Why We Are The Best...  

 "I’m feeling good.  I’m very glad I signed up (for Yoga for Men). After the (first) session I felt a sense of ‘rejuvenation’, enough so that I stayed around and did some of my circuit training. My spine felt delightfully ‘stretched’.  In addition, I have a new appreciation for ‘breathing’ deeper,  and I hope to improve that on an ongoing basis."

Club Member - Ted W.  - Sholina Jirvraj Instructor of Yoga for Men

"I've been working with Alice for 6 months now and the benefits are quite remarkable. On the diabetic front, I have eliminated one prescription entirely, reduced dosages on the remaining two, and my blood sugar levels are lower than they have been in over 10 years! Regarding blood pressure, I have eliminated one prescription, cut dosage on the other one by 50%, and my systolic blood pressure has dropped from the 160's to the 130's. I have been able to eliminate one of two cholesterol medications, and my readings have finally dropped to the normal range! My energy levels and general sense of well-being are happily improved. Weight loss? Beyond the significant health benefits above, I've lost 23 POUNDS so far and still counting! Fitness? My golf partners continually comment on how much further I'm hitting the ball. Alice brings much more to the table than her professional skills at exercise routines and proper use of the extensive Club Markham equipment. She also offers wise counsel on all aspects of healthy living, and shows by personal examples how to incorporate fitness into everyday living beyond the gym. She sets a very fine example indeed. I highly recommend Alice to anyone wanting to improve their fitness and health. Beyond Alice's key role in my "success", I must also acknowledge the ongoing support and advice I get from Paul Sit, Lori Ferren, and Sholina Jivraj!"

Club Member - Ted W.  - Trainer Alice Cheung

"In July 2009 I started working out once a week with Ona - my first (and only) personal trainer.   I have been a member of Club Markham for many years but was at a point where I needed change and motivation.  By the end of the first session my motivation was back.  Six months later it was clear that my physical stamina had improved greatly but more importantly so had my outlook on life.  Somehow my training sessions have made me healthier AND happier.  I am still training once a week and loving it!  So… Thanks ONA! … I'm looking forward to next week and  I would recommend this to anyone!"

Club Member - Janine T. - Trainer Ona McDonald

"We first started training with Ona McDonald in 2002, and over the past 3 years have established a regular weekly training program with her.  She always comes well-prepared, full of energy with various different exercises to suit our needs.  With her encouragement and motivation, we are able to achieve our fitness goals.  She truly enjoys her job as a trainer and it shows!!
We would definitely recommend Ona and her services. "

Club Members - Arzina & Firdos S. - Trainer Ona McDonald

"Bernard has been working with me on resistance training in the pool since October. I look forward to every session as he encourages me to push my own boundaries and he celebrates my achievement with me.

As a result of his mentoring, and based on the number of lengths I can run in the pool, my strength and endurance have increased ten fold. My goal of increasing my core strength has been realized and continues to improve. My energy level has increased and I have lost inches to the point where others have noticed the difference.

Thanks Bernard for all of your support and enthusiasm!"

Club Member - Linda H. - Trainer Bernard Chan

"Bernard I would like to thank you personally for all your support during my training sessions, at first I was a bit skeptical as how I would benefit from having a Personal Trainer, after my first session I knew all my strength and weakness and was now focused on the areas I had to work on. I was given support and encouragement during the sessions and each session would move you forward to achieving your goals.

Between visits I worked on the goals I was trying to achieve, having a Personal Trainer gave you the motivation not only show your achievements but also Bernard’s achievements in using his knowledge an experience to move you in the right direction. Further Bernard’s experience as a Personal Trainer also added variety to the program so you did not become bored or stagnant. My secession started in August of 2009 and ended in December 2009 I managed to loose approximately 25 lbs and 10 % body fat.Again Bernard many thanks for your support during my sessions and the encouragement I still receive when we cross paths at Club Markham. "

Club Member - Barry S. - Trainer Bernard Chan

"In Bernard I am associated with a trainer who cares about my well being and devise a regimen of exercises to improve my overall health. I find him caring and concerned trainer. I have benefitted from his guidance and look forward to a long association."

