Live Your Best Life Magazine - October 2023

BRANDON KERSEY .......................... Publisher

SAMANTHA MORNEAU ...................... Editor

CONTRIBUTORS

SARAH JANE PHOTOGRAPHY ... Photographer

SAMANTHA MORNEAU ..................... Writer

CARL DURAND ..................................... Writer

LAMON KERSEY ................................. Writer

Instagram: @kerseykickboxfitnessclub

Facebook: @kerseykickboxfitnessclub

Coach Carl

expect changes to your usual routine. School dropoff and pick-up, sports, and extracurriculars can wreak havoc on your schedule. With that being said, this routine change will also impact your workout schedule.

Sticking with your Routine While Getting “Back to School”

With summer ending and school starting, you can

Unfortunately, many people will sacrifice their workout regime for a new kid-oriented schedule; we’re trying to fix that with some easy recommenda-

tions.

Prioritizing yourself is still very important. This doesn’t mean ignore your children, but know that you still need time to yourself, dedicated to your health and wellness.

Not only does exercising help your body, but also your mind. Regular exercise has shown huge benefits for mental health and regulating stress.

While your previous workout schedule may not fit in anymore, we have lots of class times available and though it may not be with your usual instructor, we have a whole team of amazing coaches and classes to try - don’t be afraid of new faces!

Know that something is still better than nothing. Even if your scheduleonly allows classes once or twice a week, instead of three or four during the summer, this is better than stopping dead in your tracks. Your body will thank you for the movement and giving it the proper exercise it deserves.

Ever thought about bringing your kids to class with you?

Exercise and movement is important for everyone - make it a family activity. Or if you think your kids aren’t ready for that yet, try going on family walks or move in some other way; cross training outside of their usual sports activities can have huge benefits.

At the end of the day, it’s all about creating a healthy lifestyle. We encourage you to keep up your movement and prioritize your wellbeing, even during routine changes like the start of the school year.

Coach Samantha

foundation for speed and power. In order to have a strong kick, you must also have great technique.

How to: Throw a Front (Power) Kick

It is officially time to move to lower body techniques. This month I am going to review the front (power) kick. When speaking about front kicks, there are two types that we use in class: snap and thrust/ power. The power kick is used for, well, power. It is a powerful kick that is typically used to push your opponent back.

As always, a quick review: Why does technique matter? Clean technique ensures safety; improper positioning can be damaging as it can led to hurt joints or pulled muscles. Technique is also the

For every kick, there are four basic steps: chamber, extend, chamber, down. The following breakdown will assist you in developing your front kick:

Step One (Fig. 1 & 2):

As with punches, you begin in your guarding stance - hands up protecting your face (fig. 1). For this example, we will use our rear leg for the power kick: Shift your weight onto your lead leg, then lift your rear leg with your knee bent to create your chamber (fig. 2).

Step Two (Fig. 3):

From your chamber, extend your leg toward the bag. With the power kick, it is the whole bottom of your foot that makes contact with the bag (fig. 3).

Step Three (Fig. 4):

Next, retract your kick back into the chamber (fig. 4). The reason for bringing your kick back into the chamber is to maintain balance and control over your technique.

Step Four (Fig. 5):

To complete the technique, you want to place your foot back into position of your guarding stance (fig. 5).

The most important thing to remember, with any technique, is that form is the most important aspect - more important than speed and power.

Once you have the technique, then we will add the power (Tip: blow air out to add power).

Practice the power kick at home or even on the bag before your next class. If you ever want to go over the power kick or any other technique, ask any coach in the club.

Start in guarding stance - hips are more square to the bag than usual.

Shift your weight onto your lead leg, then chamber your leg.

Extend your leg and kick the bag using the whole bottom of your foot.

Retract your kick back into the chamber.

Place your foot back where it started in your guarding stance.

Fig. 1: Guarding Stance

Fig. 3: Chamber

Fig. 4: Chamber

Fig. 2: Extend

Fig. 5: Place Foot

our rockstar coaches

Back to School

meet the

Coaches

Meet Jill

I joined Kersey’s this April and was instantly drawn the the energy of each workout! I love the feeling I get of getting a good workout in but also having fun every time I leave the gym. Growing up, I played all the sports. To this day I still play hockey and volleyball. If I’m not at the gym, you can find me anywhere with Remy (my dog) or eating sushi. Fun fact: This past summer I traveled to France and got engaged! Looking forward to meeting you on the bag :)

Catch Jill on Thursdays at 5:15 pm for Kickbox 8X

Meet Justina

Hi everyone, I am Justina! I have been a member here at Kersey’s for 5 years. Jokingly, I would always tell Krista that I was part of the Kersey family and that one day I would work here and now….here I am! Growing up, baseball was my sport; I played for 22 years. Now, kickboxing is my sport and I absolutely love it. I have been with kersey’s through so many milestones—engagement, marriage and pregnancy (some of you may have even met my little chicken nugget before or after one of your classes). For those who know me, know that I am loud, crazy, and love to have fun. I am always singing and dancing and I am definitely known for my “woooooooo’s” before, during and after classes. Fun facts about me: 1) I am super competitive in the most fun way possible; I will always accept your challenge even if I make a fool of myself, 2) I LOVE karaoke and 3) White Chick’s is my favourite movie of all time, followed very closely by The Lion King ! I am looking forward to coaching new and familiar faces. Come have fun and sweat with me!

