At the end of each year and beginning of a new, our Club team eagerly awaits the busiest time of year – a time where all of us have stuffed ourselves with countless calories and are forced to lay on our bed just to zip up our jeans. January is the time where we all seem to hit the reset button after a long few weeks of indulgence, so it seems like a no brainer to kick start our annual fitness challenge in the Club during this motivational time of year.

The Challenge is a 10-week program designed to inspire participants to get fit in a healthy, team oriented setting, with access to resources online and in the Club. From January through March, Challengers incorporate exercise into their daily routine, participate in Challenge specific fitness workshops, learn to cook Challenge friendly meals, and gain points by actively engaging in Challenge related social media posts. This year’s challenge included group yoga classes in the Ballroom, bootcamp in the Human Performance Centre, healthy cooking classes and weekly nutrition coaching!

We asked some of our Challengers about their experience this year and here’s what they had to say!

“Win or lose, I already feel like I have won based on the personal training sessions and seminars I have attended but most of all for the friendships I have made along the way. I really have learned a lot about myself mentally and what I can do physically. I would strongly recommend this challenge to anyone looking to get fit while having fun.” – Cathy Mitchell

“Joining the challenge means you have workout buddies to support each other and motivate each other. For my team I have my own Facebook group. This is separate from the Challenge page where they may have things we find helpful or not. Here we remind each other of our workouts with our personal trainer, classes, seminars and challenges. We share food recipes, ideas and information. We motivate one another and lean on each other for support. Overall the benefits you get for the price you pay is worth so much that I will always join no matter what.” – Michelle Mooney

“I am really loving the 10-week challenge because it’s not just focused on nutrition but on many different aspects of healthy living. They offer yoga and cardio classes specifically for the challengers so you can start there if you aren’t comfortable doing the other classes they offer at White Oaks. I love that the challenge gives you three times to meet with a personal trainer. The challenge is a great way to start your health journey, but it is also a great way to continue your health journey and become more informed about the choices you make daily and how to make better decisions about your health.” – Alanna Schram

“The 10 Week Challenge was an excellent motivation for Terry and I to make the changes for a healthier lifestyle. Everyone at White Oaks is so friendly and motivating. We had the opportunity to train with Todd, which was a major part of our success.” – Heather O’Donoghue

As we wrap up our 2019 Challenge, we’re sending a huge shout out to all of our Challengers! Whether you participated on a team or as an individual, we commend you for all your hard work. As a group, our Challengers lost a total of 367lbs and 425 inches. Our winning Team, Slimpossible 2.0 from White Oaks had nearly perfect attendance and finished the challenge 42 pounds lighter and 49 inches slimmer as a team. Our winning male and female individual Challengers were husband and wife, Terry and Heather O’Donoghue who together, lost 57 pounds and 39 inches. Cheers to focusing on your physical and mental well being and for setting and accomplishing major goals!