Colleen Sloan

What was the main reason you became a Prairie Strong Member? The main reason I joined was to get healthier, lose weight and have more energy. Once I saw how many classes were available and the coaches were all local and ladies I knew, I joined right away! I also truly believe we need to support our local business when we can and seeing how much of an investment was made into our little community I was all in. We are super lucky to have such a great facility in Langham.

What have been your goals since starting at Prairie Strong? My main goal is "To be more fit at 40 then I was at 20". I turn 40 in May 2021 and as this is a BIG goal I still have a long way to go but have definetly made progress. I have made little goals along the way too like getting through a whole spin class without motifications. I set weekly goals to increase my mileage each spin class and I also set goals of beating my calories burnt during a Power class the week before (I have an App for that)

How have you progressed towards those goals!? I don't want to be all about the scale or measurements but I have definetly lost weight and inches. I have went down a size in clothing in my closet (I am one of those people with multiple sizes of clothing...I am sure others can relate) I always feel better after a class and my energy level is way up. I started out planning on going to classes min 3 days a week and now I am usually there between 4 and 5! I also never thought I would go to the "actual" gym even though I signed up for a sessions with Tiaria to show me everything. I now just enjoy going now and then to just have my head phones in with good music and just zone into my workout. I have reconnected with a great group of people in the classes too!

Once you achieve your goal, what is your NEXT goal? I will have to let you know this one in May!! Maybe I will get into running and sign up for a 5k!! :)

Anything else you want to add? I want to send a BIG thank you to both Sam and Jason for investing in such a great facility for Langham. To Tiara and Kim, your support for the last three months has been awesome and I cant thank you enough!!

Chad Foster

What was the main reason you became a Prairie Strong Member? The main reason for me becoming a Prairie Strong member was the fact that I was excited to have a gym finally located close to me. It's hard enough to find the will power to get to the gym some days and if you have to travel to do that it makes it even harder. So having the gym three blocks away takes away that excuse for me! Also, after my family trip to Mexico this January (Before Photo), I was ashamed to show off any pictures that had me in them as I wasn't proud of the way I looked. SO knowing this gym was going to open soon when I got back; I knew I was going to have no excuse to ever be ashamed of the way I look in pictures again. And if I did, it was my fault.

What have been your goals since starting at Prairie Strong? Initially when starting, my goal was to get down to 240lbs from the 280lbs that I was at the time. I am now 238lbs.

How have you progressed towards those goals!? As of only a few days before I was asked to do this, I had passed my goal and am in the progress of trying to think of a new reasonable goal, which makes me very happy. I didn't think I would have made it this far this quickly. As my fitness goals have progressed I have definitely found myself to be sleeping better, I have more energy, and most of all, more of a positive outlook on everything. Going into this I was a little discouraged as anyone would be who wasn't happy with their appearance. Clothes are fitting much better. That was a unforeseen expense - having to buy new jeans so quickly (haha). I've dropped from about a 40" waist to a 34". Probably the best comment I got was when I went to buy my truck and the saleswoman looked at my ID (of 280lbs Chad) and then looked at me and didn't believe it was the same person. That made me happy.

Once you achieve your goal, what is your NEXT goal? I'm not sure what my future goals will be. As of right now, I am just going to continue on the path I've started and see where it takes me. Now that you guys have the new scale for body mass analysis I would like to give that a go to give me a better understanding of where I'm at and then I will have a better idea of where I should go from here!

Anything else you want to add? Finally, I just want to thank you (Sam), Kim, Tiara, and the rest of your staff for all being wonderful smiling faces to see every time I come in. It has been a big help having you all around for that little extra push when needed, word of encouragement, and even the recognition like this that make all the sweat, sore muscles, and missing out on fast food worth it!

