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Where you’ll find me on Friday Mornings; Innovative Fitness

By 07/24/2009March 4th, 202331 Comments
Three years ago in July 2006– I had just turned 39– and decided I could no longer get away with just being slim, I also needed to be fit. And here was the problem, I have never in my life managed to continue going to the gym for longer than about 2 months before I would give up. So this time I decided if this was going to work, I needed the help of a professional.
 

I arrived at Innovative Fitness [above] where I signed up to have my very own personal trainer for 3 months, twice a week. I figured I needed a jump start and by the end of 3 months I would know what I was doing at the gym on my own so that I would stay motivated enough to keep going.
 

 

When you arrive at Innovative Fitness all the trainers call out your name and it makes you feel like you are part of a special club, (we all pretend to be embarrassed, but really we like it : ). And to answer your question about whether that kept me going on my own, yes it did! Then about a year ago, I started pairing up with a former client of mine (now a good friend) Virginia. My one big luxury is my Friday mornings with Virginia and I look forward to it all week!

This is our trainer Kris Schjelderup (also the general manager), here to begin our workout (we are both on the treadmill). Apparently it’s to be a beach work-out today! This beach (below) is a 2 minute jog from the facility and last Friday was a beautiful day to be outside!

Here is another photo towards the Lions Gate Bridge and Stanley Park!
 

 
Here Kris demonstrated a box jump to show us what he wanted us to do next.
 
 
Here we are, doing a couple laps down the beach and back.
 

 

Here doing the Karate Kid move (I wasn’t trying to jump onto my other leg like Virginia managed to do so skillfully!). The only thing you can’t say at Innovative Fitness is “I can’t do this!”

 
This is the closest you are ever going to see me without make-up on 🙂
 
 
And this is me (not shown : ) being stretched at the end of my work-out!
 
 
This is where we go for lattes:
 

 
Delaney’s always features a local artist, and this time it’s Krista Eaton.
 

And of course the lesson of the day here is, the wall colour is too dirty with all these bright fresh, clean colours (in the artwork) but certainly works as a temporary spot to showcase them!

I hope you enjoyed my work-out as much as I did!

Related posts:
Six Things About Me
Six Uninteresting things about Me

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31 Comments

  • Cristin says:

    Good for you! Looked like a tough workout beside the beautiful beach.

    xo,
    cristin

  • Tracy @ comfortandluxury says:

    Go Maria!

  • samia says:

    hey Maria.. 🙂 ooooh this looks tough.. but rewarding.. 🙂 i wish i had a personal trainer to make me go through these rigours.. 🙂 but LOoking good.. 🙂

  • Imogen Lamport says:

    I love you manage to get a colour lesson in on your workout!

  • Things That Inspire says:

    Wow – impressive – I get most of my exercise by walking the dog (I am trying to run a bit too) but I would like to incorporate the gym into my workout more. I have been thinking about hiring a trainer, because I definitely need the jump start! If I have an appointment, I will do it…if not, I may read the blogs too long!

  • Annie says:

    hmmm quite a few pics of the trainer, not so many of you??? hmmmm very sus… but, I must say, I love those pics on that paint colour, how funny is that! In fact, I really love that colour, what is it???

  • Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says:

    I think you and Virginia look pretty darn good! But let me ask you a question – if you were taking all these pictures, how were you getting any exercise in? : )

    I have a treadmill home because that is one thing I know I will definitely do (we have weights and such also); I can always hop on for 15 minutes if I want. I like having these things at home because I can do it in any weather.

  • Design Esquire says:

    That looks like a tough workout. But you've definitely got results, you look very fit! I love the color lesson squeezed in too – and those paintings are gorgeous! I hope you have a great weekend.

  • Rebecca Sherman says:

    I love learning about your life in bits and pieces like this. It was fun to read. For the wall color, would you have kept the green just made it clearer somehow?

  • AB HOME Interiors says:

    Wow what an amazing friday. I would look forward to this too! I dont know if a client could see me without make up. But I suppose I could get over it! I cannot believe your gym is close to the beach like that! Holy cow, absolute paradise. I would be in heaven to have a different work out and scenery! And the motivation of coffee afterwards would soooo get me going. Especially if I could stare at works like kristens.

  • lizawiza says:

    Now my little walk around the neighborhood doesn't seem like it was quite challenging enough!

  • Pam Kersting says:

    Bravo for you Maria! What a great way to keep fit in such a beautiful place as well. I am so outdoor oriented, I would love working out with a friend and a trainer in that beautiful environment! For me, it's walking and jogging in the out of doors and playing tennis at least three times a week! Keep it up!

