotted and sore. I usually spend a good 10 mins stretching my arms, legs and back after my workout.
Tomorrow,  I may check out another gym and post my findings here for you.
Until then, don't sweat the small stuff!

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Premier Fitness/PhysioMed Fitness Upper Wentworth Hamilton

As most of you have already heard or read, Premier Fitness/Physiomed Fitness is currently undergoing some structural problems. However that being said, its not my purpose to comment on the organizations but rather on the services they provide.
As a member of this club I have been able to experience many aspects of their services.
Here is a quick run-down of this particular facility which is located on Upper Wentworth Street Hamilton. Click here to view a map of the facilities
Customer Service
My first visit to this location was about three weeks ago. There was one person at the front desk who greeted me and helped me scan my new bar coded member card. On my second visit, I asked about the boxing studio. She advised me that I would need a key to use the studio and I could get the key here at the front desk. She was friendly and helpful.
Staff
After three weeks of visiting this location, I have not seen alot of staff. At most, there have been two people at the very large and expansive front desk. Inside the gym, I saw two trainers. I usually visit early in the morning, between 8am and 10am. I saw one class in session on one of the days I was there. Oddly, much unlike the Brant Street location, this facility did not have any literature at the front desk.
Changerooms
The changerooms are large and well lit. The overall appearance is one of a more upscale styling. The washroom stalls have large wooden doors. The shower area needs some TLC. One of the stalls has been noted out of order for some time now. I tried to use the neighbouring stall but was unable to get any hot water at all. My second choice had hot water but needed a good scrubbing. The saunas looked nice, but I have not seen anyone use them yet.  
Classes
The aerobic studio is upstairs adjacent to the main gym. Its very nice in appearance. Well lit and somewhat clean. It seems to be under utilized as I have only seen one class in session in the morning during the three weeks I have been going to this location. The main gym has no specified stretch area and I've noticed many members use the empty aerobic studio for this purpose.
Personal Trainers
Again, I have only seen a couple personal trainers in the main gym. They do not stand out from the other gym members on first glance.
Hours & Parking
This location is open:
24 hrs 7 days per week
Parking is not shared at this location, they have their own lot for members. My early morning visits always find plenty of spaces available.
Special Features
Just beyond the vast front desk, there is a lap pool at this location. The pool seems nice, has two lanes and I have seen a few members using this feature. The women's only area, which is located directly off of the women's changeroom is very small, very dark, and very crowded with machines. The ceiling is low and gives the appearance of working out in your basement. I choose not to use this part of the gym. The main gym is very bright, and has a nice window filling the entire front wall of the building. The boxing studio has a boxing ring; mini-sized. Overall, the studio is small and seems packed with way too many bags. Unfortunately, this location keeps the boxing studio locked so its virtually inaccessible unless you've asked for the key at the front desk upon arrival. 
Overall
Overall, I really like the atmosphere in the main gym area at this location. There are plenty of treadmills and ellipticals available and a wide variety of weight machines. Maybe a bit more staff presence in the gym would be helpful to members. And a bit more cleanliness in the changerooms/showers.  

As always, I welcome all comments, suggestions and ideas

don't sweat the small stuff

GoodLife Fitness Upper James St Hamilton

I have visited this location only once in the past month. I will update my review with additional insights when I have visited a few more times. In the meantime, below are my initial impressions of GoodLife Fitness at Upper James Street in Hamilton.
Customer Service
The front desk staff were very friendly when I first arrived. I explained that I wanted to try out the gym and they asked me to wait while they found a representative to meet with me. I waited about 5 mins. The young man I spoke with was very candid and well spoken. He was very knowledgeable about the services and facilities at Goodlife. After the initial introduction he gave me a quick tour of the facilities.
Staff
The staff at this location are very friendly. The front desk had 2 or 3 people attending. The office seemed a bit bare, with only one person attending. I saw a couple staff in the main gym area although they did blend in with everyone else. As a new visitor I wasn't sure where to find everything, and unfortunately could not find anyone to ask either. 
Changerooms
The women's changerooms seemed very small and cramped, considering the size of the gym itself. Open lockers were a challenge to find on a Saturday afternoon. Perhaps I was there during the busy time!
Classes
I personally have not attended a class here yet. I will update this portion when I have experienced a class. However, I have noted that class schedules are posted and handouts are available at the front desk. There was no class running while I was there that day.
Personal Trainers
I saw a couple personal trainers in the main gym area. They were hard to recognize as they did not stand out from the other gym members.
Hours & Parking
Open Close
Monday 5:00 AM 11:59 PM
Tuesday 12:00 AM 11:59 PM
Wednesday 12:00 AM 11:59 PM
Thursday 12:00 AM 11:59 PM
Friday 12:00 AM 10:00 PM
Saturday 7:00 AM 6:00 PM
Sunday 7:00 AM 6:00 PM
I found the hours puzzling. Since it seemed they were busiest on the weekend, staying open longer during those days made more sense to me.
This location shares parking with many other retailers. You can park in the front of the plaza, which also has Zellers and Fortinos OR you can park in behind, which is shared with the Mandarin.
Special Features
The aerobics room was upstairs, away from the main gym area. This location does not offer a women's only section. They do have an area for boxing, its about 10' X 10' around a very old and well-worn bag. Just one single bag. I was unable to find any skipping ropes.
They also have a stretch area centrally located in the main gym. Daycare services are available at the front desk area.   
Overall
 Overall, this location was fair. It could be a personal preference, but I disliked how the gym was basically just one big open room. I found the lighting very dark. Surprisingly, this location was extremely busy while I was there on a Saturday afternoon. It was tough to get access to some of the weight machines, although they have dozens of treadmills and elliptical. There seemed to be an open area at the front just beyond the desk that was not utilized. I would be willing to go back to this location and check it out a bit more.    