Krista Corbin

What was the main reason you became a Prairie Strong Member? When I heard Langham was going to be getting brand new gym I was beyond excited. I've been a member of various gyms in Saskatoon but found myself lacking in routine. So when word came that there would be a gym blocks from my home it changed my mind-set, there's no good excuse why I can't fit in an hour at the gym. Not to mention the facility is top notch, with all new equipment and plenty of space.

What have been your goals since starting at Prairie Strong? I try to focus on goals that aren't weight related. Whether it be working on increasing my running endurance or completing a challenging HIIT workout I've never tried before. It can be easy to get defeated by numbers on the scale so short term I'll be focusing on running a 10k in May 2021 and I want to start doing the Spin Classes, as those look super fun.

How have you progressed towards those goals!? I definitely have more energy throughout the day and it's become easier to do cardio for longer periods of time. But I'd say the biggest change I've noticed is my mood- I'm always happiest after a good workout! I prefer to work out in the evening and I find it's a good way to unwind after a work day.

Once you achieve your goal, what is your NEXT goal? Long term I'd love to do a half marathon, possibly in 2022, I'll be turning 30 that year so it would be a mile marker of sorts.

Anything else you want to add? I'm so grateful to have such an awesome gym so close to home. Prairie Strong has created a really welcoming space for all types of people, all the staff are so friendly, and that's something to be commended. I would highly recommend anyone looking to switch up their daily routine to give the gym a try.

Amy Neher

What was the main reason you became a Prairie Strong Member? I wanted to have more energy to play with my kids. And having the gym right in town made joining a lot easier and successful.

What have been your goals since starting at Prairie Strong? To gain muscle tone. To do at least 2 days a week of cardio and three days of strength training.

How have you progressed towards those goals!? I can definitely see progress in my arms and waistline. Over the past few months my waistline has shrunk but I am not sure if my “mom belly” will ever go away – and you know what I’m ok with that. I have gone from not going to the gym at all to going 5-6 days a week. I’ve gone from only wanting to do classes because I didn’t feel comfortable going to the gym to now going with just my gym partner Colleen or even alone. The instructors of the classes have built my confidence up. I know a lot of people say better at 40 then 20 and I’m going to say it too! I’m only a year away from 40 and I feel great!

Once you achieve your goal, what is your NEXT goal? I honestly just want to keep a consistent gym routine that works with our schedule.

Anything else you want to add? Every time I walk into the gym, I always feel welcomed. I’ve started to make sure I get to the gym earlier then when I want to get started on my workout, so I have time to chat with the employees – especially at my 6am workout. The gym has been such a positive impact on my life. I feel amazing and my self-confidence has improved huge. Thank you to the Prairie Strong team for being the reason I am now healthy and strong.

Dusty Dear

What was the main reason you became a Prairie Strong Member?I choose to become a member of Prairie Strong because I believe in supporting local and this is a local facility. In addition, this facility provides a safe and clean environment. I appreciate the willingness of staff to help with training questions.

What have been your goals since starting at Prairie Strong? Any physical work is safer and easier to accomplish if your body is in a stronger and healthier condition; therefore, at my age, this is an extremely important goal. Also, I would love to qualify for the Nationals in Mens' +70 Power Lifting in a year and a half.

How have you progressed towards those goals!? The last 6 months have been difficult -- due to health issues. But I believe that the harder you train, the better results you get; I have never stopped working hard to achieve my goals. Despite having to take a break for a few months -- since you re-opened, I've been eager to get back at it and regain any strength that I lost. Muscles have memories and I'm, once again, seeing improvement.

Once you achieve your goal, what is your NEXT goal? My main goal is to keep up with my grand-kids as long as I can. Also, it would be wonderful to win a medal at Nationals.

Anything else you want to add? Nothing but good can come out of going to a gym. That's the way I see it. I train awful hard sometimes -- physical activity does have some risk but the risk is worth the gain.

