Client Spotlights
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I started lifting around 16 and got have grown and learned significantly since. I have had a lot of amazing coaches and supports throughout my journey. In 2014, I competed in a bikini competition which was a huge learning curve and honestly taught me more about lifestyle patterns that aren’t for me. If it helped ne with anything, I proved I had determination, but it’s not something I would do again.

Since then I train because I love it and what it does for both my mental and physical health. I love the community at LYB and the mental resilience I have developed by lifting heavy shit.

How did you hear about LYB and when did you start?
I heard about LYB in 2022 through the neighbourhood and socials. Kate and the team have an amazing presence and have done a fabulous job building the LYB community inside and outside the gym. I started 2 days a week in the fall of 2022 and moved to unlimited in the winter of 2023. The transition away from pandemic basement workouts was much needed!

How has your experience with LYB been so far?
It’s fantastic. LYB not only gives me a place to maintain physical health with the phenomenal programming and coaches, it is the most inclusive and welcoming gym I have ever been apart of. LYB is Intentional about creating a sense of belonging for everyone and that is the kind of business and community I want to be apart of.

What is your favourite class?
Thursday morning Barbell basics with Steph! 

What are your upcoming goals / plans for your fitness journey?
This fall I have been focusing on strength and increasing the weight I’m lifting. That has lead me to identify some trouble areas with my form so ,this winter I really want to focus on proper technique, breath, and form while lifting.

What’s your best advice for anyone new to LYB?
Talk to the person next to you in class, you’ll likely get a warm smile and a laugh. Lean into the community to build more than an exercise routine from the experience. That way, your commitment to exercise and physical health has social, mental, and community outcomes for you as well.

1. Tell us a bit about yourself and about your fitness journey before starting LYB?

I am a 40-year-old proud father of 3 beautiful girls Iza (7), Alexi (4), and Charlie (2).  I am also an entrepreneur and small business owner.  So, it is safe to say I live a busy life.  Stress does play a part in my day-to-day lifestyle as well as increased anxiety due to the recent covid 19 pandemic (I think everyone can relate to this).

Exercise is a saviour for me.  Not because I necessarily crave it.  It is more so that I need it mentally and physically to help me cope with life in general.  Trust me,  I am a horrible person to be around without exercise LOL. 

My biggest issue with exercise is time.  We all need more time in a day, and I find if I don’t have enough time on any day, exercise is the first thing that suffers and as a result so does my mental health, my business, and my family.

2. How did you hear about LYB and when did you start?

I was lucky enough to meet Kate early this year (2023).  We were discussing ways that we could collaborate as small business owners and I was so intrigued by her philosophies on fitness and health.  It was a no brainer to join her community of health and meet the rest of her team.  I haven’t looked back since.

3. How has your experience with LYB been so far?

LYB is a perfect fit for me due to the fact that I work across the road for one but also, I love being part of a fitness community.  LYB isn’t just a gym. It is so much more.  It is a community for health and fitness. 

4. What is your favourite class?

I am a lunchtime warrior during the working week.

5. What are your upcoming goals / plans for your fitness journey?

Let Kate and the team take my fitness to the next level.  I  don’t need to think about the programming, my goals, or anything.  It is nice to turn up and just listen and execute.

6. What’s your best advice for anyone new to LYB?

Turn up with zero expectations of yourself, the classes, or your overall goals in fitness.  Let Kate and her team of instructors guide you for success.  If you follow their path and become a consistent attendee your goals will take care of themselves.  A few things I can guarantee you will get out of LYB:

• You will have fun.
• You will work your ass off no matter what level of fitness you come in with.  Trust me.  No one is too fit or not fit enough for LYB classes.  The programming is first class.
• You will see progress.
• You will want to keep coming back.
• You will feel better mentally and physically after 3 months of commitment.

1. Tell us a bit about yourself and about your fitness journey before starting LYB?

I’m originally from Newfoundland but have called Ottawa home since completing my schooling here in 2010. When I’m not at the gym, you’ll find me back home in Barrhaven hanging out with my two-year old daughter and little Boston Terrier dog. During the day, I am a Program Manager in the International Development / Humanitarian Assistance sector and absolutely love traveling!

