LIVE WELL EXERCISE CLINIC

Your Path to Wellness Starts Here

It’s a fact that exercise helps you sleep better, improves your blood pressure, and gives you more energy. LIVE WELL Exercise Clinic’s members attest to reaping the benefits of improved health and wellness. In addition, they enjoy a good dose of laughter, connection, and commitment.

The original clinic opened in White Rock in 2011 and was an instant hit. Subsequently, 15 locations have opened across Canada.

Sara Hodson is the Founder and CEO, and Tasha McRae is the Director of Brand and Culture; both are clinical exercise physiologists. They constantly monitor the latest research in exercise science to keep LIVE WELL on the cutting edge.

Tory Brooks-Hill, Clinic Directors, Live Well Exercise Clinic - Kerrisdale

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Tory Brooks-Hill and her husband Andrew Taylor joined the Kerrisdale gym as the new clinic directors and owners in 2018. Kerrisdale was the second location to open in 2013.

Medical expertise, clinical supervision, and individual attention make LIVE WELL unique.

Workouts are custom designed by exercise clinicians for all their members to either prevent or help them manage chronic health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or obesity. Doctor referrals make up forty percent of the gym’s membership base, although you do not need a referral to join. Referring physicians are kept updated on their patient’s progress and any changes to their health.

Tory says, “We realize each person is unique, and their wellness program needs to be carefully designed. There is not a one-size-fitsall solution.”

Members are closely monitored before, during and after an exercise session by taking their pulse, doing blood pressure readings, or measuring blood glucose levels if necessary.

Small cohorts create an environment where everyone knows your name. You are not alone here. We are a community of like-minded individuals on the path to better health.

Members stay accountable for their exercise and healthy habits with reserved exercise sessions twice a week and the support of a health coach. Another benefit of attending at the same time each week is the opportunity to form friendships with other members.

Maureen McCully, Mavis Hol, Ray Lamont

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Tory says, “It is motivating for people to see their exercise friends twice a week. Friendships develop outside the gym, leading to coffee dates, bike rides, and walks. Members also bond with the staff who work closely with them.”

Staff will follow up with clients to ensure they are okay if they miss their appointments. Some new members are concerned their weight or health condition may hinder their ability to attend; however, LIVE WELL is designed for people just like them.

The pandemic was challenging for many businesses, and gyms were particularly hard hit with numerous mandated closures.

Always an optimist, Tory says, “We found a silver lining when we began to explore a virtual platform. It was very successful, and we continue to offer this service — it is a great option for clients when they are away on vacation or at home and are not feeling well.”

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People coming to LIVE WELL for prevention has increased. COVID-19 helped create awareness that people need to be proactive about their health.

Many members do not have a medical diagnosis but have led sedentary lives and realized it was time to get active.

“Healthy aging should include weights (resistance training) customized to each individual to ensure the highest level of safety. Many people think walking and gardening are enough exercise. The reality is resistance training is needed to help prevent many chronic health conditions. LIVE WELL keeps people on track while having fun,” Tory says.

In addition to Tory and Andrew, LIVE WELL’s professional team compromises personal trainers (Joy Masters) and clinical exercise physiologists.

To allow for safety and to ensure they receive personal attention from the CEPs and Joy Masters, a maximum of eight members exercise at one time, each following their personalized programs.

A kinesiologist and exercise physiologist are always on site.

Joy Masters demonstrate exercises, adjust exercise prescriptions, perform progress assessments, and other clinical tasks (blood pressure readings, blood glucose measurements, oxygen saturation levels). They make exercise sessions fun, social and inspiring. Joy Masters work alongside clinical exercise physiologists with specialized post-graduate certification from the American College of Sports Medicine. CEPs offer exercise, nutrition, healthy habit formation and health education expertise.

There are countless success stories; some members have been able to go off blood pressure medications, reduce their insulin and drop 50 pounds.

Staff and fellow members cheer for each other and lend their support.

Members post their victories on the inspiration wall. Each note is personal and meaningful. Some wins include, “Got into my wedding dress for my 20th anniversary,” “Biking again after 20 years,” “My underwear is too big for me,” and “I cooked every night of the week. No eating out!”

LIVE WELL member Ray Lamont sustained an injury and was referred by his doctor. He says, “When I started, I was using 15 lb dumbbells, and now I am using 30! Two years ago, I was able to run the Sun Run without much training, and for the last few years, I have been taking part in the Great Cycle Challenge!”

Maureen McCully joined to be an example to her children and to live life to the fullest. She says, “Our bodies are a gift. We have the power to slow down the aging process through exercise and healthy eating. At LIVE WELL, you make friends and encourage each other. You feel joy in your accomplishments.”

Mavis Holm is a 77-year-old grandmother of seven who had never been inside a gym until five years ago. The results are evident: Mavis has kept her blood pressure stable, increased her strength and has the stamina to keep up with her youngest grandchild.

“I signed up right away and have seen amazing results. Despite starting late, exercise has become part of my life. Even a pandemic could not stop me. At LIVE WELL, there is no mystery: You can do things you couldn’t do before,” says Mavis.

For Tory, witnessing people change their lives is the most satisfying part of her job.

She says, “I have the honour to be a part of people’s health journey. Small changes make a huge difference in our members’ lives.”

Live Well Exercise Clinic

301-5511 West Boulevard Vancouver, BC V6M 3W6

Phone 604-269-3705

www.livewellclinic.ca