Goal: To share what I’ve learned about the benefits of fitness, especially for those of us past middle age, so that we can remain active and prevent some of the problems that are normally associated with aging.
Background and Training: After graduating with an M.A. from Carleton University in Ottawa, I acted as a management consultant at the CBC in Toronto, then started my own project management business in Vancouver and later on Vancouver Island. In my late 50s I became certified by the British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA) as a personal trainer and I have completed the following courses:
- Fitness Theory
- Weights Training
- Personal Training
- Third Age (seniors fitness)
- Osteofit and Get Up and Go (BC Women’s Hospital)
- Low Back Disorders (with Dr. Stuart McGill)
- Advanced Personal Training
- Group Fitness
- Abs Specialty Course (Absolute Abs)
- Roller Technique
- Training the Runner
- Hip & Knee Workshop
- Finding Balance Workshop
- Incontinence Management
Medical Exercise/Rehab Specialist
As of May 2019, after a year of study, I am excited to announce that I have achieved a new certification as a Medical Exercise Specialist (MES). This new knowledge will allow me to provide better care for clients recovering from common joint injuries, knee, hip or back surgeries.
Testimonial, from Karen:
Sue, my trainer, has helped me with the support, knowledge and motivation I needed to reach my goals. She helped me with my nutritional goals, and then set me up with a personal exercise program. She was always encouraging to me, and having her as my personal trainer has changed my life. Her passion for fitness is contagious, thank you, Sue!
Approach to Exercise: I work out so that I can continue to enjoy the activities I love, eat lots of healthy food, and savour good wines. And now that I know how to do it properly, I enjoy exercise for its own sake. Several of my clients have started out by emphasizing how much they hate exercise so we begin with just a few exercises and very often within a few short weeks they’re asking for moreI
Being fit has helped me to continue to participate in a range of activities: musical theatre, riding horses, running, gardening (1.5 acres!). I don’t have time for sore knees, back, hips – but I used to suffer from all of those things.
I am a life-long learner and will continue to study and, hopefully, improve as I move into my 70s and 80s. Optimistic? Perhaps, but I’m stronger than I was in my 40s (and my 20s, for that matter) and research tells us that muscles don’t age – so I’m going to try and prove them right. Come and join me on this journey!