As always, I welcome all comments, suggestions and ideas

don't sweat the small stuff

Premier Fitness/Physiomed Fitness Brant Street

As most of you have already heard or read, Premier Fitness/Physiomed Fitness is currently undergoing some structural problems. However that being said, its not my purpose to comment on the organizations but rather on the services they provide.
As a member of this club I have been able to experience many aspects of their services.
Here is a quick run-down of this particular facility which is located on Brant street in Burlington Ontario. Click here to view a map of the facilities
Customer Service
My experience with this club has been that the customer service is very good. There is always someone available to answer questions and they do so in a friendly manner. A possible improvement would be to have a few more staff on hand at the front desk and office who are knowledgeable in all of the programs and services as sometimes you are asked to wait for someone to return from lunch.
Staff
The staff at this location are all very friendly and helpful. Its not difficult to find a staff member and often if they are unsure of what you are asking, they will find someone who can help you. Staff members seem to be happy to be there, which in my opinion, really adds to the atmosphere of the entire club.
Changerooms
I obviously cannot comment on the mens changerooms, however the womens changerooms are moderately sized and reasonably clean. The changeroom and shower facilities have been upgraded this past fall and the new facelift they received was very well done. Lockers are clean and plenty-full, although if you visit after 6pm, the place is quite busy and sometimes you have to look for awhile to find an open locker.
Classes
I personally have not attended a class here yet. I will update this portion when I have experienced a class. However, I have noted that class schedules are posted and handouts of these are available at the front desk. I have also noted that the classes appear quite popular for members and are well attended.
Personal Trainers
Again, I have to say that the staff at this location are A+. They are well trained and knowledgeable. I've gone into a personal training session and asked for a specific workout, for example: butt and gut. And let me tell you, I got what I asked for!!!!! Myself, I have a small issue with one knee and when I told the trainer, he was able to tailor the workout so that I was still working all muscle groups but in a manner that did not put stress on my knees. My only suggestion would be to have more trainers available at more times throughout the day. I found trying to schedule an early morning session was very difficult.
Hours & Parking
This location is open:
Mon - Thurs
Fri
Sat
Sun
5am - 11pm
5am - 9pm
8am - 5pm
8am - 5pm
The parking is shared with other retailers, including a Silvercity theatre. Depending on the time you arrive, sometimes you have to park fairly far away. Which honestly shouldn't be a problem considering you are going to work out.
Special Features
Brant Street has an awesome boxing studio. It is very large, bright and clean. There is room for up to 6 bags, including a speed bag. Classes are available in boxing, kickboxing and Brazilian Ju Jitsu. I like the mezzanine setup for the ellipticals and treadmills; which overlook the main gym area. The women's only area is large, bright, clean and well maintained.
Overall
Overall I have been quite happy with the services provided at this gym. I know that my experience has not been shared by all members. However, as someone with 10 years in customer service, I also know that some customers cannot be satisfied no matter what you say or do for them. In addition, I am unable to comment on membership fees. Like most services, fees vary depending on the location, type of service and special promotions offered. Lastly, I don't like numerical ratings, they really don't tell you anything useful, so I won't be providing that type of system here on my blog.

As always, I welcome all comments, suggestions and ideas

don't sweat the small stuff

Welcome to the GTA Fitness Reviewer

Did you know that there are literally hundreds of fitness clubs and fitness franchises in Ontario? And did you know that there is very little good, reliable, unbiased reviews available?? Likely if you've ended up here, you have discovered that!

As a fairly new health and fitness enthusiast, I would like to share with you, through this blog, my real life experiences and humble opinions and ideas on fitness clubs in the GTA and Hamilton Niagara area.

Each day that I go to a gym, I will post my workout experience from that day. My intention is NOT to diss any gym or franchise, but rather to express my honest experiences and my impressions and ideas.

Please visit my About Me page to read more about, well......me!!
I welcome all comments, questions and opinions. Speak freely and speak often.
Together, we can help improve the fitness industry which in turn will improve our quality of life.

Always remember; don't sweat the small stuff!!