Vol. 1: No. 12 − August 1, 2009

Verity FitBuzz - August 2009

When the Going Gets Tough--you know what to do!

Okay, so maybe we're all under a little more pressure here than usual. You can't turn on the TV or read a newspaper without some sort of reminder that times are a little tougher now than they were a year ago. And our stress levels are a little higher too. If you aren’t already feeling the pinch at home, then you’re probably feeling the pressure in the office to work longer and harder than before. Sure, it's not easy, but it doesn't have to be all stress all the time either.

Just recently, the US Department of Health and Human Services released a guide to help people cope with the stress of tough economic times(http://www.samhsa.gov/economy/) -- and it seems that the best way to deal with added stress is to come to Verity. Well, they didn't mention Verity by name, but they did suggest that it was vital in these stressful times to both strengthen our connections with friends and family and get some exercise! Do you suppose that someone from the USDHHS has been to Verity? Because you can do both of those things right here!

We all know that exercise helps relieve stress. And exercise with friends is the icing on the cake. So now more than ever, you need to come in to the gym and join fellow Members in a yoga or boxing class. Join the new Monday morning Circuit class or one of the now four (4) aquafit classes we offer, and build those friendship while breaking a sweat. Not only is it good for the heart and lungs, but good for the soul too.

Fitness at Verity

Sign up for Classes & Passes

The classes for this session will run between 8 and 9 weeks, so for extra value, consider purchasing one of our many class Passes. For more information, contact Fitness Director Celine Saroyan (cs@verity.ca or ext 225 ) or, for Drop-In you can simply put your name in the sign-in books provided for each class. The Spinning sign-in book is located in the Spinning Studio, for Pilates, Boxing, Yoga, Flow Motion & Qigong the sign-in book is located near the stereo in the Yoga Studio and for Aquafit, the sign-in book is located in the closet by the Pool Area (where the noodles are stored.)

Please note that some classes have a maximum capacity, so sign up early. And if you have any questions, don't hesitate to get in touch with Celine (cs@verity.ca or ext. 225)

We have Kettlebells!!

Ready for a more dynamic resistance workout? Want to use muscles you never knew existed? Then come to Verity Fitness and lay your hands on our kettlebells. Invented in Russia and used for decades by strongmen, kettlebells offer users a wider range of motion than dumbbells that sit in the palm of the hand, and they also better simulate the way we carry things in our daily lives. Kettlebells incorporate various swings and other moves designed to get the heart rate up, improve coordination and strength, and tone various parts of the body.

If you've never used kettlebells but would like to incorporate them into your exercise routine, Verity Fitness requires that you book at least two (2) sessions with a trainer to ensure proper form and avoid injury. Contact Celine (cs@verity.ca) for more details.

 

Join the Verity Circuit! Monday mornings from 7:30am-8:30am

Looking for a way to incorporate more resistance training into your current routine? Want a full body workout but are pressed for time? Then the Verity Circuit is the thing for you! Join Verity Trainer Brionnie Galloway for an invigorating trip around a full body resistance and cardiovascular circuit. Show up anytime between 7:30am-8am and just jump on in. If you have a lot of energy then go around two or three times. If you have a morning meeting, then go around once and hit the showers. Now there is no excuse not to add resistance training to your routine.

Program Designs

At Verity Fitness we have a series of packages for beginner, intermediate and advanced Members who are either working with one our Personal Trainers and/or those who exercise individually and are looking for professional guidance. Our Program Design packages aim to provide Members with an easy-to-follow exercise routine that is tailored to your specific goals and needs. After you have spoken to one of our staff trainers, you will receive a comprehensive exercise regimen that can be used in any gym or makeshift workout environment.

Our diverse training staff is well equipped to tackle the needs of all Members who are looking to expand their exercise routines or modify existing programs.  Verity's Fitness Director Celine Saroyan (cs@verity.ca) is available to answer any questions about these programs.

The Gold Design
Our most comprehensive package offers Members with or without a current trainer the opportunity to educate themselves on their own health, and receive a tailored exercise routine. Members receive:

• Consultation with a trainer;
• Fitness Assessment that includes body measurements, body composition, Heart Rate ranges, Metabolic requirements and other vitals;
• Tailored Program Design;
• One (1) session with a trainer to demonstrate the exercise routine;
• One (1) 30-minute follow-up meeting (2-6 weeks after the demonstration).

The Silver Design
This package offers convenience and affordability for Members who are not currently working with a trainer, but are looking for a program to do on their own. Members receive:

• Consultation with a trainer;
• Tailored Program Design;
• One (1) session with a trainer to demonstrate the exercise routine.
Note: When designing a swim program the session with Lindsay will come before the program design so that Lindsay may assess stroke technique and other swimming skills.

Lateness and Cancellation Policies

Group Exercise Lateness Policy

In order to keep up the quality of the classes that our Members expect, we need to limit the number of participants in any one class. Those limits are ten (10) for Flow Motion, twelve (12) for Aquafit and nine (9) for Spinning.

As more of our Members take advantage of the prepaid passes and classes, we don't always have room for everyone who's keen to take part.

If you've purchased a prepaid package, the instructor holds a place for you in the class. It's a place that someone else might want. So if we're holding a place and you don't show someone else could be out of luck.

In order to be as fair as possible to all of our Members we are introducing a lateness policy for Spin, Aquafit and Flow Motion Fitness.

There will be a five (5) minute grace period after the start of class before we offer the empty spot to a Member on standby. We would appreciate it if Members who signed up in advance and are not able to attend contact the Concierge or the Fitness Department twenty-four (24) hours in advance. If you are running late and fear losing your spot, please contact the Concierge (416-368-6006 ext. 221) and we will happily pass the information on to the instructor to ensure your spot is secure. If notice is not received, instructors are encouraged to offer the open spot(s) to a Member(s) on the waiting list.