Allison Yasieniuk

What was the main reason you became a Prairie Strong Member? Oh man, I was so stoked to hear about a gym opening up in our community. As a busy mom, it's just not realistic for me to find time to commit to a gym in the city or another nearby town. I was in a rut of putting myself LAST for over a decade, I was traveling and working a lot of overtime, I was stressed, I wasn't eating well. I just wasn't healthy and I knew it. I could NOT wait for the gym to open. I bought my membership WAY before the gym even opened... in February I think.

What have been your goals since starting at Prairie Strong? Getting off the couch? But seriously... some days it was just easier to sit on the couch and eat chips than go to the gym. It's taken me a long time to get to the place where I'm pumped to go to the gym.

How have you progressed towards those goals!? I'm really not interested in the number on the scale. It's higher than I think it should be and it takes a lot to not let that get to you. Though I've been working out pretty consistently for a year, the number hasn't changed much. I see changes in myself and I'm happy about that... and I still have a long way to go. But hey, it's the journey - not the destination, right?! I recently got a Tanita scan and the info was super interesting. I'm looking forward to comparing to another scan in a few months after more training.

Once you achieve your goal, what is your NEXT goal? I'm so pumped to be doing a Spartan Race in August in Red Deer. It has been so fun to be a part of this team and I've been challenged with new exercises and getting to try new equipment. All I am focusing on right now is training as hard as possible to have to do as few burpees on race day as possible!

What's next? Balance. I am always looking for a good life balance between work, my family, and making sure I'm taking care of myself. I'm also being more considerate of the fuel I put into my body. Sure I'm "eating healthy" but I want to learn more about nutrition and exactly what my body needs to perform 110%.

Anything else you want to add? My mental health really took a hit a year ago and having this safe place to go has been life-changing for me. Tiara, Sam, Kim, Kira, and Janice are all just so talented and positive and really fun to be around. I love being greeted by Erik, Jason or whoever else is there, even a masked smile can sure brighten a gloomy day!

James Etchererry

What was the main reason you became a Prairie Strong Member? I became a Prairie Strong Member because I wanted to get healthy and I knew diet alone was not enough. I have exercise equipment at home but lacked the discipline and motivation to actually use them. A good friend had told me about Prairie Strong and mentioned that I should give it a try. It was the best decision I made for my health in November 2020. Great people, equipment, hours and its members are among the many reasons why I continue my membership. My health and confidence is thankful for it.

What have been your goals since starting at Prairie Strong? I had 3 main goals when I started at Prairie Strong:
* Lose 50lbs, gain muscle, eat well and be healthy
* Maintain a fitness schedule of cardio/weight training 4-5 times a week
* Look my best for my bride on our wedding date

How have you progressed towards those goals!? * I’ve lost 35lbs so far and the scale fluctuates as I gain more muscle. I have been intermittent fasting since Sept as I had very poor eating habits and now in combination with Prairie Strong, my metabolism has improved along with my energy. My work is very sedentary and so having more energy to continue the task at hand and remain focused has been a plus. My back was always sore from carrying the extra weight and being that I sit for the majority of the day, working out has made this much more comfortable and bearable.
* I try to take 2 rest days per week but have been on track with my fitness schedule. The temporary closure in December made it hard to stay structured/disciplined as I just started 2-3 weeks prior at Prairie Strong. But since the re-opening in January, I’ve been coming as much as I can. I really enjoy weekend morning workouts.
* Pictures are certainly showing the changes and I am excited to show my best self in June when our wedding day arrives. I’ve lost 3-4 inches on my waist so it was great getting sized in my wedding suit with sizes that haven’t fit in years.

Once you achieve your goal, what is your NEXT goal? Once I achieve my goals, my next goal will be to sustain them and follow my current path. I am committed to stay on track while supporting a local business that wants you to be healthy and happy. I drive 20 minutes to and from the gym and it’s the people and enjoyment that keeps me coming back.

Anything else you want to add? Take advantage of staying active and it helps to have someone hold you accountable and motivated. Invite a friend or bring a friend. It has certainly helped me. Until next time, Stay Prairie Strong!

