Kristi & Becca are two of our inspiring Personal Training clients. Coming weekly together, they keep each other accountable and are committed to spending time on their own fitness and health. We are so proud of both of you!

- Your Degree Team

What brought you to Degree/Personal Training in the first place?

K: I had been at a gym previously that while the trainers were great, the underlying message wasn’t aligned with my beliefs. There was a lot of focus on upping weights and reps, and lacked some focus on proper form. There was also a lot of body checking behaviours (regular weigh ins and measurements) that weren’t supportive of a HAES (health at every size) belief - the goal always seemed to be shrinking your body. 

When I was looking for a new gym this was something I wanted to change. After the intro meeting at Degree I could see the mindset here was much more supportive of a HAES and not just trying to make your body smaller.

B: I wanted a gentle work out that focused on range of motion. I wasn’t looking for anything with heavy weights or major cardio. After our initial meet and greet, Degree seemed to be a good fit for that.

What was your first impression? How has that changed?

K: After the first training session I really saw the instructors focus on proper form and not causing injury or over extending yourself. The 3 month check ins were excellent for really focusing our training sessions on what we as the client wanted. The team and support at Degree is excellent!

B: At first glance Degree seemed very “CrossFit” focused, but after my third or fourth session we had covered so many different exercises, stretches, and movements that I felt confident in my choice of gym! 

What was your first “bright spot”?

K: Being able to work out and really focusing on self improvement instead of loosing weight (as the typical gym does). I remember one of the first times we repeated a workout months later, and our trainer told us we did it in less time and seemed to struggle less/were stronger doing it, it was a really great bright spot. The focus was always on just improving on what we did last time. 

B: My first bright spot would have been when I was planting my spring garden last year, I had been going to Degree for around 2 months at this point. I couldn’t get over how much easier lifting and bending had become.

What are you working on now?

K: Right now I am working on being my best and strongest self as I go through my current pregnancy. I am expecting in August and being able to train before and during this pregnancy has been such a great experience! 

B: Right now I’m working on breathing through my exercises and continuing to build my range of motion.

What is your advice for someone who is thinking about starting at Degree?

K: Do it. I drive from Stratford so it’s a bit of a trek for me, but it’s worth it. Every time I leave after a session I may feel physically tired, but mentally I am so much clearer.

That allows me to be a better business owner, wife, and mom for sure. Spending the time and money on your physical and mental health at Degree is highly worthwhile!

B: I’ve been to many gyms in the past, the community here and the care that goes into the workout plans is truly exceptional! I was so pleased to find something that worked with my work schedule; coming to our session is a great way to shut my brain off, and I enjoy a good laugh with my coach and sister-in-law. Degree is the highlight of my work week!