Thank you for your understanding.

Group Exercise Cancellation Policy  
In the event of a cancellation, credit toward a future class will only be issued to those who have signed up for the 8-week program of classes.

Member accounts will be charged the full 8-week fees after the first class. If a member must drop a class after the first session, refunds will be issued on a pro-rated scale according to the drop-in rate.

No refunds will be issued after the second class.

Personal Training Cancellation and Lateness Policy

Cancellations

Cancellations of any kind must be received at least 24 hours in advance of scheduled session. It is recommended that cancellation notices be submitted by e-mail to cs@verity.ca to the trainer herself and to the Concierge at concierge@verity.ca.

If cancellation requests are not received 24 hours prior to the scheduled session, members will be required to submit payment in full for the missed session.

Similarly, if a trainer cancels a session without giving the member 24 hours notice, then Verity will offer a complimentary session with that trainer for another time.

Lateness

Members will be charged for a full session in the event that they arrive late or leave early. Notification must be received 24 hours in advance of the scheduled session if time and duration need to be changed.

Trainers and instructors are required to wait half of the scheduled duration of the session (30 minutes for a 60 minute session) if they have not received any form of notification from a late-arriving member.

Class Offerings

Verity Passes*

Need flexibility? The Verity Passes affords you the ease and convenience you need to take advantage of all the classes we offer. To find out about the different types of Passes on offer see below.

The Pilates Pass
If you’re looking for greater flexibility, the Pilates Pass is your answer. Our unique Pass gives you the flexibility to attend any of the Pilates classes we offer over the course of the 8-week program. Sign up for as many classes as you wish and get the most out of our Pilates classes.

The Spin Pass
Need flexibility? The Spin Pass affords you the ease and convenience you need to take advantage of all the spinning classes we offer. Participate in as many classes as you wish and get the most out of spinning!

The Aquafit Pass
As with spinning and Pilates, the Aquafit Pass gives you the flexibility to attend as many aquafit classes as you want and make the most of our fantastic pool

The Monthly Platinum Pass

The ultimate in flexibility and choice. The Platinum Pass offers Members the choice of attending every class available on the schedule. If simplicity and flexibility are what you need, then there is nothing simpler than this package. Show up when you want, as many times as you want.

*Note: Participation in each class is subject to availability. Priority will be given to members who have signed up for the specific class. To ensure participation in a given class, please sign up early.

Individual Classes

Spinning Classes

We know you love to Spin Verity! This intense workout is suitable for both expert Spinners, and first-time beginners! The upbeat music and great camaraderie of fellow Verity Members puts your day into high gear!

Aquafit with Lindsay

One of our most popular classes--Aquafit gives you all the benefits of a traditional workout without the stress on your joints. But don't be fooled by the water--you will sweat!
(Note: Space in the pool is limited, so please sign up early. Maximum number of participants in any class is 12. If maximum attendance is reached, Members who have signed up in the aquafit book will be given priority.)

Rhythm Boxing with Garfield

Amateur boxer Garfield has trained the Raptors and the Leafs and now he’s here to train us! Rhythm Boxing is a new dynamic cardio-boxing program that matches classic boxing punches - jabs, hooks and uppercuts - with contemporary music formats. Working opposite stationary heavy bags, participants use their boxing punches to create rhythmic sounds set to music in a high energy and fun atmosphere. Garfield comes highly recommended and knows how to make a tough workout fun!

Wednesday Evening Flow Motion

Flow Motion Fitness integrates dance, yoga, martial arts and Nia offering an unprecedented cardio-core and body sculpting experience. Miriam's performance and medical background allows her to create careful, knowledge-based movement programs allowing participants to truly engage in a holistic long term fitness practice based on fun, strength and community!

Note: In order to ensure that each participant get the attention she deserves, class size has been limited to ten (10) members. Should a class become full there will be a waiting list available at the bottom of the sign-in sheet.

Qigong with Julie

Verity’s own Julie Murray—one of only two people in Canada with a Food Healing Qigong designation—is ready to share the benefits of Qigong with you. Qigong is a great activity for those struggling with the adverse effects of chronic stress and anxiety.

Saturday Morning Flow Motion

A full-body, flow-based movement and cardio fitness class for continuous fat-burning, long lean muscle sculpting and rejuvenating, restorative fun.

Note: Class size has been limited to ten (10) members. Should a class become full there will be a waiting list available at the bottom of the sign-in sheet.

Saturday Morning Yoga

Join instructor Kaola Baird who has been teaching for nearly 10 years and is trained in Hatha, Ashtanga, Prana Vashya & Bhakti Yoga.

Yummy Mommy and Baby Boot Camp with Carla

No matter your current level of fitness, this class is a great way to get fit, energized and burn some calories while bonding with your baby and meeting other Moms. Babies from 4 weeks to 6 1/2 months are safest in a front carrier, while older babies are best in a back carrier. All classes will include a warm up and stretch, standing exercises, interactive floor work, an aerobic circuit and a cool down stretch. It is recommended that all participants have their 6-week postnatal check up before starting Yummy Mommy & Baby Bootcamp classes. 

Pilates

Pilates

Using your breath, concentration, and fluidity, in this class you will achieve results pertaining to core strength and stability, better posture, increased body awareness, and efficiency of body mechanics. Who does Pilates? People of all ages; injured people working towards recovery and people working to increase or maintain overall well being. The various apparatus used in these classes are the Spine Corrector (barrel), Fitness Circle and Towel (developed by Ron Fletcher based on the Pilates Technique).