"If I could use only one word to describe what my personal training experience at North Star Fitness has given me, I would choose the word “confidence”. I have been training 2 times a week for just over a year. I'm 62 years old and have never had any serious health issues, but had been noticing more general aches, pains and weaknesses which, I assumed, were age related and something I just had to accept. What you has taught me is that I can build strength and endurance at any age and that the aches and pains can often be minimized and sometimes eliminated altogether. This, in turn, gives me the confidence to do more and feel better. Each session is different and never feels mundane or boring. I am always being challenged and at the same time respected. My questions are always answered to my satisfaction and I can honestly say that I come away from each session feeling stronger and more capable."

-MARGE

I first started coming to North Star in 2022 after receiving a devastating diagnosis regarding my spine. According to the neurologist, my MRI revealed some serious and troubling maladies that put me on a fast track to see a spinal surgeon. While waiting for the appointment, I started physiotherapy with Quentin Raval at North Star.

Not only is Quentin a learned top-notch professional, he did so much more than help relieve my symptoms of pain and limited mobility. Quentin's incredibly positive attitude inspired me with hope and helped me break through the fear that if I did anything physically, I would injure myself.

The spinal surgeon informed me that nothing could be done surgically to improve my condition.

Under the supervision of another medical specialist, I was ready to take the next step thanks to Quentin. Training for strength, along with conditioning to improve my mobility and stability.

This is when I connected with Ben de Zwart, a first class personal trainer at North Star Fitness. I shared my diagnosis with him and explained I had gotten the clearance to train with certain limitations. Ben was quick to come up with modifications that I would be able to handle in the context of the one hour work out.

I told Ben I was willing to do a 3 month trial period and then re-evaluate.

Ben has opened up a whole new world for me in terms of fitness, strength and confidence.

Prior to working out with him, the best I could manage was a walk to the end of our bay with walking sticks, only to return home with back pain.

Fast forward to this past long weekend in September. I hiked 3.5 kilometres at a brisk pace with energy to spare at the end with no back pain! As well, I have been able to swing a golf club without any pain and again enjoy a game I love.

I feel Ben's extensive experience and expertise, along with his strong interpersonal skills and positive attitude in encouraging others to challenge themselves is a winning combination in being one of the absolute best in fitness training.

What started out as a 3 month trial is now a life long commitment, thanks to Ben.

My only regret is that I didn't connect with Quentin and Ben a decade ago.

If I was to rate North Star with a number, I would give them a 10 star!

With gratitude,

- Marianne

"My personal trainer, Joel Toews, always knows exactly where I am within my training plan and what needs to be worked on. Whether it’s a nagging injury or just an upcoming hard long run he focuses in on it and gets me through. Each and every part of my workout is planned and has a purpose. I am never left in the dark wondering “why am I doing this?” as it’s always explained to me with my goals in mind.

North Star is always very clean and organized, nothing out of place. When there are other trainers with clients working at the same time, the level of respect is top notch. Never has our workout been interrupted or compromised.

I am happy to continue on my journey with Joel, and I am excited to see what this new year brings. Is there a fountain of youth? Yes, there is. I found it at North Star."

-BARB S.

"My program and coaching has helped me rebuild range of motion, while improving core strength and flexibility. Each session is challenging, fun and adapted to my needs. Ben shows me how to complete the exercise, coaches me through it, and gently challenges me to do more and try harder. He is knowledgeable about muscles and the body, and answers all my questions with patience and humour.

With Ben's help I have learned to breathe properly and focus, and gained the confidence to work through the program. I feel better and stronger. My shoulder is almost fully functional. I love these sessions and look forward to meeting up with Ben for a new challenge. Signing up for personal training with Ben De Zwart was the best decision I could have made to meet my goals, and a good investment in myself"

-HELENE

The biggest benefit for me with my online training is how customized it is. By connecting with my coach every single day through personal messages and videos, we work together to make sure I’m keeping up with my fitness plan. I can also share feedback explaining which exercises I find challenging or not hard enough (rare), so we can modify to make sure I’m always moving toward the goals I laid out. This is the most successful I have ever been with sticking to a workout plan and it is 100 per cent because of the customization and communication from my coach.

Having custom home workouts designed specifically for the equipment I own and fitness goals I have has made all the difference in my workouts. I actually workout regularly now. I workout everything over the course of the week. And I’m seeing the results.

-DREW