​It can be hard to stay motivated during a workout, especially when you have so many other things on your mind.  But exercise can help distract you from your to-do lists and everyday anxieties – something we all could really use during the age of COVID-19.  And no great workout happens without a great playlist because musical inspiration helps to encourage you and push your fitness regimen to the next level.  The right track can take a workout from a chore to a seriously fun jam session!
 
Below are 20 of the best new workout songs for 2020 that should be added to your playlist, if they’re not already…
 

1. “Juice” by Lizzo
2. “Sucker” by Jonas Brothers
3. “MOOD 4 EVA” by Beyonce
4. “Talk Too Much” by COIN
5. “If It Feels Good (Then It Must Be)” by Leon Bridges
6. “Look At Her Now” by Selena Gomez
7. “So Am I” by Ava Max
8. “Don’t Start Now” by Dua Lipa
9. “Wanted” by OneRepublic
10. “Never Really Over” by Katy Perry
11. “Tough Love” by Aviici (featuring Agnes, Vargas & Lagola)
12. “ME!” by Taylor Swift (featuring Brandon Urie of Panic! At The Disco)
13. “Giant” by Calvin Harris & Rag’n’Bone Man
14. “Blue Monday” by Above & Beyond
15. “Oh Yeah!” by Green Day
16. “Cold Feet” by Loud Luxury
17. “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd
18. “Stupid Love” by Lady Gaga
19. “Higher Love” by Kygo (featuring Whitney Houston)
20. “Cold Little Heart” by Michael Kiwanuka

 
What’s your favourite workout song?  Tell us in the comments and we’ll add some of your favourite tunes to our studio playlist.

​We are excited to announce that in-studio Personal and Small Group Training sessions will resume as of Friday, June 12th, 2020!  As part of Phase 2 of the Government of Ontario’s Action Plan for Reopening our Province, we have been given the green light for this service as part of Personal Services.
 
PLEASE NOTE FITNESS CLASSES WILL NOT RESUME AT THIS TIME!  We anticipate that classes will be able to resume in Phase 3 of the Action Plan and will keep you posted as to when we will be able to offer our classes once again.
 
Following proper health and safety protocols, things will look a little different for a while.  Here’s what to expect…

• Enter through the front door of the building and follow the physical distancing markers to the back door of the studio.
• Stop at the back door of the studio and wait for trainer assistance.  (You can always text or call your trainer to let them know you have arrived if they are not readily available.)
• Your trainer will greet you at the back door wearing a fresh face mask and gloves.
• Enter through the back door and sanitize your hands with the provided hand sanitizer.
• Follow the physical distancing markers throughout the studio, always maintaining a 6-foot distance between you and your trainer.
• You may place any personal belongings in a designated space within the studio, and we highly suggest you only bring the necessities to your session.  No personal items will be allowed to stay in the studio after you leave.  The coat hooks in the front hall of the building will not be available for use.
• We strongly urge you to come to your session ready for your workout.  Change room use will be permitted as long as physical distancing practices can be maintained.
• Your trainer will guide you to the space that will be used for your workout.
• After your session, your trainer will guide you through the back door of the studio, and you are asked to exit the building through the back door using the physical distancing markers.

 
We have implemented a heightened deep cleaning and disinfecting process, as follows:

• Top-grade disinfectant and more frequent cleaning.  Your trainer will use a disinfectant proven to kill viruses like COVID-19 in all common areas before and after every session, with a heightened attention to equipment and all high-touch surfaces after every session.  Professional cleaners will also be deep cleaning the studio from top to bottom three times per week.
• Disinfecting high-touch surfaces.  After every session, your trainer will disinfect doorknobs, handles, counters, light switches, fans, sanitizing stations, benches, bathrooms, sinks, toilets and trainer equipment.
• All equipment disinfected.  After every session, all equipment placed out for your session will be thoroughly disinfected, even if not in use.
• Staff precautions.  Your trainer will be required to wear gloves and a face mask when setting up the session and as you travel through the studio before and after your session.  After disinfecting, your trainer will wash their hands before refreshing gloves and masks, as needed.
• High-touch amenities.  To limit hand-to-hand contact, we are removing papers (ie., promotional materials, note paper, forms, etc.), individual protein bars, change room toiletries and complimentary phone charging.  These items will be in the office and available upon request.

