Work Out
I’m sure you’ve already conjured images resembling the typical
friends (especially when you need them the most) was a commonality
movie scene that depicts a never satisfied and hard-nosed drill
both civilians and troops had to endure. My job (as with many other
sergeant barking out vulgar encouragements to get his troops through
civilians working in various roles) was to try and ease some of the
morning training. It seems this high-intensity-at-all-costs regime is the
tensions of war with support services.
only way to condition his troops for battle. Although militant command still has its place, it may surprise you
I’ll always be indebted to the CF, for both the professional and personal life experiences they afforded me; I still carry them forward
that these tactics are fairly outdated. The military has endured a
in my Train Like a Soldier Bootcamp (TLSB) program. First launched
forward shift since the charter of human rights was introduced in the
in March 2010 at Goodlife Fitness Union Station Toronto, the TLSB
1980s. Regarding physical training, this evolution includes a safer, more
program is unique because it is genuinely based on my training
standardized, and progressive approach to its fitness programs. With
experiences with the military. Now, however, instead of my day being
five years of experience as a military fitness instructor, I can attest that
filled with stressed soldiers wearing Kevlar and armed with artillery,
physical training is done with a higher standard of diligence in today’s
it’s with stressed executives wearing business suits and armed with
Canadian Forces (CF). Military Basic Training in the CF is a physically
rapidly firing blackberries! Everything is relative I guess.
demanding experience whose sole purpose is to prepare soldiers for
My “Train Like a Soldier” marketing is purposefully tongue and cheek,
battle with “fit-to-fight” standards. These “fit-to-fight” standards and
as I play off the Hollywood connotations that somehow successfully
my military experience comprise the foundation for my current role as
lure participants into bootcamp programs. Although playing the
a Personal Trainer and Bootcamp Instructor with Goodlife Fitness.
hard-nosed drill sergeant would be more entertaining, I don’t. To me
As a trainer with the CF, my duties ranged from leading platoons
this approach is not only outdated but counterproductive. Considering
through the fitness components of basic training to Special Forces
most people who join such programs are new to fitness, the “no pain,
training and testing. The peak of my career came in 2007, with my
no gain” philosophy is the last thing they need. Anyone can blow a
six-month deployment to Kandahar, Afghanistan. Aside from the
whistle and yell to make someone tired. “Firm but fair” is the axiom we
tremendous life experience (thankfully I returned in one piece), it was
ran our platoons by, and it’s something I bring to the TLSB program.
the most demanding six months of my life. Being away from family and
This scenario is especially true for clients dealing with weight issues
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