2. How did you hear about LYB and when did you start?

I first heard about LYB mid last year through one of my old trainers (Lacey!) and decided to try it out. I believe my first class ever was last summer

3. How has your experience with LYB been so far?

I absolutely LOVE LYB! First off, the community and support you get from everyone—including the coaches—is TOP NOTCH. Everyone is super friendly and welcoming. I really enjoy the class programming and appreciate the modifications—especially from someone who experiences lower back issues since pregnancy.

4. What is your favourite class?

My favourite classes are strength focused classes. I never thought I would say this, but those 7am Friday morning Strength classes are a vibe (I also like how you see the exact same people there on Friday mornings! What a lovely sense of community).

5. What are your upcoming goals / plans for your fitness journey?

Four words: Bigger and Stronger quads

6. What’s your best advice for anyone new to LYB?

Don’t hesitate to ask for modifications (I do this all of the time) and listen to your body. Coaches provide excellent guidance and knowledge, but ultimately, listen to your body. What your body needs may vary day to day, so it is so important to be gentle with yourself

1. Tell us a bit about yourself and about your fitness journey before starting LYB?

Before LYB, I had zero experience with fitness. No gym experience, no sports, very little formal fitness at all. In fact, when I joined LYB, Kate put me in her client slidedeck and called me “most improved”!

2. How did you hear about LYB and when did you start?

I met Kate when she was hired to teach a private women’s yoga class. Kate is so impressive. Her super power is connecting with everyone and anyone, she is very authentic, caring, and has so much knowledge of women’s bodies and fitness. I saw her social posts about her Mommy Bootcamps for several years before I came. I just couldn’t figure out how they worked! How do you get a whole bunch of moms and their babies of all ages, pregnant, postpartum, older, younger, and get them all moving, but not just moving; climbing ropes, jumping on boxes, olympic lifting; AND no one gets hurt? I finally came and I got it. It’s the business most stimulating and yet safe environment! It’s amazing! It’s inspiring!

3. How has your experience with LYB been so far?

The best. It’s one of my favourite places to be. I love the come-all, come-as-you-are, push-yourself-as-much-as-you-feel-like-today-but-just-come vibe. Hey, some of you may remember: I loved LYB so much I came and worked for Kate for a year! It was all such a great experience.

4. What is your favourite class?

Yeah, I’ve heard other people say they like the strength classes, or the bar bell classes – for me they are all the same (in the best way) because I can always push myself in the direction I want, or that feels good that day. If I want to go heavier, I go heavier, I want to feel more springy, go lighter, I didn’t sleep well, I go rogue but at least I showed up! I do like the kid-free classes because I can use the barbells, but I still have a soft spot for my roots at the Mommy Bootcamps, which I’ll go to even with no kids in tow. Firstly, all those babies are SO cute and just make your day, but also because it’s amazing to see all these moms who are so tired and on 24/7 baby duty, and here they are doing amazing physical stunts with their little ones around them.

5. What are your upcoming goals / plans for your fitness journey?

Hmmm… To figure out how to engage all the things I have to engage all the time! It’s so much engaging! So much to think about! Chest up, shoulders back, glutes, core, glutes, push the knees out, did I mention glutes? In all seriousness, I like the focus on functional fitness, functional movement, knowing how to move well to prevent injury, and exercise to energize your life. And the getting super strong and feeling super cool is fun too.

6. What’s your best advice for anyone new to LYB?

For anyone that has started, they will see for themselves how special it is right away. For anyone who has not tried a class yet, I would tell them there is so much to take advantage. Try ALL the offerings: the coaching calls with Kate, the yoga, meeting other moms, trying all the equipment, the online program — the program is so strong and stimulating and supportive.

1. Tell us a bit about yourself and about your fitness journey before starting LYB?

I have only been into working out in my adulthood and I never had the literacy for establishing a goal or picking the right exercises. So, I have always been moving based on the stages of my life I was in and the people around me. I went through phases of boxing, tabata workouts, running and cycling.

2. How did you hear about LYB and when did you start?

In February 2023, I saw the 2-week trial sign as I passed by the location on Richmond. I signed up the same day and booked a class for the day after to give it a try.

