Is this a general membership gym?

No. In order to maintain the highest quality standards, we're choosing to provide you with the controlled environment that is needed to offer 1 on 1 and semi private coaching. That way, we are able to exclusively offer personalized training of the highest quality, customized to your needs.

What makes Beyond Fitness different?

We have the best and most qualified trainers around. Our trainers hold themselves to the highest standards of care, using evidence-based and scientifically-proven training techniques, while continually pursuing ongoing education and professional development. Our beautiful facility also offers unique equipment specifically chosen with our end users in mind and is unmatched in Vancouver Island.

Why is a controlled gym environment good for me?

There is no sharing of equipment. This allows us to control both the flow and pace of your workout as well as the cleanliness of the equipment you use. In addition, we have the ability to dictate how many people can be in the gym at any given time which gives each client an interruption-free dedicated space to train in with no judgements or rushed exercise.

Can I come workout at the gym by myself, without a trainer?

No. In order to offer the highest quality standards to all our clients, we're choosing a controlled gym environment with limited numbers of clients at any given time.

What is your cancellation policy?

We respectfully ask that you give us 24 hours’ notice when cancelling or rescheduling an appointment. Those cancelling with less notice will be charged the full session fee. By getting in touch with us ahead of time when scheduling conflicts occur, you're honouring your trainer’s time, which we really appreciate.

What services do you offer?

We are a full spectrum Health and Wellness Studio offering Personal Training, Nutrition Coaching and Injury Rehabilitation through our Kinesiology and Athletic Therapy services.

What are your hours of operation?

We are open 7 days a week from 5AM to 10PM.

What is Functional Training and Its Benefits?

Functional training at Beyond Fitness involves exercises designed to train muscles for carrying out everyday activities safely and efficiently. This type of training, which targets multiple muscle groups, aims to improve overall body mechanics, enhancing core stability, strength, and endurance. The exercises mimic common movements you might do at home, work, or in sports, resulting in benefits such as better posture, reduced injury risk, and increased ease of daily living.

What Does Mobility Training Involve?

Mobility training focuses on improving the range of motion in your joints and muscles. It involves stretching and strengthening exercises that enhance overall movement efficiency. This type of training is crucial for everyone, particularly those who wish to improve their athletic performance or maintain their physical health as they age. Mobility training helps in preventing injuries and can also aid in recovery if you're dealing with stiffness or post-injury rehabilitation.

What is included in your Nutrition Coaching services?

Nutrition coaching services are tailored to help individuals understand and implement healthy eating practices that align with their fitness and health goals. These services typically include personalized meal planning, nutritional education, and strategies to overcome personal eating challenges. Coaches work closely with clients to ensure that the dietary plans not only support their physical health but are also practical and sustainable.

The Power Of Muscle: Your Key To A Longer, Healthier Life!

As we approach cooler weather, it's tempting to jump on the latest diet trend or detox program. But what if I told you there's one simple resolution that could dramatically improve your health, body composition, and lifespan? For those exploring fitness for seniors in Victoria BC it’s not a fad diet or a 30-day challenge. It's something much more powerful and sustainable: building muscle.

Why Muscle Matters

Whether you're a man or a woman, young or old, muscle mass is crucial for your overall health and longevity. Here's why:

1. Longevity Booster: Recent studies show that muscle mass is a better predictor of mortality than BMI or fat mass. In fact, for adults over 65, especially women, having more muscle in your arms and legs can significantly reduce your risk of premature death.

2. Metabolic Health: Muscle acts like a glucose sponge, pulling sugar from your bloodstream without needing insulin. This helps manage blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

3. Heart Health: Particularly for women, having high muscle mass is associated with a lower risk of dying from heart disease. Interestingly, fat mass doesn't seem to be as big a risk factor for women as it is for men when it comes to heart health.

4. Cancer Prevention: Regular resistance training has been linked to a lower risk of various types of cancer.

5. Bone Health: This is especially crucial for women, as both muscle and bone mass tend to decrease more rapidly during menopause. Building muscle helps preserve skeletal health.

6. Body Composition: If you're looking to improve your physique, strength training can significantly boost fat metabolism and reduce visceral (deep belly) fat.

The Gender Factor

While muscle building is crucial for everyone, there are some gender-specific considerations:

For Women:

- Women generally start with less muscle mass than men, especially in the upper body.

- The menopause transition can lead to significant muscle loss due to hormonal changes.