  • Patricia Gray says:

    Way to go Maria…it looks like a lot of fun especially on nice days when you get to go to the beach to work out. You have inspired me!!

  • Kelly (Arte Styling) says:

    looks like a beautiful place for a morning run! and ditto what Imogen said. it's like that color thing in the brain never gets shut into the *off* position, does it? 🙂 agreed – those walls are far too dingy for such beautiful artwork.
    now i'm inspired to do MY workout…

  • Gwen says:

    You are doing great!

    Is it bad that I was more excited by Krista Eaton's paintings than the idea of working out? Her work is really good!

  • Brillante Home Decor says:

    Aaaah! now I know why you are so beautiful and you have so much stamina…

  • Between you, me and the Fencepost says:

    Great post. You have been talking about your workout friend, Virginia and Innovative fitness for so long it's nice to put faces on the names!

  • Renae says:

    Yeah Maria!
    I spent 17+ years of my AS a Personal Trainer and know the benefit of having one to keep motivated and on the right path. You have some good looking muscles in your legs…proud of ya Girl!
    xo

  • Velvet and Linen says:

    You look amazing, Maria.
    Working out is working for you!
    I really hate working out. I've been doing it for 16 years with the same trainer. If it wasn't for him, I'd never lift a weight!
    Happy weekend.

    xo
    Brooke

  • DesignTies says:

    Is it weird to say I'm envious of your workouts?! I have a torn meniscus and there are only certain exercises that don't make it hurt. Once it's repaired and healed, I'm planning to get into serious training mode. Christy at A 'Lil Welsh Rarebit has inspired me to try doing a mini triathlon. I hate running, but love biking and swimming — and that's 2/3 of a triathlon right there 🙂

    LOVE the paintings in the cafe, especially the middle one 🙂

    Hey, you have to come check out our latest giveaway — I think you'll like the prize!! 🙂

    Kelly

  • Karena says:

    If only I had your commitment! Maria, check my thank to you on my art site with the new post. I love fresh vibrant art like this.

  • qerat says:

    I made that commitment a few years ago, only to end with the committment to the personal trainer !!

  • Ivy Lane says:

    I am with ya girl!! I am 44…and workout on and off…. have been trying to discipline myself to getting into the habit of a workout 4 times a week… been doing okay so far this spring/summer!

    Keep on keepin' on!!!

    Pop over to my site if you get a chance, i featured a "pink" artwalk for Pink Saturday!! Hope you will like it!

    Happy Weekend!

  • Lauren says:

    oh you good-good girl!!!! really need to get back into working out!!! you looks o toned!! i know when the baby's out i'll be back at my "stroller fit" classes but i should really do it before then…

    ok.. really, you motivated me… i'm packing for our 3 week trip right now and am putting in my running shoes.

    they will stare at me so hopefully that'll work. hahaha
    xoxo

  • Ideezine says:

    Mee time is vital for keeping the brain engaged. This was fun. It's a great feeling to take care of yourself. Really appreciate each breath, pant and gasp of air! I hear ya on the workouts vital to success.

    Bette

  • Kelee Katillac says:

    I know what you mean! And GREAT Maria–just great.
    A trainer pushes for us when we can't.

    You look gorgeous doing your workout too!

    love, kelee

  • Cote de Texas says:

    whew! I'm so exhausted! loved my workout. hehe

  • Elara says:

    You are going to be super fit now!

  • Susan Lang @ Designing Your Dream Home says:

    I so enjoyed reading about your work out. Using the beach is a great idea. I normally work out 5-6times per week but since this ear stuff started about six weeks ago, I have only worked out a few times. I am so anxious to get back to working out but know it is going to be both mentally and physically challenging as I will be weaker. Once this last surgery is over I cannot wait to break a sweat and start getting these meds out of my body!!! You look great as does Virginia and your trainer!

  • Carol Ann says:

    Enjoyed that post so much, you are so cute on the beach…great way to spend a friday morning…no wonder you look forward to fridays, I would to.

  • Donna says:

    Maria, I love this post! You are so far ahead of me on the fitness thing. But I have lost 18 pounds now and working at getting fit too. I'm 47 now…but I feel better than I ever have thanks to eating right. I love having stamina. I've decided that the best place to get fit though is in Europe. Those people walk/run everywhere–regardless of the weather. I didn't know how out of shape I was until I spent 3 weeks in Germany racing for the next tram or bus with our host before it arrived! You sure picked a great place to get in shape though. It looks like you are having a fun time..your photos made me smile. :o)

    xo
    Donna @ Comin' Home

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