 
We have put a lot of changes in place – with details beyond what you see here.  The way our new safety process will be most effective is if we all make sure to do our part in it!
 
Please make sure to always practice physical distancing when in shared spaces.  Follow the markers placed in the building and throughout the studio to maintain a safe distance.
 
Remember to avoid touching your hands/eyes/mouth during your workout.  When coughing/sneezing, cover your mouth with the inside of your elbow and immediately sanitize your hands.
 
If you have a cough, fever or symptoms of COVID-19, please do not come to the studio until you are symptom-free and fever-free for three consecutive days.
 
If you have tested positive for COVID-19, or have knowingly come into close contact with someone who has, we ask that you do not come to the studio for 14 days or until you have tested negative for COVID-19.
 
If you feel unwell or have any concerns about coming in for your workout, please stay home and stay safe.
 
Always advocate for yourself.  Use your judgement to stay safe and speak to your trainer if you feel your safety is compromised in any way.
 
It might be a bit overwhelming at first but trust us – as soon as you begin your warm-up, you will find yourself in that familiar place you know and love.  That sanctuary you have been needing now more than ever is even safer now, and we can’t wait to see you there!

​Many of us have now become adept at social distancing, washing our hands regularly, sanitizing our surroundings and using Zoom to stay in touch with family and friends.  However, the stress of isolation and the fear of the unknown has left many of us anxious, socially isolated or just plain bored.  There’s no denying that our lives have been turned upside down.
 
It is all too tempting during the coronavirus crisis to seek relief by overeating resulting in the “Quarantine 15” which is a 15-pound weight gain during self-isolation.  However, we must try to remember that a healthy diet is particularly important right now.  Overeating can have a temporary calming effect – but temporary is the key word.  Without managing your eating habits during times of stress, you are more likely to put on unwanted weight.  Furthermore, nutritious foods can have a positive impact on your sleep, mood, energy level and immune system.
 
Here are a few ways to stave off the Quarantine 15 with a healthy diet:

• Create an eating pattern where you have a meal or snack about every three hours.  This can help prevent mindless snacking.
• Keep a food journal.  Track the time of day, the food and the amount to hold yourself accountable.
• Limit snacking of highly processed foods such as chips and cookies.  If you don’t buy it, you can’t eat it.
• Portion out your snacks.  Place cheese and crackers, for example, in individual containers to prevent overeating.
• Drink at least eight cups of water each day to stay hydrated and keep your body’s systems functioning normally.  Consider adding things like mint, cucumber, lemon or ginger.  Avoid sugary beverages.
• Practice mindful eating.  Ask yourself, “Why am I reaching for this?” or “Has it been three hours since my last meal or snack?”
• Stay active.  Stream one of our Inspired To-Go online fitness classes.  Endorphins are released after exercise which can trigger a positive feeling in your body.
• Call or FaceTime a friend or family member to talk about your emotions.  Getting your feelings out can help curb emotional eating.
• Buy food that comes from the earth like fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains and lean protein.

 
Good nutrition is the foundation for a healthy immune system.  With some careful planning, it is absolutely possible to maintain a healthy diet while being quarantined.  If you need some extra help dialing in your nutrition, you can always contact our Certified Precision Nutritionist for a private consultation.

We know that many of you are anxious to return to our beloved studio to continue on your fitness journey while enjoying the friendship of our Inspired community.  We can’t wait to welcome you back with open arms (physically distanced, of course)!  Like you, we are waiting for the confirmation of an official date issued by the Government of Ontario.  During this pause, we have been actively working to do everything in our power to ensure the safety of our members and staff.  For the wellbeing of everyone, new measures will be added at the studio in order to respect the government’s recommendations on hygiene, disinfection and physical distancing.  Everything will be communicated to you as soon as a reopening date is determined.
 