Catch Justina on Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 7:45 pm

Coaches the new

Meet Basma

Hey hey, my name is Basma Bitar, I’m new to kickboxing. I’ve always wanted to try it out, but was always anxious about taking that first step through that door. When I finally did and fell in love with it. The overall welcoming feeling I got from the staff at Kersey Kickbox was great, for once I didn’t feel like just a swipe card at the gym, but I was « Basma ». So, when presented with an opportunity to coach, I knew I had to take it. To give someone else that same feeling I got when walked in. I have a passion for working out and fitness over all, but when I’m not in the gym or boxing, I’m at my restaurant Aunty B’s. This was an adventure that my mom and I took on last year and it’s been amazing. A little fun fact about me my name “Basma” means smile In Arabic.

Catch Basma on Thursdays at 4 pm

Meet Michelle

Hi! I’m Michelle, otherwise known as “Bonadonna”!

I’ve been a member at Kersey’s for 8 amazing years and now I’m super excited to say that I’m a trainer! This is truly a dream come true for me and it feels like the final piece of what has been a life-changing experience. To those just getting started, this is it! You have found the absolute BEST workout and BEST fitness community there is! To everyone who I have trained under and worked out with in the last few months and years, you are the reason the above is true. Here’s some things you might not know about me: i) I once sang in a Top 40 cover band called “Blonde Tango”. ii) I love dips and condiments more than the food I’m dipping it in. iii) I have braces and I’m counting down the days to having my jaw broken… don’t worry, through surgery, not a boxing glove! iv) Lastly, apparently my husband John-Paul (J.P.) and I had enough musical talent that it wore off on our kids, Alex and Addi, who are members of Leave Those Kids Alone. The band keeps me busy when I’m not at Kersey’s! I look forward to meeting and knowing everyone who attends my classes whether I’m training or working out with you. I can only hope that you have as much fun as I do.

Catch Michelle on Wednesdays at 6:30 pm & alternating Saturdays at 9:15 am

Sensei Kersey

be in the sight of teachers, staff, or other adults at school.

Parents Back to School Safety

Here are ten practical tips to help keep your child safe as they head back to school:

1. Teach them to recognize trusted adults: Help your child identify trusted adults at school, such as teachers, school staff, or the principal.

2. Buddy system: Encourage your child to stick with a friend or a group of friends when playing or moving around the school premises.

3. Safety in numbers: Teach your child to avoid isolated areas and always

4. Stranger danger: Explain the concept of strangers to your child and teach them not to go with anyone they don’t know without your permission.

5. Use their words: Teach your child to speak confidently and loudly, effectively expressing their discomfort or concerns to a trusted adult if someone approaches them inappropriately.

6. Trust your instincts: Encourage your child to trust their gut feelings. If something feels wrong or makes them uncomfortable, they should seek help right away.

7. Walk confidently: Teach your child to walk tall, making eye contact with others, and using a clear, strong voice when speaking.

8. Emergency numbers: Help your child memorize important phone numbers, like their parents’ or guardians’ numbers and emergency helpline numbers.

9. Safe personal boundaries: Teach your child about personal space and the importance of saying “no” if someone tries to touch them inappropriately.

10. Safe routes: Discuss the safest routes for your child to use when going to and from school. Highlight well-lit areas and ensure they’re familiar with the way.

Remember, discussing these tips with your child and reinforcing them regularly will help them internalize these safety practices.

Hey Kersey Kickboxers!

Want a cool pair of Kersey Kickbox Socks?

Leave us a Google review, show Fran or Samantha and receive a cool pair of socks!

September’s Events DJ Night

On Monday, September 18th, Kersey Kickbox welcomed back DJ Strugzz who added a little bit of extra fun to our classes throughout the night. There’s just something about an inhouse DJ that makes you work just a bit harder - maybe it’s that DJ Strugzz makes us dance while also kicking!

Check out page 30 for upcoming events!

Yeti Cooler Draw

Over the course of a few weeks, Kersey Kickbox held a Yeti Cooler Raffle Draw. If a member brought in a friend to try a class out, that member received an entry into the draw. We loved seeing our Kersey Fam bring in their friends and family to have a blast in class with us. On Friday, September 22nd, the draw was held and two winners were selected. Congratulations to Melisa Robb and Monika Lampman on winning the Yeti Cup and Yeti Cooler!

Happy Birthday!

October Birthdays

Dana Khashashna

Matthew Barbic

Adam Waywell

Sabrina Gagliardi

Stephanie Ferrari

Eric Belisle

April Anderson

Brenda Murphy

Lisa Burke

Samantha Girard

Razaan Barquni

Emma Belanger

Chalire Tingle

October 1st

October 4th

October 4th

October 5th

October 5th

October 9th

October 11th

October 13th

October 15th

October 15th

October 16th

October 18th

October 19th

November Birthdays

Alessia Luppino

Stephanie Undey

Carly Tomes

Marshall Bourque

Alexis Mandy

Alexia Zak

Laura Lecce

Becky Carter

Stacey Coene

November 2nd

November 10th

November 11th

November 12th

November 20th

November 21st

November 27th

November 27th

November 29th

Brett Comartin

Amy Nabbout

Erin Bump

Ally Munro

Lindsay Taylor

Jusmeen Aujla

October 22nd

October 22nd

October 23rd

October 23rd

October 23rd

October 27th

October 2023

Upcoming Events...

Class Schedule October 2023