Velda and Conrad Sigurdson

What was the main reason you became a Prairie Strong Member? We had been talking for a while about the need to make some changes to our lifestyles, but a big roadblock seemed to be time. With both of us commuting to work in Saskatoon and our kids were busy in activities it just didn’t seem like we had any time in our schedules. Enter Covid and our schedules cleared up overnight and working from home became a thing. With open schedules it was the perfect time to start on a much-needed self-improvement project. We started by changing our eating habits, doing our meal prep for the week, upping our veggies and cutting out fat and sugar. We added vitamins to our daily diet and saw a huge increase in our energy. A month later, Prairie Strong opened and we couldn’t think of one good reason not to sign up for a membership.

What have been your goals since starting at Prairie Strong? Our main goal was to get to the gym together and the easiest way for us to do this was to start with taking classes. It was as easy as signing up and showing up. The classes kept us accountable, and it was manageable to make it to 3 classes a week. We have found the instructors to be helpful and knowledgeable.

How have you progressed towards those goals!? We have been going to the gym regularly for the last year and have totally changed our eating habits. As our workout routine evolved, we started to weight train and have added Yoga into the mix. Together we have lost a total of 56 pounds and 70 inches, and we feel great!

Our primary goal is to maintain the healthy habits we have formed in the last year. As Covid restrictions start to lift and life gets busier we want to be very mindful of the choices we make so we don’t fall back into any bad habits.

Randy Kary

What was the main reason you became a Prairie Strong Member? I became a Prairie Strong member so I would have a place to help me reach my goals, with the equipment that I needed to help get me there.

What have been your goals since starting at Prairie Strong? My main goal was to lose weight. I felt that by doing that it would make me feel better and give me more energy.

How have you progressed towards those goals!? Since I started in July 2020 I have lost over 20 pounds. It is worth the work when you see people that you have not seen in a long time and they say to you “what happened to that other person you were carrying around with you before”. I have been also noticed that I need to be going shopping soon for new clothes as they are all not fitting.
I have been training with Tiara and we have been increasing the difficulty of the workouts.

Once you achieve your goal, what is your next goal? My next goal is to lose more weight, gain more muscle and increase my energy.

Anything else you want to add? I would like to tell anyone who is wondering if they should start, yes do it. It is something that you will not regret. If you think that you can’t do it or if the equipment seems overwhelming, talk with Tiara and see how she can help you out like she helped me. Ask the staff about the Tanita scale. The readings that you receive will help you understand what is going on and why, if you are using a (regular) scale, it may not seem that you are getting anywhere but you actually are.

Tayler Sawrenko

What was the main reason you became a Prairie Strong Member? I love the atmosphere of this gym! All the staff are so supportive and encouraging. And the members are all super friendly. I absolutely love going to the gym, it’s the best part of my day!

What have been your goals since starting at Prairie Strong? my goals were to build strength and muscle and ultimately to feel healthier and more confident within myself.

How have you progressed towards those goals!? my goals were to build strength and muscle and ultimately to feel healthier and more confident within myself.

Once you achieve your goal, what is your next goal? I am continuing with focusing on gaining strength and muscle. My main goal is to squat 300lbs by the end of December 2021. I’m also adding in more Olympic weightlifting practice and have a goal of being able to clean 185lbs and to snatch 135lbs.

Anything else you want to add? I just want to say that our only limitations are the ones that exist in our minds. You are capable of so much more than you think. Don’t ever give up on your dreams and goals even if they seem big or scary. Doing the things that scare us are what makes us grow. Keep challenging yourself every single day :)

Cindy Wiebe

What was the main reason you became a Prairie Strong Member? I became a member at Prairie Strong because I recognized that I needed to make some changes in my life in order to keep up with my kids, to set a healthy example for my family, for good mental health, to establish a good work-life balance, and for my overall well-being.