One new process we are able to share with you now is regarding mandatory class registrations and class cancellations via WellnessLiving.  These new studio policies are designed specifically to keep everyone as safe as possible and to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
 
SIGN UP FOR CLASSES VIA WELLNESSLIVING.
Class size will be reduced to maintain physical distancing; therefore, it is imperative that you sign-up for your desired classes on WellnessLiving at least one hour before the start of class – this will give our team the time to set up classes properly.  If you do not sign up for a class and the class is full with registered participants, you will not be able to participate.
 
CANCEL CLASSES IF YOU CANNOT MAKE IT VIA WELLNESSLIVING.
To allow as many members as possible to attend a class, we will be strictly enforcing our new cancellation policy – you must cancel your class two hours prior to the beginning of class; otherwise, you will be charged a $10.00 fee.
 
DROP-INS WILL BE LIMITED.
We love to welcome new participants to the studio; however, we ask that if you are planning to drop in to a class (ie., with our Free Three-Class Pass or with the Inspired ACCESS class pass), you let us know before you come so that you will be registered.
 
If you have not already set up your WellnessLiving account, now is the time to do so!  All registered members and pass holders can access their account in the following ways:

1. On a PC or laptop.  Click HERE to navigate to our WellnessLiving site and sign-in with your credentials.
2. Through our website.  Click HERE to navigate to our website and click on the green BOOK NOW button beside the class(es) you want to register for.
3. Through Facebook.  Click HERE to navigate to our Facebook page and click on the blue BOOK NOW button in the top right corner of the page.
4. Use our cool Achieve app.  For those who like the convenience of an app at their fingertips, our custom Inspired by Fitness Achieve app is the way to go!  Available for iOS and Android users, just search for “Inspired by Fitness” in the Apple App Store or Google Play, download it and book your classes on the go.
5. Contact us for help.  Send an email to info@inspiredbyfitness.ca and let us help you set up your own WellnessLiving profile.

 
While waiting to see you again at the studio, we invite you to continue your training at home via the content available on our Facebook page and YouTube channel.  To date, we have shared over 50 free online workouts to help keep you moving, motivated and on track with your fitness routine.

​Many people are struggling with positive thinking, mental health and their sense of well-being during the coronavirus outbreak.  The stress of COVID-19 isolation, combined with the uncertainty of the situation and economic instability, is leaving us anxious and unsure.  But did you know there are actually scientific studies on the effect of staying positive related to stress levels?
 
Staying positive can change your brain chemistry, improve your problem-solving abilities and even increase the body’s immunity.  Taking control of your mental health can help you find a sense of inner balance and keep you as calm as possible as we continue to tackle this period of uncertainty.
 
Below are a few ideas to foster positive emotions…

• Strengthen your personal connections.  Bake with your kids; bring out the board games for family game night; do a workout with your friends via Zoom.  Any sort of quality time with others is sure to bring about positivity.
• Enjoy the little things.  Turn your brain off autopilot to enjoy your first coffee in the morning; take a walk outside and breathe in the fresh air.  Any small victory will make you feel more positive.
• Look for the good in others.  Philanthropists are donating money to scientific research; medical staff are working overtime to help sick patients; neighbours are taking care of one another.  We are united in hope when we focus on these positive aspects of the crisis.
• Limit your media intake.  It’s easy to get wrapped up in the constant vortex of unsettling news.  Choose a single news source and decide how much time you will spend with it each day, then stick to your plan.  You will be well-informed while maintaining a sense of calm.
• Take a daily inventory.  Close every day with a positive acknowledgement of something you accomplished, learned or are grateful for.  It will help dilute some of the negativity you’ve absorbed and remind you that not everything that’s happening right now is bad or depressing.

 
There is no denying that the world is spinning right now, but that doesn’t mean that your well-being has to sling out of control.  Be deliberate in activities that are positive, heartwarming, stress reducing and laughter inducing.  Together, we’ll get through this!

Just a quick catch-up with our favourite people to let you know that we are working diligently on our re-opening.  We have undertaken an extensive deep-clean of the studio (all while practicing responsible social distancing) and are keeping up-to-date on possible scenarios for how the studio will function when we are able to open our doors again.

