It’s been open for just over a year, but a new exercise clinic in Burnaby is already transforming lives. However, this is no ordinary gym - LIVE WELL Exercise Clinic Burnaby-Brentwood prefers to describe itself as the “anti-gym.” It’s a place where how you feel takes priority and where people receive all the support they need to achieve their goals.
LIVE WELL is a medical fitness clinic that’s built on the belief that exercise is medicine. Specializing in safe, supervised exercise and healthy-lifestyle coaching for people who have chronic health conditions or want to prevent them; it helps its members make sustainable changes to their lifestyle to live healthier and happier lives.
Members come to LIVE WELL Exercise Clinic for many different reasons, whether to lose weight, lower cholesterol, improve blood pressure, combat stress, continue playing tennis until they’re 80 years old or getting back to doing the things they used to love such as Tai chi, completing a run around Deer Lake Park or reclaiming their title as champion in a game of Horseshoes! Each member is on their own journey and LIVE WELL meets you where you’re at.
So how is it doing? We asked three members to tell us how LIVE WELL Exercise Clinic Burnaby-Brentwood has changed their lives.
“I have been attending the Brentwood LIVE WELL clinic 3 times a week for 8 months and I believe that it has saved my life.”
Tom, apprehensive about joining a gym, has heart issues, a pacemaker and was struggling with his weight. “I basically joined this clinic out of desperation and fear that if I didn't do something, I wasn't going to live much longer.”
Personalized expertise and support are key aspects of LIVE WELL. The clinics are staffed by Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologists and Exercise Professionals who hold university degrees in Kinesiology, have personal training experience and are First Aid/CPR certified. Experts in their field, the team create personalized plans for each member. They monitor vitals during sessions and work closely with members’ doctors to create plans geared towards improving their health, which is key for someone like Tom. As Tom continues his program, his progress updates are reported back to his family physician on a regular basis; A unique and important feature of the program.
After only 8 months, Tom’s new routine has already changed his life. He feels better and his doctor has stopped his cholesterol medication.
“This program is something that I hope to continue for the rest of my life.”
“It was something we could do together.”
“We joined LIVE WELL Burnaby because we had both recently retired and wanted to increase our fitness level,” explain Eleanor and Ian.
“After 3 months we spent 1 month volunteering in Israel and felt the exercise allowed us to enjoy the rigours of the work. We have the stamina and energy to keep up with our energetic kids and grandkids.”
It’s not uncommon for members to enter the program as a couple or with a friend, and whether it’s someone you already know or a friend you make by joining, it’s just part of the support network that’s built into the LIVE WELL community.
Like all members, Eleanor and Ian have their workouts designed to suit their unique health and fitness needs. Taking into account both of their abilities and limitations, their routines constantly evolve to keep up with their changing health.
“We have lost weight, have lower blood pressure, and the time spent together at the gym has been very positive.”
“After all these years I realize that good quality exercise is very important for our well-being.”
At age 78, Ryoko was dealing with high blood pressure, sciatica, scoliosis, arthritis, pre-diabetes and a previous stroke. She started her journey at the White Rock location, but was overjoyed when LIVE WELL Exercise Clinic’s Burnaby-Brentwood clinic opened.
“I get my blood pressure monitored before and after exercise. They give information regularly on how to make my health better.”
It can be challenging for people with health issues to take that first step towards their health. LIVE WELL understands this, and for Ryoko, the personal care that she receives with each session is what keeps her coming back.
“My self-confidence is high and I have learned the importance of rest. I am still working at these goals but am well on my way and very grateful.”
If you are trying to lose weight, reduce your cholesterol, decrease your blood pressure, or just want to get healthier then LIVE WELL Exercise Clinic Burnaby-Brentwood can help. LIVE WELL specializes in supervised exercise and healthy lifestyle-coaching specifically tailored to each member’s unique needs with a focus on overall health and well-being.