3. How has your experience with LYB been so far?

I attend the group classes, and it’s been so much fun. I love how the workouts push you and are diverse. At first, I was more into the Athletic Conditioning classes because I never worked on strength focused workouts before. As I am feeling stronger over time, now I love the strength classes more. And the coaches are REALLY watching you, showing alternatives or correcting your posture as needed. They are not just group classes with a coach at the front of the room. That’s also what got me hooked, I knew I was in good hands and made me want to explore new movements and workouts.

4. What is your favourite class?

The strength and conditioning classes, because I do see improvement and it motivates me to go consistently.

5. What are your upcoming goals / plans for your fitness journey?

Continue to build my strength, and maybe attend the barbell classes. I also want to continue cycling outside as long as the weather allows.

6. What’s your best advice for anyone new to LYB?

Don’t be shy to ask questions or chat, either with coaches or other LYB members. It’s a great community to be part of, and you’ll feel stronger, supported and free to be yourself

1. Tell us a bit about yourself and about your fitness journey before starting LYB?

Hi I’m Sarah! I am an oncology nurse in Ottawa and have two young kids, Mila (3.5) and Mason (13 months). 

I have always been interested in fitness since a young age playing various sports throughout highschool and going to the YMCA with my mom. 

When I went to university I found myself taking a step back from all those things to focus on my studies. Once I finished school I wanted to get back into fitness. I tried various gyms and online programs but nothing really stuck. After having kids I found it hard to find something that I could be consistent with and once I found LYB I knew it would be a good fit! 

2. How did you hear about LYB and when did you start?

I heard about LYB from my chiropractor in Westboro ! I started at LYB in December 2022. 

3. How has your experience with LYB been so far?

I immediately knew once I started at LYB that I found something that was a good fit for my fitness journey. I love the community feel and love that there are family bootcamps where I could bring my son while on mat leave.  I was worried I would feel intimidated but I never did. I felt welcomed from the start and the trainers have really helped me feel comfortable in my body postpartum and they push me to try new things! I surprise myself every class which I love. It has been so comforting knowing the trainers have knowledge for postpartum bodies which could be a barrier for people to start working out after having a baby.  

4. What is your favourite class?

My son Mason and I have been going to the family bootcamp at 11 on weekdays since December. It has been so nice meeting like minded women going with their babes! I occasionally bring my daughter to a weekend family bootcamp which has been so fun and nice seeing her get excited about fitness even at a young age! 

5. What are your upcoming goals / plans for your fitness journey?

My upcoming goal for my fitness journey is to continue being consistent with going to classes and to continue to try new things (like box jumps!). 

6. What’s your best advice for anyone new to LYB?

My advice for anyone who wants to get back into working out postpartum or even just getting into fitness for the first time is to just go for it!! This gym is the place to try new things and especially after giving birth it can be scary, but the trainers here really know how to modify things that work for each individual. 

1. Tell us a bit about yourself and about your fitness journey before starting LYB?

Before LYB, I was an avid yogi and casual swimmer (I still am). I like to see fitness as my counterbalance to a lot of busy time spent sitting, either working as a consultant, cuddling my cat, reading, gaming or making things. As things were opening back up, I was exploring some locally offered virtual HIIT/plyometric/strength workouts, but didn’t think I had the right base-knowledge to move safely and sustainably.

2. How did you hear about LYB and when did you start?

LYB was recommended to me by one of my favourite Yoga Teachers (the one and only Katherine Miceli) when I was looking (but nervous) to try strength training for the first time. I’ve been attending (almost) weekly since March 2022.

3. How has your experience with LYB been so far?

LYB is just the right thing for me. The classes are small, the instructors are fun, approachable and encouraging and my fellow-patrons are friendly. Kate and her team have really created something special. I always leave feeling challenged but never pushed too far, even on my worst days. I’m always glad I show up.

4. What is your favourite class?

I’m a regular fixture in the Monday or Tuesday evening Strength and Conditioning Classes, but sometimes you might spot me in an Athletic Conditioning Class. Catherine and Nicole are amazing.

5. What are your upcoming goals / plans for your fitness journey?

I recently graduated from the 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training at Elevate Yoga, I’d like to focus on developing my personal and teaching yoga practice. But, alongside that, I’ve increased my membership to 2x weekly at LYB. I’m slowly working up to build up that 2x/week discipline and consistency, I’m working towards a strength/conditioning and athletic conditioning class each week. It’s taking some time, cardio is hard.

