Community members Mary Shaw and Amy Lang are paving an accessible path for everyone to get healthier and closer to their goals with the launch of their community fitness initiatives. In last week’s column I wrote about their inaugural Fitness Boot Camp down at Coopers Green Hall on Saturdays from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. I wanted to follow up this week to learn more about the next steps in their plans and the impact of community fitness.
I spoke with Mary Shaw who was born and raised on the Sunshine Coast. She has an impressive resume as a body transformation coach and is co-leading this initiative with Amy. A former competitive bodybuilder and yoga studio owner, she is certified as a personal trainer, yoga teacher and spin instructor. She holds certificates related to nutrition and coaching on top of all that, a truly well-rounded instructor helping anyone focus on a fitness goal.
The Saturday Bootcamp at Coopers Green is just one part of the 8-Week Transformation Challenge they are presenting to the community. The transformation challenge is geared towards busy parents in the 35-to 55-year-old range but it is open to all over the age of 18 (they even have a remote option). It will include personalized training programs; customized meal plans and other add on options for support and guidance on top of the workouts. The challenge officially starts March 31, but they have lots planned leading up to it so early registration is highly encouraged (and incentivized with loads of prizes).
Being a challenge-style program, there will be incentives for those to achieve the greatest transformation and this isn’t just about physique. As Mary told me, the emotional transformation is as important as achieving the physical goals set by participants. She wants everyone to improve not only their fitness but their lives through community fitness. She believes focusing on our own health and wellness has a ripple effect, building stronger ties to the community, creating better relationships and showing up more for our families, increasing confidence in ourselves and more.
It was also important that this ripple effect moved outward from the program and into farther reaches. The proceeds of this bootcamp will benefit the Canadian charity Ally Global Foundation, which she heard about from a forensic nurse friend, that works to prevent human trafficking locally and globally.
If the transformation challenge doesn’t align with your needs right now, there are other options on the table. Mary has also been hosting Slow Flow Yoga classes down at Coopers Green Hall on Thursdays at 4 p.m. if you are looking for something gentle yet energizing. On March 8, there will be a Women’s Self Care Day Retreat in celebration of International Women’s Day at Chaster House. Details of the challenge, above events and all current offerings, which are too numerous to condense in just one article, are available at movewithmary.ca.
Please feel free to contact me at [email protected] if you have any upcoming events to be featured or want to connect about all things happening in Halfmoon Bay. Kyla Trethewey, columnist and Halfmoon Bay Firefighter #36.
