Fit & Healthy Centre

Charles Graine

Losing weight does more than just make you look good!

Too often when people think of losing weight the only thing they think of is the aesthetics - how much better they will look. While that can be an admirable goal in itself, the real benefit is that it can literally add years to your life and active, healthy years at that!

On February of this year, Charles Graine, with the gentle prodding of his daughter Caroline, finally had enough and decided to make a change for the better. He joined Fit & Healthy! Now just 10 weeks later and as the Winner of Fit & Healthy’s “ I’m In It To Trim It” contest, Charles has managed to lose an astonishing 50 lbs! Now while I’m sure that the 3 months membership and T-shirt he won was reward enough, how about what he “won” in terms of his health. A diabetic for most of his adult life, who was on an insulin pump for the last 10 years taking 300mg to 350mg of insulin a day, Charles is now almost totally off insulin and just periodically is taking 10 –15 units. Think of what that means in terms of longevity and quality of life.

In Charles’ words:

“I have to say its been a tough ride over the past 6 or so years. Being a Diabetic with heavy insulin use, after open Heart surgery, and countless other issues, I finally was healthy enough to join the Fit and Healthy.

My daughter Caroline was the driving force behind it and Flo was the catalyst which sealed the deal! His background speaks for itself. We set up a program that was suited for my needs and off I went.

Through all the changes that we have accomplished both at the gym and through my Doctor, I have lost a staggering 50 pounds to date. I am completely off insulin and have not felt this good since, I really do not know when. I just won the “I’m In It To Trim It” challenge which gives me a sense of pride. I never would have thought such a thing possible if it were not for Flo and his guidance and support.

This is a guy who never gave fitness a second glance and look at me now. Thank you so much Flo. Just to let you know, 45 pounds to go. Then I can say I achieved my personal goal.”

I have to say that Charles should be an inspiration to everyone at Fit & Healthy... that hard work does pay off and that if you have a goal, have support of family, friends (and Fit & Healthy Trainers) the sky is the limit as to what you can accomplish.

Congratulations Charles on winning our latest contest, but all that is secondary to winning in life!

Angela Hanson

On most Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings you will find Angela Hanson and her Husband Barry hard at work at Fit & Healthy Personal Training Studio.  Angela and Barry have made a commitment to maintain a healthy lifestyle and actively enjoy time with their family and friends.  That's one of the reasons they have been members of Fit & Healthy for over 10 years! 

Last month Angela and her son Anthony enjoyed a trip of a lifetime to Tanzania and while there, just decided to climb the highest mountain in Africa and one of the tallest in the world.... Kilimanjaro (Well there may have been a little planning involved!!).  Kilimanjaro, with its three volcanic cones, Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira, is a dormant volcano in Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania and the highest mountain in Africa at 5,895 metres or 19,341 feet above sea level.

Below is a picture of Angela and her son Anthony at "the top of the world".  What a terrific accomplishment.

Angela writes  ... "Home from Africa! Had a terrific time with some really awesome new friends. It was an experience we will all never forget. It was hard but such a great challenge!  We met amazing people! Got dirty and then we are home and all cleaned up. Our memories will be with us always.  Doing this trip with my son, Anthony was such a special treat! He always had my back! Love you, A! 

Thank you to all of our families and friends who supported us and welcomed us home, including the members and staff at Fit & Healthy.”  

Angela about Fit & Healthy…. “I have reached many personal goals through my membership. I feel good about myself. The people who attend Fit & Healthy are all focused, fun and motivating to be around. The staff are encouraging, educated and lots of fun.  Thanks again!"

Congratulation Angela for your accomplishment!

Stefano Forest

At Fit & Healthy Centre we pride ourselves in being professional, personal and most importantly – results oriented. Over the past 7 months Stefano Forest who is an engineering student at the U of W underwent one of the biggest and most important changes of his life. When Stefano first began upon this endeavour he weighed in at 236 lbs whereas he currently weighs in at an impressive 188 lbs. Along with the 50 lbs of weight lost, Stefano also achieved a largely beneficial decrease in body fat percentage of 12 % and a loss of over 17 inches (From 4 measuring locations).

As Stefano reflects, 

“I have tried to lose weight a couple times before, but I was unsuccessful. I always started off strong and lost a little bit of weight, but it seemed I always went back to my old ways. This time I didn’t give up. 

Stefano also sincerely appreciates his support system, “My family lives a very healthy lifestyle, which has motivated me on this journey, especially when it came to eating healthy.” He says. “My dad has cooked almost every meal for me along the way and I would not have been able to do it without him.” Having a strong support system is one of the key factors that Owner / Manager of Fit & Healthy Centre – Florin (Flo) Olteanu stresses the importance of with each and every client. As he has mentioned on numerous occasions, “We provide the support through consistent and challenging workouts and by keeping in touch with our clients, but your family and friends have to support your changes as well – outside of the gym especially.”

