Personal Training
Testimonials
Laura F., 42, Lawyer
Carolyn Gebbie "sets the bar" as far as personal trainers are concerned. She is technically very knowledgeable, an expert at knowing just how far to safely push my limits, and always (day in and day out) a calm, encouraging presence. I never thought that I would look forward to working out at 6:30 in the morning, but now I do. I am very proud of the progress that I have made. I tried for 20 years on my own; never with any long term success. If you are serious about making a change, and investing in your health, call Carolyn.
Ann G., 52, Manager
In January of 2005 a mutual friend gave my name to Carolyn Gebbie because she thought I needed some help with a fitness programme. My history in personal fitness has been that I have always understood the need for fitness but never really had the motivation to be consistent in my approach to it. The reasons for this are many and include lack of commitment to the time necessary plus a personal dislike of group settings. This means I have always found the time for other things I enjoyed but not exercise. Since I do not like gyms, etc., I have steered away from joining tai chi, yoga and so forth. I do not ever seem to have the same window of time available for a prolonged period of time either, so group stuff just does not work for me from a time or inclination perspective.
Enter Carolyn. In her calm and competent way, with her own brand of quiet strength, she listened to my needs in an open and non-judgmental way. She managed to understand what I needed and translate this into fitness terms before I really knew she had done so! So within a week, with her gentle input, I had purchased an elliptical trainer, she had compiled a fitness programme for me at home with a "gym in a box", and she was at my place coaching my reluctant and untrained body down the fitness road. This was done with such patience, caring and concern that I never felt pressurized or judged and I had such encouragement that I really knew for the first time that fitness was possible for me. I am still rather dazed that this was accomplished by her with no resistance from me.
It is now 3 full months down the road with Carolyn. I have lost about 15 lbs in weight, I jogged the Times Colonist 10km in 78 minutes, and I am about to buy a new bike, with Carolyn's help, so that I can start training for my first triathlon.
I am proud of myself, and Carolyn, and I think we make a wonderful synergistic team. Her support has made a difference in my life beyond my physical fitness because she cares about me, the person, in more than just a physical sense. Body, mind, spirit and emotional balance is a vision I have for myself and Carolyn is helping me with this. YOU GO GIRL!
Jocelyn A. 54, Therapist
I would heartily recommend Carolyn to anyone looking for a trainer for the following reasons:
- She listens to what the client has to say and first and foremost establishes a regime that reflects those goals
- She is very patient and encouraging and never makes one feel inadequate or awkward
- She is a very good teacher, being able to pace the level of instruction appropriately and succinctly
- She is enthusiastic about fitness and this can't help but imbue one starting off with motivation
- With the follow up sessions she helps clients keep on track and from backsliding to pre-fitness levels
- She is a good listener
C.J., 30, RCMP candidate
I have been working with Carolyn for 8 months now and the results have been phenomenal. Not only have I been able to pass a physically-demanding police fitness test and better my time from the previous year, but I was one of the only women to pass the test. I do not believe that I would have achieved my career goals without Carolyn's excellent guidance.
Gail S., 54, Runner/Triathlete
Carolyn Gebbie has worked personally with me over the past several months training me in the proper form of strength training, including warm-up, stretching and cool down. I have been tremendously impressed with her attention to detail and time spent in ensuring I have safe, consistent and comprehensive workouts. I would recommend Carolyn to anyone interested in self improvement be they novice or elite.
Kim W., 40, Reporter
I was looking for an overall fitness plan, after being relatively inactive for about 18 months to two years. I wanted a plan that wasn't overwhelming, that I could maintain on a regular basis, and that fit in with my life style and time demands. I wanted to feel stronger, more toned and just generally fit, and feel I'm well on my way toward that. Carolyn was an excellent listener, and the plan she developed for me is testament to that.
Carolyn is extremely organized and knowledgeable - I felt very confident with her expertise and the information she provided. Basically, I felt I was in very good hands. She was a good listener, practical, and explained the exercises extremely well in a straightforward, accessible manner, including safety tips. She's very motivating, in part by being such a good example of fitness herself.
Carolyn emphasized safety and proper form, something I really appreciated, as it is easy to injure yourself and defeat the entire purpose of exercise. I now even watch others doing certain exercises and want to correct them! The safety aspect was very important to me. Another thing Carolyn did - and this may seem like a small thing but I found it incredibly helpful - was provide a slim binder with the exercises demonstrated in illustrations. That is my workout bible - I even took it on a recent trip.
In the past, I've had weight programs set up with the exercises simply written down on a little card. When I've gone back on my own to do them, I've forgotten the exact proper form, or just where my hands go, or if my feet should be staggered, etc. This doesn't happen with the information Carolyn provides. Again, seemingly a small thing, but it makes a world of difference.
The program was very focused, and it made going to the gym weight room not so overwhelming. Instead of standing there wondering just which machine I should attempt, I had a good map, with my route clearly marked out.
Connie S., 76, triathlete
Carolyn prepared a comprehensive, full-body, do-able programme, based upon my "wants and needs". The strength training was clearly explained and demonstrated, with advice about beginning sessions, i.e. reps and sets, warm-up, cool-down and stretching. It was planned by a woman for a woman.
Jeff W., 25, competitive squash player
Carolyn definitely addressed my goals by preparing a regime catered to squash-like movements. She provided a very thorough preparation (binder, diagrams) and personal tutorial (2 hour walk-through of exercises with patient demonstration). I will definitely continue with my program. It is catered to my sport and works areas that will improve my game. The binder of material is clearly organized; it helps do some of the thinking for me and motivates me to adhere to it and achieve my goals.