- Maintaining muscle mass is particularly important for longevity in women.

For Men:

- Men naturally have more muscle mass, but this doesn't mean they can neglect strength training.

- Muscle mass in men also declines with age, albeit at a slower rate than in women.

- Maintaining muscle mass helps men preserve testosterone levels as they age.

Action Plan: Make Muscle Your Mission

Ready to harness the power of muscle? Here's how to get started:

1. Prioritize Resistance Training: Aim for at least 2-3 strength training sessions per week.

2. Lift Heavy: As you progress, incorporate heavy lifting (3-5 sets of 8 or fewer reps) with full rest between sets. This stimulates muscle stem cells, crucial for muscle growth and maintenance.

3. Focus on Compound Movements: Exercises like squats, deadlifts, and lunges engage multiple muscle groups and are excellent for overall muscle building.

4. Progressive Overload: Gradually increase the weight or resistance to continually challenge your muscles.

5. Don't Neglect Protein: Ensure you're consuming adequate protein (about 1.6-2.2 grams per kg of body weight) to support muscle growth and repair.

6. Rest and Recover: Allow for proper recovery between workouts. This is when your muscles actually grow and strengthen.

7. Stay Consistent: Remember, muscle building is a long-term commitment. Consistency is key.

The Bottom Line

This year, instead of falling for quick-fix diets or detoxes, commit to the lasting change of building muscle. It's not just about looking good—it's about living longer, staying healthier, and feeling stronger at any age. Whether you're a man or a woman, young or old, making muscle should be at the top of your health priorities. For those seeking guidance, fitness for seniors in Victoria, BC offers tailored programs to help seniors achieve their strength and wellness goals effectively.

So, put down that diet book and pick up some weights. Your future self will thank you for it.

The Truth About Detoxes and Fad Diets

As the summer ends, you might be tempted by promises of quick results from detoxes, cleanses, or the latest fad diet. Let's set the record straight on why these aren't the answer to your health and fitness goals.

The Detox Myth

1. Your Body's Natural Detox System: Your body is equipped with a sophisticated detoxification system involving the liver, kidneys, digestive system, skin, and lungs. These organs work tirelessly to remove toxins without the need for special teas or juices.

2. No Scientific Backing: There's no scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of detox diets for toxin elimination. Most "detox" products have never been scientifically evaluated.

3. Potential Harm: Some detox diets can be harmful, leading to nutrient deficiencies, electrolyte imbalances, and in extreme cases, serious health complications.

The Problem with Fad Diets

1. Unsustainable Results: Whether it's keto, intermittent fasting, or any other trendy diet, these approaches often lead to short-term results that are hard to maintain long-term. In addition, these diets often lead to a rebound effect that results in more weight being gained after the diet ends then was lost during the diet itself.

2. Nutritional Imbalances: Many fad diets eliminate entire food groups, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies over time.

3. Metabolic Slowdown: Severe calorie restriction, common in many fad diets, can slow down your metabolism, making it harder to maintain weight loss in the long run.

4. Disordered Eating Patterns: Restrictive diets can foster an unhealthy relationship with food and potentially lead to disordered eating behaviours.

Focus on Fundamentals

Instead of chasing quick fixes, focus on these fundamental principles of health and wellness:

1. Balanced Nutrition: Eat a variety of whole foods, including lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats.

2. Regular Exercise: Combine resistance training with cardiovascular exercise for optimal health benefits.

3. Adequate Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to support recovery and overall health. Sleep plays a crucial role in making good nutrition choices and managing weight. Also, lack of sleep can negatively impact your metabolism and make it harder for your body to use insulin effectively, potentially leading to weight gain. Proper sleep is also essential for muscle recovery and growth, making it a key component of your muscle-building efforts.

4. Stress Management: Incorporate stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises into your routine.

5. Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support your body's natural detoxification processes.

6. Consistency Over Intensity: Focus on making small, sustainable changes that you can maintain over the long term, rather than drastic short-term measures.

Remember, true health and fitness are a marathon, not a sprint. By focusing on building muscle and adopting these fundamental longevity practices, you're setting yourself up for long-term success. Don't let the allure of quick fixes derail your journey to genuine, lasting health. Need some guidance on your health and wellness journey? We're here to help. Reach out if you'd like personalized advice on building muscle, improving your nutrition, or enhancing your overall wellbeing with a personal trainer for seniors in Victoria.