In conclusion; Stefano also realizes the social benefits of achieving an improved level of health, “My friends and I are very active and love to play any sport there is!  Seven months ago, when we played anything, I would feel tired and out of breath within the first few plays. Today, 50 lbs lighter, it takes a lot for me to run out of breath and get tired. I love the feeling of having a lot of energy and now, even when I do get tired, I have the mental capability to tell myself to keep going!”

Congratulations Stefano on an inspiring and impressive lifestyle transformation from both the Staff and Clients at Fit & Healthy Centre.

Jean-Marc Larocque

Very little is as important as getting into your 'senior years", healthy and still able to enjoy life. Well how does jumping from an airplane, thousands of feet up in the air sound? Even if, in your mind, you don't think that would qualify as "enjoying life", this is just what current member Jean-Marc Larocque did with Trainers Cory and Adam, just a few weeks back. If you had asked Jean-Marc just a few short years ago, whether he thought this was something he could do, you probably would have said "no". Now in addition to skydiving, Jean-Marc is an avid motorcyclist and is enjoying life. We received the testimonial below from Jean-Marc and wanted to share it with you, to illustrate what perseverance and hard work can accomplish.

Congratulations on your achievements Jean-Marc!!

This is Jean-Marc’s testimonial,

"I have been training at Fit and Healthy Centre for the last 6-7 years. Having been personally trained throughout this period, I have nothing but compliments to give you and your staff for your training expertise and for your continued efforts to personalize your services to my needs. Consequently, I am proud and honoured to be able to offer the following testimonial.

Fit and Healthy Centre has enabled me to achieved amazing results. With your help, I was able to transform from a 245 lb. totally out of shape sedentary male into a fit, healthy, proud and active 160 lb. 64 yr. young individual.

The computerized fitness program provided by the gym is an invaluable tool that is utilized and which suggests optimum and safe exercise choices with guaranteed results.

Lastly, but very importantly, I have to commend the gym for its very reasonable rates. Fit and Healthy Centre does what no other gym in the area does. It provides exceptional service with exceptional trainers in an exceptional environment for and exceptionally low cost. Thanks to all from an extremely grateful client."

Scott DeSalliers

“After visiting my health care provider in early February, I decided that it was time to make a change. So armed with a new diet (based on my blood type), I visited Fit & Healthy Centre. Flo and his team did my fitness assessment and created a program for my needs and my goals. With that program in place and some very helpful personal training to get me started, I have been working hard to achieve a new healthier "ME". The atmosphere and staff at Fit and Healthy have made exercising an enjoyable and rewarding part of my life. The work is hard but the results are amazing. In 3 and 1/2 months I'm down nearly 40lbs. and no longer have to take cholesterol medication, on top of the fact that I just feel great. If you're looking to make a serious change and feel better every day, Fit and Healthy is the place to do it. Thanks to Flo, Austin, and Sarah for all their help and encouragement.”

Becky Bagley

"Dear Flo,

I just want to take the time to express how fortunate I feel to have discovered your gym at the right time in my life. I had given up on being healthy and fit, yet I decided to give it one more try after reading some of the testimonials on your website. I am so glad I did. I find both the staff and the other clients that I encounter at your gym to be very friendly, supportive and really nice individuals.

Your trainers helped me to lose 50 pounds, several inches and body fat in just over six months. I could not have accomplished this without his consistent support, positive attitude and encouragement.

I have worker out in several other gyms in my lifetime, and with several different personal trainers, but I have never encountered trainers that are so genuine, caring and dedicated to their profession and the well-being of their clients.

I felt was important to let you know how overjoyed I am to have discovered your gym and these fine trainers that you have hired."

Yours sincerely,

Becky Bagley

A very gratified client

John Temporal

"Since starting the Fit & Healthy nutrition and exercise program in January, I have lost a total of 54 pounds (from 266 to 212) and 10.5 inches from my waist (46.5 “ to 36”). My percent body fat has decreased from 34% to 15%.

An unexpected benefit from this program was the drastic reduction in my migraine headache episodes. I typically experienced 2 to 3 headaches a week and now have less than one incident a month.

The trainers at the centre are friendly, knowledgeable and provide helpful suggestions and encouragement. In my experience, the most difficult part of this program was making the commitment to begin"

Stefano Forest

“I have tried to lose weight a couple times before, but I was unsuccessful. I always started off strong and lost a little bit of weight, but it seemed I always went back to my old ways. This time I didn’t give up and I kept going and that has a lot to do with my Coach Ben. I constantly hear his voice in the back of my head saying, “The sweat is on your back Stef”. It is me who is going through all the challenging and insane workouts, but Ben never let me give up. Furthermore when the training and especially the diet became hard (and that does happen), I just think of Ben telling me that it’s all “mind over matter”. When I’m tempted with eating something bad, I just think of those two simple messages and it usually helps me make a healthier choice.”