Due to the extension of the state of emergency, that date has been pushed back.  As soon as we get the all-clear from officials, we will inform you when that re-opening will be.  How we re-open will definitely be a new normal for us but rest assured that we are doing everything on our end to provide you with the safest conditions, while still meeting all of your fitness needs.

We are uplifted by the possibility of this coming to an end soon and seeing all of your friendly faces come through the studio doors.  Until then, stay safe, be well and keep on rockin' those Inspired To-Go virtual workouts!

From gyms to restaurants to schools to libraries, it seems everything is closed in response to the growing COVID-19 pandemic.  Staying active during this crazy time is more important than ever to our physical and mental health.
 
Here are a few ways to keep fit without attending the studio:
 

1. Run, walk or bike outside.  Stepping out for some exercise in the fresh air can make a huge difference to your physical and mental health during this period.  Remember to practice social distancing if you encounter people outside of your household.  That means keep at least two meters away from another person and wash your hands when you get home.
2. Work out with us online.  Push the furniture out of the way and roll out your towel in front of the TV for a guided workout with our new Inspired To-Go series.  We have uploaded a variety of 30-minute workouts to our Facebook page and YouTube channel to help keep you moving, motivated and on track with your fitness routine.
3. Get creative about free weights.  If you usually rely on the studio’s dumbbells for weight-bearing exercises, it’s time to get a little creative.  Water bottles and soup cans are a great replacement for dumbbells.  Put rubber bands around the cans or bottles for a better grip.  Don’t discard used laundry detergent bottles.  Rinse the bottle out and refill with water.  This makes a great substitute for a kettlebell.

 
New viruses are scary, and it can be difficult to discern what is truth and what is media hype.  In the health and fitness industry, we are always making the overall wellness of our members a top priority.  We want to do our part to not only keep you healthy, but also to keep you informed.
 
Stay safe and be well, friends!

​As the coronavirus pandemic evolves, we feel it is in the best interest of our members’ safety to keep the studio closed for the month of April.  COVID-19 has created an unprecedented challenge to our way of life, and while we know these changes are hard, they are necessary slow the spread of the virus and help safe lives.  This closure is temporary.  As soon as it’s safe to re-open our doors, you’ll be the first to know.
 
Below are updates to our immediate plans…
 
Inspired To-Go – Online Fitness Classes

• We were excited to roll-out our Inspired To-Go online fitness classes last week.  Inspired To-Go provides online streaming of FREE inspiring workouts that will keep you moving, motivated and on track with your fitness routine.
• Every Sunday, we will publish the Inspired To-Go weekly schedule on our social media sites.  Join us live at the scheduled date/time or tune in at your convenience by accessing the archived videos on our Facebook page or YouTube channel.
• Our intention is to run these online classes until the studio re-opens.

 
Memberships/Passes

• Inspired ADDICT/ELITE Members – Your membership hold will be extended so that you will not be charged for the studio closure.  Membership billing will resume as soon as we re-open.  We realize that some memberships are coming up for renewal in the next few weeks, so we ask that you be patient with us as we work out the kinks.
• Inspired FRIEND Pass Holders – The expiry date on your current pass will continue to be extended until we re-open.
• Please reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns.  And remember, you can always visit your WellnessLiving profile to check up on your account, past payment history, etc.

 
Current Workshops/Clinics

• Mommy & Me Boot Camp – There are 6 remaining classes in this workshop.  We plan to reschedule the classes once the studio re-opens.
• Advanced Weight Training – There are 4 remaining classes in this workshop.  We plan to reschedule the classes once the studio re-opens.
• Nordic Walking Clinic – There are 2 remaining classes in this clinic.  We plan to reschedule the classes once the studio re-opens.

 
Upcoming Workshops/Clinics/Events

• Inspired By Colour Week (April 13th to 18th) – Cancelled.
• Learn To Run Clinic (May 7th to June 11th) – Cancelled.
• Summer Slimdown Fitness Challenge (May 9th to June 20th) – Cancelled.
• Rugged Maniac Training Sessions (May 9th & May 23rd) – Cancelled.  (Please note we have not received word yet if Rugged Maniac on May 30th has been cancelled.  We will continue to monitor this event and will pass on any information to our team as soon as we know.)
• Advanced Weight Training (May 22nd to June 26th) – Cancelled.