Club Member - Sunil A. - Trainer Bernard Chan

"Going to the gym for the first time, I knew I needed someone to motivate me and guide me towards my personal fitness goals. Paul has continuously worked with me to stay fit by tailoring a program to my ever-changing needs, as as a result, improve my confidence and self-esteem. Training with Paul has helped me finally achieve a healthy lifestyle, and in the process, I've made an excellent mentor and lifelong friend!"

Club Member - Josh L. - Trainer Paul Sit

"It had been over 10 years since I worked out. I was intimidated by the equipment and did not know how to get back into a routine. Working with Paul helped me get motivated and establish a work out program that suited my needs. I love how I look and feel now, and enjoy coming to the gym regularly!"

Club Member Holly H. - Trainer Paul Sit

"Throughout my whole life I was always overweight and lacked confidence. In the past I tried many methods to drop weight but always failed and gained even more weight, reaching 200 pounds at the worst. Turning 18, I knew I had to change because my weight was interfering with my social life. Therefore, I came to Club Markham to seek professional help and was consulted by Paul Sit. He was extremely nice and friendly thus I hired him as my trainer. Right away, he set me up with a program and shortly after a few weeks I saw results. Throughout the process he constantly encouraged, comforted, motivated and gave me hope in times of doubt. Initially, my goal was to drop 10 pounds in a span of 3 months just in time for university. Shockingly , after 4 months I have dropped a total of 40 pounds! This drastically changed my life and I know that I'll never give myself the chance of going back. My lifestyle has changed and I feel fabulous! Words cannot describe how much appreciation I have towards Paul. Thank you so much!"

Club Member Ada L. - Trainer Paul Sit

"When I joined Club Markham I had decided it was, simply, time to lose the weight I’d been carrying around for way too long.  Paul Sit listened to my story and suggested a combined approach of diet/nutrition changes and a Personal Trainer to ensure I was able to succeed.  He said he would select a Personal Trainer he thought would suit me best.  That is when I began working, and I mean working (!) with Max.  Seven months later I’d lost 50 lbs. and gained a level of fitness I never thought I’d achieve.

Max is a Personal Trainer, Power Yoga instructor, a Physiotherapist and very knowledgeable in nutrition and healthy eating.   This combination for me was gold!  I refer to it as the “Max-factor”.  Max customized and regularly modified my program to enable me to have great workouts even though I have no cartilage in both knees and was really out of shape when I started.  He trained me in a way that was so encouraging (he believed in me way more than I did!) and pushed me to a level of fitness that feels fantastic!  I absolutely know that having a Personal Trainer not only enabled my fitness level to grow but also made sure I didn’t injure myself in the process.  He created a cardio workout that was low impact and really effective.  He gave me meal ideas and introduced me to new spices and recipes.

The benefits for me certainly include the weight loss and therefore the level of health that comes with it.  My BMI, blood composition (cholesterol) and cardiovascular measures have really improved.  In addition, however, I’ve gained benefits that far surpass those physical measures.  My outlook is even more optimistic, energetic, and clear and I feel so full of life.

Many told me that I could do it on my own and didn’t need a trainer.  For me that was not correct.  The “Max-factor” was integral to my success not just short-term but for my lifetime.   Having someone so skilled and attentive to not just the overall exercise program but to the micro detail of my technique, effort and progress, made the difference between success and failure for me.  He knew if I was working my abs by looking at my back! (Yikes...no cheating or hiding!)  Although, I must say it was a bit weird at first, having someone circling me as I was exercising.  He was making the adjustments I could not have noticed on my own or from my vantage point.

Lastly, the staff and many members of the Club have been so encouraging and complimentary to me throughout the whole process.  People I didn’t know at all have approached me to congratulate me and encourage me along the whole way.  My family has been incredible. My sons would say, “ You look amazing Mom!” “ Hey mom! You’ve got triceps!”  “Lets get going to the gym, you can do this.” My husband has been very supportive and we are doing so many more things together (walking, hiking, cycling….).  My sisters are saying,  “You go girl!”.  A very good friend said, “You can’t pay someone to do your sit-ups. You can do this.  You’re amazing!”.  I guess the adage; “It takes a village…” is true.   Thanks everyone. I couldn’t have done it without you!"

Club Member Nancy L. - Trainer Max AlSaber