Charlie learns proper nutrition and the benefits of exercise

Written by Charlie Harte, Aurora club

It is Monday morning, I completed a Triathlon yesterday and the alarm has yet to go, I feel alive and I am content; thinking about what the last year has done for me.

It is just over 12 months since I walked into the Aurora Goodlife gym, nervous, concerned and uncomfortable.

I was unhappy with my weight and after having a good heart to heart with my doctor I knew

Charlie - After

I needed to do something. My work has provided, for a number of years, a health and wellness program that could be used for a Goodlife membership, so this is where I had decided to start.

Like most everyone else I had been a member of a gym before, but had never really figured it out or used my membership to any advantage. I really did not know where to start.

So, it was a great relief to be met at the door by a welcoming smile and an offer of a tour of the gym. Susie walked me through the space and explained how I could get started immediately using a simple preset routine, or by joining a class. Susie also explained the benefits of a Personal Trainer – I was highly skeptical, however I knew that I had a lot to learn so I signed up for a 3 session personal training introduction.Â

Prior to my visit I had looked online and knew there was an RPM class so I jumped in.  The instructor was fantastically welcoming, helped me set up the bike, explained what was going on during the class and it flew by. I was hooked. I felt brave and went in for a Body Pump class on Friday and my experience was repeated, it was great.

The next week I met with Mike, the Personal Trainer for the first of my three sessions and I immediately knew that personal training was a massive step. Mike discussed my goals and was encouraging and instructive. He helped me understand the machinery and what activities would help me with my plan.  We flew through the initial three sessions and then presented me with a series of options. After some discussion about my schedule, I signed up.

Charlie - Before

Over the next 8 months I went to multiple locations across Canada (my job entails travel), attended classes that were easy to find thanks to the online schedules, and worked out. Mike worked with me on scheduling our appointments and we did not miss one.  Having them in my blackberry made all the difference, the time for me was taken and booked. My initial experience upon walking into a club/class was repeated at every location I went to.

The results were there for everyone to see. I had folks I had known for 20 years walk right passed me on the street because they did not recognize me or my new attitude towards lifee. My doctor was wildly impressed.  She did not think that I would do anything as she has conversations about weight with people every day and nothing happens. I did tell her that I am sure that with the help of the entire GoodLife team I would not have done it! My family noticed the difference as I changed the quantity and quality of what I ate and they followed.  We now eat significantly less junk and cook from scratch most days, forgoing processed foods – all part of the nutrition discussion with Mike.

Now, I also know this is a journey that has just started, but the way I feel today is fantastic and I know that the team at GoodLife will be there to help me on my journey whenever required.