 
Personal/Group Training

• We will continue to offer personal and group training via online sessions.

 
The impact of COVID-19 on small businesses, like Inspired By Fitness, requires the love and support from our cherished community.  If you feel so inclined, here are some ways you can help:

• Gift certificates are available in any denomination and are redeemable for any of our services.
• Consider investing in online training sessions to maintain your fitness routine with one of our highly qualified personal trainers.
• Members who can afford to renew their expiring memberships should consider doing so.  This can help us maximize the odds that our business will survive the storm.

 
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone for their continued love and support as we navigate through this ordeal.  We know these are challenging times, and we will do our best to keep you strong, fit and healthy!

​The coronavirus is disrupting how we live our daily lives.  We are committed to monitoring the latest developments to support our Inspired community.  We will be updating this blog and our social media sites regularly to keep you as well-informed as we can.  There’s no better time to work together as a community to create a positive and safe environment for our Inspired members and their loved ones.
 
Below you will find some updates as to our immediate plans.
 
Studio Closure

• The studio has been proactively closed for at least two weeks (March 16th to 28th).  This includes all fitness classes, workshops, training sessions and appointments.
• We will continue to monitor developments and will re-open the studio when it is safe to do so.
• We will undertake a deep cleaning of the studio during the closure.

 
Personal/Group Training

• All of our personal/group training clients will be given the option to work out with their trainer via online training.
• You will be contacted directly to set these appointments up with your trainer.

 
Workshops

• Mommy & Me Boot Camp – We plan to extend this workshop to make up for the two missed classes.  Therefore, the revised end date will be on Wednesday, May 6th.  If the studio remains closed beyond two weeks, we will review and advise on next steps.
• Advanced Weight Training – We plan to extend this workshop to make up for the two missed classes.  Therefore, the revised end date will be on Friday, April 24th (please note there will be no make-up class on Good Friday, April 10th).  If the studio remains closed beyond two weeks, we will review and advise on next steps.
• Nordic Walking Clinic – We plan to extend this workshop to make up for the two missed classes.  Therefore, the revised end date will be on Saturday, April 18th (please note there will be no make-up class on Saturday, April 11th due to instructor availability).  If the studio remains closed beyond two weeks, we will review and advise on next steps.

 
Inspired To-Go – Online Fitness Classes

• We are working diligently to find ways to keep our Inspired community on track with their fitness routine while the studio is temporarily closed.  In the next few days, we will be posting videos to our Facebook page and YouTube channel so you can work out with us at any time.
• You can expect to see 30-minute workout videos for Boot Camp, Butt & Gut and Bounce.
• For even more workouts, you can always check out the videos archived on our Facebook page as well as our YouTube channel.

 
Memberships/Passes

• Inspired ADDICT/ELITE Members – Your membership will be put on hold effective March 16th to March 29th.  Therefore, at your next billing date, your membership will be pro-rated so that you will not be charged for the studio closure.
• Inspired FRIEND Pass Holders – The expiry date on your current class pass will be extended by two weeks.
• Please reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns.  And remember, you can always visit your WellnessLiving profile to check up on your account, past payment history, etc.

 
Beer Boot Camp

• We have decided to cancel Beer Boot Camp on Sunday, April 6th.  We look forward to offering this great charity fundraiser once things have settled down.
• For those who have already paid, Sherry will be in touch to reimburse your money.

​With the health and safety of our Inspired community in mind during the COVID-19 outbreak, we are proactively closing the studio for at least two weeks, effective immediately.  This affects all fitness classes, workshops, training sessions and appointments.
 
This has been a very challenging time for everyone, especially those of us in the fitness industry who know how important exercise is for an individual’s physical and mental health.
 
Please stay tuned to our social media sites as we continue to monitor developments.  We will be working on virtual solutions to keep you engaged during our closure, as well as monetary reimbursements for our cherished members.
 
We look forward to welcoming everyone back with open arms (and hopefully hugs) as soon as possible.  Until then, stay safe and take care of yourself and each other.