Photo supplied.
Visiting babies pile on KeepFit instructor Kate Ward while their mothers enjoy a workout geared to postpartum women at the CMCC.
Kate Ward joined Keep Fit Women in the office, managing the Durham location. She was inspired by the comradery and general feeling of confidence and well-being exuded by the participants. Seeing the smiles on the “After” photos of the participants convinced her to jump in, and now she owns the Peterborough branch of this popular and growing franchise.
Jeenie Brasseur founded the program in March 2020. A fitness trainer and mother of three facing health challenges and was looking for a holistic approach to her health. She learned to find balance instead of reaching for perfection, and wanted to share that lesson with other women. She understands the difficulty many women, particularly mothers, have in putting themselves first. Her approach includes workouts that both challenge and encourage along with a healthy approach to food. The company offers classes through a network of divisions in Toronto, Durham, Whitby and Peterborough.
The objective of each program is to inspire women of all fitness levels to be their best through sweat-inducing workouts, sustainable nutrition support and positive messaging and leadership. Programs are typically eight weeks long with 10-25 participants in two sessions of 45-60 min per week. Classes are designed to be fun and challenging, relying on minimal equipment. Participants bring a mat and a pair of dumbbells and the instructor brings other items including resistance straps, kettlebells and agility ladders to provide a diverse experience. Workouts are energetic, but the key objective is to adhere to the proper form for each exercise. Modifications are provided to ensure that participants of all fitness levels can benefit from the exercises.
At the moment there are two types of programs offered through the Peterborough branch of KeepFit Women. Strollerfit is for new moms. Facing new priorities and demands on their time, new moms frequently find it difficult to squeeze in time for their own health and well-being. It’s challenging for this group to find the strength and energy to get into a healthy routine, particularly if it requires organizing babysitting.
Babies are welcome at Strollerfit classes. Participants enjoy a postpartum-safe fitness routine and also build a network of women in similar circumstances. These programs include two weekly fun and effective group workouts as well as nutrition guidance, meal suggestions and coaching. They take place on Monday and Wednesday afternoons and currently operate out of the gym at the Cavan Monaghan Community Centre. The current session is sold out. Those who are interested are encouraged to join the wait list to receive priority for the next session.
Keepfit Women camps are offered during the evenings and attract busy moms and career women with fun and diverse workouts, nutrition education and a community of motivation and support that encourages a healthy mind and body. Participants report seeing measurable results in their energy levels, strength and physical ability. These programs currently run at St. Alphonsus Catholic Elementary School (875 St. Mary’s St., Peterborough) on Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7pm.
Not ready to sign up for eight weeks? Try out a fitcamp-style work out at one of two charity classes on offer this month at the CMCC at 7pm on March 14th and 16th. Half of the $20 entrance fee will be donated to the Peterborough Humane Society. To learn more or register for a KeepFit Women class, visit www.keepfitwomen.com. KG
