I’m interested in personal training at the Chateau Laurier Health Club, but I have a few questions. Can I come and ask you some questions?
What if I have an injury, mobility restriction or problem area?
I’m following _______________ diet. Do I have to be a vegan to train with you?
I have a sore back/knee/hip/shoulder/etc. Do you know what is causing it?
Do you make allowances for evening and weekend training?
I travel often / I have a complicated schedule.
I have to cancel/reschedule. Will I lose my session?
I’m interested in personal training at the Chateau Laurier Health Club, but I have a few questions. Can I come and ask you some questions?
I strongly encourage anyone who is interested in training to visit me at the Fairmont Château Laurier Health Club. I much prefer this to back and forth email exchanges. Given the nature of my work, I am frequently away from my phone and computer. Please call me (613-882-3604) or email me, kyle.den.bak@gmail.com to set up a 15-minute consultation. I’d be happy to meet you!
What if I have an injury, mobility restriction or problem area?
Injuries and mobility restrictions are not uncommon. During the initial fitness assessment, we perform a Functional Movement Screen, which is designed to screen for pain, injury and faulty movement patterns. Depending on the results of this testing, we will either develop a corrective strategy while safely working around the problem, or refer you to the appropriate professional to deal with acute injury.
In most cases, we can find a safe an effective means for you to continue training while the issue is being addressed.
In the longer term, well-designed fitness training will help to prevent future injury and encourage safe and healthy movement practices.
I only want to focus on ____________ body part. Why do you insist that I address the rest of my body?
The best way to improve overall fitness is to train the body in the ways it naturally moves. Nothing in the body works in isolation.
Yet, we tend to think of the body in isolated parts, like a Frankenstein. But you really can’t isolate body parts. Try this:
Make a fist. Now make that fist tighter. Now tighter still. TIGHTER! What muscles were involved in that movement? If you squeezed hard enough, you’d have noticed the muscles of your arms, shoulders, abdominals, glutes, right down to your toes were squeezing tight.
The body is one piece. The way to help it become strong and fit is to train it in the way it actually moves. This is why, every single session, you will be squatting, hinging, pushing pulling and carrying as far as you are capable. We will work all your muscles through natural movement, but with a special focus on your weakest areas. By focussing on your weak links, regardless of what they are, we can improve the strength and integrity of the entire body, not just the mirror muscles.
I’m following _______________ diet. Do I have to be a vegan to train with you?
I only coach my clients in nutrition based on the best available science on the subject. In short, a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes is best to support most health and fitness goals while minimizing the risk or even reversing of chronic illness such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
While I strongly encourage an adherence to a 100% whole food plant-based diet, I respect that we are all at different phases in our health journey. We generally work together to identify key areas of improvement and develop healthier nutrition habits overall.
The goal is to develop a healthy lifestyle. Generally, I discourage any kind of quick-fix or fad diets. At the end of the day, I can only in good conscience, endorse healthy evidence-based nutrition.
I have a sore back/knee/hip/shoulder/etc. Do you know what is causing it?
Short of obvious acute injury, like a visible wound, most pain in the body is quite complex. Many factors, such as tightness in certain muscles, weaknesses in others contributed to by chronic or poor movement practices can be causing the issue. It is impossible for me to discern exactly what is causing your problem. It may be necessary for you to see an appropriate professional before we continue fitness training.
However, good training will help you strengthen, stretch and mobilize key areas that are associated with physical pain. For example, a stronger core, improved mobility of the hips, and better movement practices go a long way in improving overall back health.
In many cases, I will identify weak leaks and mobility restrictions. By developing a personalized corrective strategy, it is possible to see a dramatic improvement in your pain.
I am unsure about the time commitment to personal training. How much is required of me to get the most out of training with you?
My minimum training package involves training with me twice a week. In addition to this, depending on your goals and needs, you will have additional work to do on your own. This can involve additional mobility work, cardiovascular training or nutrition preparation.
In short, you will only get out of your program what you put in. Be prepared to make health and fitness a central focus of your life if you are wanting to make significant changes.
Know that I do everything in my ability to be there for you with an appropriate program prepared. I do my best to hold up my end of our relationship and I will expect for you to do the same. It is best to realize that personal training will be one of the best decisions of your life if you are willing to make the commitment and put in the work.
Do you make allowances for evening and weekend training?
I work a daytime schedule, Monday to Friday. If you need to train outside of these times, you may be a great candidate for my Online Training Platform, PlantFit Online. Online training allows you train on your own time, anywhere in the world, under my guidance.
I travel often / I have a complicated schedule.
If you feel that you would be unable to meet your commitments for in-person personal training, you may be a better candidate for my Online Training Platform, PlantFit Online. Online training allows you train on your own time, anywhere in the world, under my guidance
As I have mentioned already in this FAQ, getting the most out of personal training requires focus and commitment. To get the most out of your investment, assess you schedule ahead of time to make sure that our time together will not be overly interrupted.
I have to cancel/reschedule. Will I lose my session?
I ask that you respect my cancelation policy. All cancelations require at least 24 hours notice or you will be charged the full amount.
If you must reschedule within 24 hours, I will do my best to accommodate you within the same week. If I am unable to reschedule you, the sessions will be counted as a late cancellation.