Charles Graine

“I have to say its been a tough ride over the past 6 or so years. Being a Diabetic with heavy insulin use, after open Heart surgery, and countless other issues, I finally was healthy enough to join the Fit and Healthy.

My daughter Caroline was the driving force behind it and Flo was the catalyst which sealed the deal! His background speaks for itself. We set up a program that was suited for my needs and off I went.

Through all the changes that we have accomplished both at the gym and through my Doctor, I have lost a staggering 50 pounds to date. I am completely off insulin and have not felt this good since, I really do not know when. I just won the “I’m In It To Trim It” challenge which gives me a sense of pride. I never would have thought such a thing possible if it were not for Flo and his guidance and support.

This is a guy who never gave fitness a second glance and look at me now. Thank you so much Flo. Just to let you know, 45 pounds to go. Then I can say I achieved my personal goal.”

Susan StLouis

“I joined Fit and Healthy in October of 2010, ready to make some changes. Like most people, I have a busy life. I’m a mom, a wife, an engineer, a board member, etc. I’ve always struggled with time commitments, constantly sacrificing my time for fitness for some reason or another. At Fit and Healthy, you have a partner – your personal trainer – who is solidly on your side and wants success for you. It provided me with the extra help I needed to really commit. I’ve been able to schedule in my training sessions, just like I schedule a meeting. For me, my lunch hour seems to work best. That way, I give my fitness the status it deserves in my life. My health is important to me and one year ago I started acting like it was. I really like the program because it is flexible. If I can’t make it in to a session with my trainer, I can just as easily log into the website and my program is laid out for me – this is key – you are never alone and you have no excuses not to do your workout – even when you are out of town on business trips. I also find that the meal program was easy to use and it really helps you get your eating on track. I like the points system because it gives you a clear roadmap to achieve success. Fit and Healthy is a place where they make you feel welcome, it is not scary or intimidating. The trainers at Fit and Healthy have helped me realize my goals and for that I am so thankful.”

Jean-Marc Larocque

"I have been training at Fit and Healthy Centre for the last 6-7 years. Having been personally trained throughout this period, I have nothing but compliments to give you and your staff for your training expertise and for your continued efforts to personalize your services to my needs. Consequently, I am proud and honoured to be able to offer the following testimonial.

Fit and Healthy Centre has enabled me to achieved amazing results. With your help, I was able to transform from a 245 lb. totally out of shape sedentary male into a fit, healthy, proud and active 160 lb. 64 yr. young individual.

The computerized fitness program provided by the gym is an invaluable tool that is utilized and which suggests optimum and safe exercise choices with guaranteed results.

Lastly, but very importantly, I have to commend the gym for its very reasonable rates. Fit and Healthy Centre does what no other gym in the area does. It provides exceptional service with exceptional trainers in an exceptional environment for and exceptionally low cost. Thanks to all from an extremely grateful client.".

Paul Cooney

"I was always tired, no ambition, sore back, sore knees, always sweating. Heard about Flo’s Fit & Healthy and decided to ask for help! With Flo’s easy to follow eating plan and personalized exercise program I actually sweat off a staggering 120 lbs. And brought my blood pressure and cholesterol down to outstanding levels. A friendly comfortable atmosphere made me feel welcome at all times. Encouraging comments from other members were always there. All Flo’s trainers are experienced, friendly and have a convincing way to help you reach your goal. With your determination and Flo’s team effort you can be successful too."

Shirley Williams

“I'm a professional artist and work in the studio all day, every day. It can be a physical challenge with lots of heavy lifting and long intense days requiring stamina. So it's very important for me to stay fit and strong for a long career.

For most of my life, I've been fairly active in a haphazard sort of way. Two years ago, in my mid-50's, I'd gotten lazy and had packed on an extra 15 pounds of flab. I was tired all the time, feeling aches and pains and not feeling good about my body. Fortunately a friend recommended Personal Training at Fit & Healthy.

Since joining Fit & Healthy, I've flattened my abs and lost the muffin-top. I've converted a whole lot of flab to muscle and feel better, look better and work better. Fit & Healthy even coached me on how and what to eat to keep my energy level high and my weight controlled.

I love the friendly, personal atmosphere at Fit & Healthy. Each Personal Trainer at Fit & Healthy is not just a trainer, but a knowledgeable professional dedicated to giving each client the ability to be "fit and healthy in every way.

Fit & Healthy make it super simple to stay on track with an online program called Fitness PTO. I just log in on the days between personal training and follow the directions for that day. Fitness PTO provides an adaptable, customized exercise and diet program personalized to your own fitness level, goals and food tastes. It's so easy and it's fun to watch my progress.”