Whatever fitness goals I set, my ultimate goal is to prioritize doing it to feel good, not to contort to societal or aesthetic expectations. I haven’t always made that my focus, it’s been a lot of work to shift my mindset and it’s important to me that I maintain that.

6. What’s your best advice for anyone new to LYB?

Start small to make it easier to build consistency. 
Show up on the bad days, but forgive yourself if you don’t. 
If something feels off, pause and ask questions, everyone at this gym is brilliant. 
You’re going to wobble, just laugh it off. LYB’s got you. 

1. Tell us a bit about yourself and about your fitness journey before starting LYB?

I am a mom of two small children (11 months and 3). I’ve always been an active person and very much enjoyed yoga and pilates. I found that while these were great for mental health and relaxation, I needed more to take fitness to the next level. I have done other bootcamp style workouts before but struggled with motivation/making time in my schedule. Prior to joining LYB, I went back to work from home after the birth of my daughter during peak pandemic lockdown and I found myself in my house, in a chair, and in front of a screen forming unhealthy habits.

2. How did you hear about LYB and when did you start?

I heard about LYB on social media in November 2020 when I was looking for a way to stay active/improve my mental health during pandemic lockdowns. I wanted to support a local business offering online workouts thinking I could go in person once restrictions lifted.

3. How has your experience with LYB been so far?

LYB has been an important staple in my life for rehabbing my body following two pregnancies. My levels of fitness and body have fluctuated so much during the family-building stage of my life but trainers at LYB have always helped me feel supported to make working out accessible. I had great results using personal training during my last pregnancy which kept me motivated to show up to the gym until 32 weeks. Working out into the third trimester really helped me feel like I could get back to the gym sooner after my son was born because I missed the community and had already made it part of my routine.  Also, Kate texted me and asked when she could meet the baby and see me back in the gym. 

4. What is your favourite class?

My 11 month old son Freddie and I are regulars at the 11:00 am Family Bootcamp on weekdays. It’s been really great to meet such an awesome community of women and their little ones during mat leave. Freddie has also made some pals his age and appreciates his welcome hug from Katherine upon arrival. For kid-free workouts I like Strength + Condition on Monday nights with Nicole because her playlist & energy never disappoint.

5. What are your upcoming goals / plans for your fitness journey?

Short term: Working on pull-ups and hangs. Keep up with my workouts once mat leave is over.
Long term: Continue to build strength to keep up with my kids and maintain good mental health. 

6. What’s your best advice for anyone new to LYB?

Be consistent and show up a few times a week. You’ll be surprised at your progress and the results you can achieve. The support and encouragement of the trainers has improved my confidence in a gym environment.  I’ve learned new skills like pull ups, box jumps, and how to use a barbell. I definitely couldn’t do any of these things at 8 weeks postpartum but I’ve been coming regularly for past 9 months of mat leave and these things are now in my wheelhouse. 

1. Tell us a bit about yourself and about your fitness journey before starting LYB?

Growing up, ballet was my passion and all my fitness time was dedicated to ballet. In adulthood, I transitioned to taking one ballet class a week. Knowing I wanted to complement this, I tried different approaches to see what worked for me: different gyms, yoga studios, at-home programs, even organized sports (hard pass!).

2. How did you hear about LYB and when did you start?

In the Fall of 2022, my partner’s colleague invited me to do a two-week trial with her after she did a fundraising event at LYB. Since I live in the neighbourhood, I agreed to give it a try. The timing was great because I was looking to return to in-person exercising after mostly at-home workouts during the pandemic. I’ve been working out at LYB ever since!

3. How has your experience with LYB been so far?

I love the friendly and open atmosphere, supportive staff, and variety of classes. I have also enjoyed getting to know other clients! 

4. What is your favourite class?

Athletic conditioning! Cardio has never been a strength of mine so it’s been fun to push myself and see improvement in these classes.

5. What are your upcoming goals / plans for your fitness journey?

 My main fitness plan at this stage in life is to be fit and have fun! I find exercise a great way to take care of my mental health, especially during my work week, so my goal is to make it to 5 classes a week. 

6. What’s your best advice for anyone new to LYB?

I like to think of exercise as an important part of my everyday life, like eating and showering. In this sense, I try to make exercise a habit and do what I can on any given day. My advice to others would be make it a habit.