Have you looked into personal trainer services or fitness classes, upcycling your physical capabilities, to manage stress and ensure that you are physically able to continue learning and working? I found those services over crowded at the lower end and out of my budget at the higher end. As a solution I am investigating affordable services like that provided through The George Brown College’s (GBC) Centre for Health Services. Offered as a service at their WAVE (Wellness, Applied Research and Visionary Education) Health Clinics for the public at the GBC Water Front Campus. In the WAVE Fitness Studios they offer a Personal Training Package with WAVE Fitness and Health Promotion Students http://www.georgebrown.ca/wave/fitnessstudios/ .
A Personal training package includes:
- One fitness assessment
- Nutrition and fitness counseling
- One weekly personal training session for two consecutive school terms (9 sessions)
- Use of fitness studios during hours of operation throughout the school year (September to April).
The costs are:
Community: $150.00
GBC Faculty, Staff, Students: $120.00
GBC Retirees+: $75.00
Seniors (65+): $75.00
The cost is very reasonable compared to standard Toronto private personal training costs of $75+ an hour or public gym trainers at $150+ for only three 40 minute sessions.
The trade-off at WAVE is working with a final semester GBC Student Trainer, to meet their academic qualification needs you commit to weekly training sessions from the end of September through mid-February. Not a bad deal for $150 dollars or less.
The Pros: Well supervised and competent student instructor . The equipment is new and well maintained. Instruction is paced, motivational and geared to realistic goals. I find myself looking forward to sessions and trying to ramp up my activity outside of the formal sessions.Given a detailed workout plan to use out side of the facility. Medical supervised fitness test gives a good base line to work from.
The Cons: Very limited and not flexible opening hours (not open past 6, no weekend hours). No shower facilities. Trainers scheduling is limited by class work. Program only available from September through to February. Waiting list in place for next sessions in September 2016. Somewhat remote location for many.
Bottom line: My experience was positive once I accepted limitations for cost savings. By using the WAVE services I have a balanced, strength and aerobic work-out routine ,with nutrition counselling, at less than the standard cost of 3 trainer sessions. After a workout I feel less stress and I am able to concentrate and focus better on both my learning and work as an Upcycled Self.
Upcycled Self 