Soul Studio Testimonials
“I joined Soul Studio 6 years ago. In the past I was never a ‘gym’ person; and 6 years later I can say that I have prioritized working out daily as a result of being part of this great community. Soul Studio makes fitness fun, supportive and you can go at whatever pace is good for you. I have never felt stronger physically or mentally!
Soul has wonderful, knowledgeable instructors, plus supportive and encouraging members too! After a tough day, attending a class (virtually or in-person) gives me the opportunity to let my day go.
I DON’T THINK OF ANYTHING ELSE during a class. I am present and focused knowing I will ALWAYS be proud of myself afterwards. It truly is an integral part of my health on all levels.
So very grateful for the special Soul community and their approach to fitness.”
“I think it was about 6 years ago that I walked into Soul Studio – very nervous and apprehensive if I would be able to find a place of acceptance and more importantly could I keep up! I needed not to worry, as the moment I walked in I felt I had found my happy place!
COVID has impacted us all in so many ways, but I just have to say that without having Soul Studio and all the instructors and amazing Soul Sisters at the ready, each morning on the Zoom screen, I am not sure I would have found a reason to get out of bed some mornings.
For this reason alone, I will be eternally grateful!
You can find any excuse, whether it be you feel out of shape, or too old, just remember, if this 71-year-old body can do it, so can you!
Thank you Sareena and all at Soul Studio from the bottom of my heart”
“To, anyone sitting on the fence when it comes to fitness and moving your bodies, I’ve been there done that! I’ve been a member of Soul Studio since it opened in 2015, sure I’ve been a member of other gyms before but this place was different, all ages and all sizes welcomed with no judgment or stigma. This place has energy through the roof with a very encouraging and helpful team of instructors.
Getting through COVID-19 is a challenge for everyone and Soul Studio found a way to still have virtual classes even though there’s no in studio classes allowed right now. They didn’t skip a beat, and the energy is still through the roof! I don’t know how I would have coped if it wasn’t for the fun challenges Soul Studio puts on to keep us all on track and making fitness a priority in our lives. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
“I dug my heels in hard when the studio closed during the first lockdown, I fought all the changes and made every excuse in the book as to why I could not do the virtual and on-demand classes. It’s not the same, the times didn’t work for me, too tired, too full, too busy, we’d be back in the studio soon I’ll take this break. After a slow start, I leaned into the second half of the fall challenge. I tried many new classes I’d never tried before, I got intentional about making the time for fitness, I set up my workout space in a way that made me feel good and I honestly couldn’t be happier and balanced as I start this New Year. Soul helps me stretch, literally, but more so emotionally and mentally. I’m beyond blessed to be part of the Soul family. Xxoo”
“I started with Soul virtually on March 29, 2020 during the lockdown. I knew I needed to keep my mind and body active because the thought of doing nothing really scared me. In all my years, working out at home has never been a thing, and I never found motivation doing stuff from home. When COVID hit, my gym had closed, and I was honestly scared, as this had been my outlet for stress as well as keeping me fit.
At Soul, I first committed to a one-week membership, followed by a one-month membership, followed by a three-month membership, followed by a one-year virtual membership. Committing makes me accountable to ME, which is something most of us don’t do … especially when we’re busy. At Soul, even virtually, I felt like I belonged and looked forward to each and every class. There are no excuses with a virtual membership; and I pre-book my classes the week prior and it’s in my calendar. Plus I can join class from anywhere, and now with on-demand, at any time!
I am beyond grateful to have found Soul! From the cardio workouts like Zumba, to the strength with Barre and POP Pilates, to the deep stretch and relaxation of the yoga. I love it all! The online virtual workouts have been so game changing for me, and I’ve been active my whole life!”
“I’ve never worked out at Soul Studio in person, but having joined virtually, I must say, one can still feel the culture of the gym vibrating through the screen. I feel like being able to have a dedicated space for exercising/working out is key to the success of a virtual membership. And then customizing the space (if you can) to accommodate the workouts and your likes. For example, I have a space heater in my home-gym area because I like to feel warm and I run a little cold in general.
It was really motivating to join virtually when I did, especially with the challenge in January 2021, which encouraged to have set types of workouts to complete for the week, and being able to then schedule classes accordingly, either in real time or on-demand. It was so good for making sure to get one strength class in, cardio class, flexibility class in a week. To be honest…I really love my home-gym. I also do enjoy the energy of group exercise classes in person when it was possible. However…I know I need to move for my physical and mental well-being, so just having the options and resources available to do that from home is #priceless.”
“Exercise has always been a part of my life on and off, but since joining Soul Studio I have now made it my lifestyle. I have never felt more strong and healthy than I do now. The assortment of classes are fantastic (cardio, strength, yoga and more) the instructors and members keep me coming back. I even changed my work hours so I could get to my favourite classes.
Then Covid hit, not only did Soul go virtual without skipping a beat, it is what got me through the lockdown. To be able to do classes was the only thing that made the world feel normal. Those 10 minutes before a virtual class were crucial, to see those smiling faces and hear all the laughter and chatter is what got me up everyday.
It’s hard to describe, you have to feel it! I feel so lucky to have found the Soul community.”
“Proud to say I have been attending Soul Studio since Day 1. This was me on the left 5 years ago. I had just joined Soul. Now, this is me after a ryde class. I see such an amazing change in myself, because of Soul. I started with taking Zumba classes with Sareena before Soul, then Soul opened and I had no idea how so many different fitness classes could change and push me to be the best version of myself. I have never felt so fit. I love all of the different classes, Zumba, Barre, Ryde and Yoga to name a few. My husband loves where I’ve come with my fitness, all because of my happy place…Soul Studio!”
What does retirement mean to you? As a newly retired person, I looked up the dictionary meaning. Most well-respected dictionaries have a similar definition: “the act of leaving your job and stopping working, usually because you are old”
This may be the dictionary definition, but it’s not my definition. While it’s true that I have recently “retired” from a full-time position with an employer, I do not feel old, nor do I plan to be idle. To me, retirement means I have earned “the gift of more discretionary time” or simply put, “I get to do what I want, when I want!” Wow, what a gift!
I have recently “retired” from a full-time position with an employer, I do not feel old, nor do I plan to be idle. To me, retirement means I have earned “the gift of more discretionary time” or simply put, “I get to do what I want, when I want!” Wow, what a gift!
I planned for this chapter in my life and while life never goes exactly according to plan, my motto has been “live for today, but plan for tomorrow”. This means investing in myself so that I can continue to live my best life, doing what I want, when I want. So, what do I need to achieve this vision of my life? 1. Financial resources appropriate to my vision and 2. Good health.
I’ve worked hard investing in both and it has not always been easy. Over the last few years, I’ve paid more attention to investing in my health, because what good would it do to have more discretionary time if poor health robs me of what I’ve worked so hard for?
I’m grateful for my health and really try not to take it for granted, although I certainly have at times. But when I see how not investing in fitness plays out in later years, I am reminded that investing in our own health really is critical to having the best chance of living our best lives as we age. Good heart health, strong bones, balance and flexibility are so important for active aging.
I want to have the energy and strength to play with my grandchildren, to kayak, paddleboard, play golf, snowboard, snowshoe and hike for many years to come. Just like a commitment to a financial plan, it takes a commitment to invest in your health. But it is so worth it, and it doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Quite the opposite! This is where Soul Studio comes in – where investing in fitness comes complete with fun, camaraderie and the challenge to get out of your comfort zone. The result? Fitter for sure. Pride in what I’ve accomplished. Confidence to keep striving to challenge my comfort zone, not just in class, but in life! What a gift this life is. I plan to keep investing in it!
