Candice's Story

March 22, 2024

Our Wellness Coaching members have many stories to share on why they started and what keeps them going. Candice is one of our awesome members who works hard and has had an amazing journey in her health and wellness. We are very proud of all the work she has put in and love the energy she brings to class! Keep up the great work Candice at being your best in all areas of your life!
- Coach MJ


My Story by Candice Force


I had begun my weight loss and health journey in December 2022 and genuinely started working on it in early April 2023. I had changed my eating habits; switching to organic produce, pasture-raised meats and trying to limit processed foods and sugar. I had also took up distance and speed walking. 

In late August 2023 I realized that come fall and winter, I would have to look at changing my routine. I wanted to incorporate some weight and strength training. I checked for what was available in the area and Degree Fitness was listed. I perused the website and was quite interested in what they offered. Originally I was looking at booking the No Sweat Intro in October. My dog Jewel had other plans. 

On a walk one morning in early September, we were passing Degree Fitness on Jarvis St. The garage door was open and Jewel decided to take a peek inside. I said, "Good morning" to Kelly and MJ. I also said, "I'm looking to come see you soon." Kelly asks if I wanted to pop in, look around and chat a bit; I was welcome to bring Jewel in. 

We talked a bit about what I was looking for and exchanged contact info. It wasn't long after that that I booked the No Sweat Intro. 

At the No Sweat Intro we talked about my past issues with ankle injuries, what I was doing nutritionally, my fitness routine at the time, and my plan going forward. Everyone was so tremendously kind, patient, and gave me a fair and honest assessment. From the get-go, I felt a huge sense of having people in my corner. They provided a safe space to be open and honest about what difficulties I had had, along with setting realistic expectations for myself. 

The Wellness Coaching class was what they recommended. They explained the class and how it worked. It seemed to be a good fit. I did the intake sessions with Kelly in mid to late September, signed up for the free Wellness class on Oct 19th and the Halloween 5K. Shortly after I booked in for the October and November classes.

I was trying to think of my first bright spot - it's hard to pick from so many. One that strongly stands out in my mind is when I brought my Dad to a PT session. He got to see me do a burpee. Sharing my accomplishment with him was amazing. Less than a year prior, I was having difficulty climbing a set of stairs. Now I was able to spring up off the floor.

The best advice I could give anyone contemplating either joining Wellness Coaching or any program at Degree Fitness would be, don't be afraid and don't hesitate. The atmosphere provided by the staff and other members is supportive and fun. Class is always a bright spot to my week. It has helped immeasurably in my journey to change my life.


Looking to get your own health and fitness journey started? Email info@degreefitnessseaforth.com or CLICK HERE to book your FREE No Sweat Intro!

The Importance of Showing Up For Yourself

September 2, 2025
Written By: Coach Sienna Showing up for yourself is so important but its often overlooked and dismissed. Showing up for yourself isn't some cheesey, made up statement. There is meaning behind it and science! Showing up for yourself is an empowering practice that can transform the way you live, love and lead! BUT what does showing up for yourself actually mean? And why does it matter so much? S howing up for yourself is... Not Selfish You matter and you are important! Treat yourself as if you were a loved one. It means honoring your own needs, values and well being to achieve overall wellness. This means being consistent in the way you treat yourself, not just when it's convenient to you! It is…. Keeping your word to yourself and keeping those promises Choosing rest to prevent burnout It means giving yourself grace and speaking kindly to yourself (Its your first time living!) Prioritizing growth even if its uncomfortable Creating boundaries and sticking with them Say No when something doesn't align with you or your beliefs I t's about treating you like you are worth caring for not only when you have “deserved it” but because you are worth that care, always! Why does all of this matter? It strengthens your relationship with yourself Prevents you for burning or crashing out Builds self confidence as well as trust in yourself Helps you stay balanced emotionally and physically The more time you spend getting to know yourself you learn and discover hobbies! You learn that YOU CAN DO IT and that YOU CAN DO HARD THINGS! You become more present for others! You are no longer pouring from an empty cup! What does this look like in real life? Drinking enough water even though you would rather skip it Going on a walk or doing meditation to have time for yourself to avoid crash out Keeping promises you said you would Letting go of perfection and simply doing the best that you can with what you've got S tart showing up for yourself today! Let yourself know that you've got you :) --- To inquire about services, programs or to get started email info@degreefitnessseaforth.com or call/text 519-441-7492!

How To Make Your Workouts Stick

September 2, 2025
Written By: Coach Kelly I’ve been exercising since high school... I don’t want to age myself tooooo much ;) but that was quite sometime ago. I meet with people all the time who are looking to get started. They are looking to lose weight, tone up, feel better, happier, increase bone density, do something for them, for various reasons. I’m going to give you two of the most important things that you need to do to make your fitness stick, through al season nd all set backs. Write these down, memorize them, and repeat them over and over. You’ll always succeed. Forget about motivation Seriously, forget it. Motivation comes after you get started. It comes when you start to see results; it comes when your pants fit different; it comes when you’re not out of breath going up stairs; it comes when you are running down the soccer field with your kids; it comes when you are happier; it comes when you feel less anxious, less depressed; it comes after you get started. Remember your why Why are you wanting to get started? Why do you want to spend money and time at a gym? Are you willing to do this for months, if not years? When your schedule gets busy, or your kids get sick, why will you keep coming to classes or appointments? You just need to get started, and you need to clearly understand why you are starting in the first place. After that, you must stick with it. Even when y you’re tired, when you’re frustrated, when you want to give up. Everyone wants the quick fix. We will spend hundreds, if not thousands of dollars on supplements that promise to help us lose weight, feel better, but honestly, nothing will compare to the eating some vegetables and getting in a structured workout with a Coach or at a gym 2 - 3 times per week. I know it’s hard. I know it’s hard. Like, I really, really know it’s hard. But, as you’re reading this, look way down the road, like 1 year, then 3, then 5 years. How do you want to feel? As hard as it is to get started, it will be even harder if you don’t do anything. You deserve to invest in yourself. You deserve to feel good. You have got this and we believe in you - Let’s go! ----- To inquire about services, programs or to get started email info@degreefitnessseaforth.com or call/text 519-441-7492!

The Journey of Degree Fitness

September 2, 2025
Written By: Coach Kelly My gym ownership journey started in December of 2019. At the time I was managing the day to day Degree, coaching classes/appointments and running events/programs. The previous owner had some really exciting things coming up in her life that required big changes. One of them being handing over the keys to someone else. It was an immediate yes, and an absolute honour! Degree was originally founded as a place to workout with a group of like minded, amazing people. Using fitness as a vehicle for a better overall life (happier people, healthier people). I always believed int eh original mission, vision an values of Degree and they haven’t changed much over the years :) Fitness to me was a way to escape; I could move my body, stay strong and feel empowered when everything else around me felt like it was falling apart. I’ve continued to use fitness to improve my overall health and strength, and just like when I first started, to stay grounded when everything else feels shaky. Fitness to me, and at Degree, is more than muscles. It’s helping our clients have a safe space they can come, be themselves, and workout with their gym buddies. As they do this, the most amazing things happen, and it makes our hearts soar as you Coaches… We see you light up when you crush a hard workout, or do something you didn’t think you could do. When you share a bright spot and everyone in your class is genuinely happy and excited for you, too! When you start to realize, and believe , that you are whole heartedly capable of anything you put your mind to. That you are worth it; you always have been. Degree is the cornerstone of health and wellness, and we will always be here to help you, and our community live their happiest, and healthiest lives! ----- To inquire about services, programs or to get started email info@degreefitnessseaforth.com or call/text 519-441-7492!