What have been your goals since starting at Prairie Strong? Goals? What are those?! I had never been to a gym before so I had no idea what I was doing when I started going, nevermind how to set goals!

How have you progressed towards those goals!? For someone who joined the gym without specific goals in mind besides becoming more active…the rewards have been countless!

The staff and members at Prairie Strong are incredibly friendly, supportive and, best of all, non-judgemental! That has made it so easy to feel comfortable at the gym. As a shy and quiet person, I was nervous about going to the gym and not knowing what I was doing. Once I started taking classes and using the equipment, I realized that I was NOT alone and that many people feel the same way. Trust me, the confidence will come the more you go.

During the year and a half that I have been a member, I have tried a wide variety of classes, met lots of new people, joined team training, lost 30 pounds, gained muscle, learned to love spin class, and gained a whole new outlook on my physical and mental health! Those are some of the larger gains I’ve experienced, but I certainly will not overlook the small things such as better sleep, more energy, better focus, a new wardrobe, and new friends!

Once you achieve your goal, what is your next goal? I joined the Spartan training team last spring but was unable to go to the Spartan Race because of a shoulder injury (that happens as we get older, ha ha). I was so disappointed that I didn’t get to experience the race. So, I have been working hard with a Physiotherapist at healing my shoulder and hope to join the Prairie Strong Spartan team again this spring to complete the race in July of 2022!

Anything else you want to add? Personal training, Team training, Women’s training, Spartan training…it’s all available in our small-town facility with qualified trainers! I hope that I can inspire even just one other person to come to the gym and use some of the great resources that are available to us. Working hard at the gym and seeing what my body is capable of has been rewarding, fulfilling and is definitely something to be proud of! Our bodies are amazing machines that are capable of doing anything we put our minds to! Hope to see you all around the gym...I will be there, continuing to challenge myself to become a stronger, healthier version of me!

Shauna F & Kim W

What was the main reason you became a Prairie Strong Member?The main reason I became a member of Prairie Strong is to make a commitment to becoming a healthier person by adding more activity in my life (Kim W)

I felt like I needed to improve my overall health and finding myself as an “empty nester “ for the first time I had more opportunity to pursue this. Learning that there was a gym relatively close provided that opportunity. (Shauna F)

What have been your goals since starting at Prairie Strong? I never set a specific goal when I first joined but I wanted to make a commitment to attend one set class a week. (Kim W)

My goal has been to attend at least twice a week and commit to this. It is a bit of a commute, so I try and exercise at home as well, but wanted to set an attainable goal and at least twice seemed reasonable, especially in winter. (Shauna F)

How have you progressed towards those goals!? I have been consistent in going to class each week - I’ve actually been going to 2 classes most weeks and sometimes 3. I find that signing up for classes helps to keep me more committed to going to the gym. On days when I sometimes want to skip out I don’t because I find that going and getting a good workout in is so uplifting and energizing. I just feel so much better after a workout. My energy levels and sleep are improving which is a big thing because I’m known for now sleeping well.

This past year has been a challenge with having to work around a shoulder injury, but all the instructors are great with modifications. I am starting to see my strength and mobility coming back to that shoulder and I can’t wait for the day when its back to normal and better than it ever was.

Also, with everything that has been going on in the world lately going to the gym is a great escape to give my mental health the boost that it sometimes needs. I really notice the difference mentally when I’ve been in class. I think it’s the combination of being around new people/friends and working out.

Since I’ve joined the gym, I have tried classes that I never in a million years thought I would ever try – I’m learning to step outside my comfort zone. I’ve tried power class, flow, spin, yoga, kickboxing and soon the 45-minute pop up aerobic step class. I never would have tried kickboxing in the past, but I must be the first to admit how much I enjoyed it. Every class I have tried has been a new experience. Each instructor has their own style of delivery. (Kim W)

I have learned a lot! Not only from the 2 Tuesday evening classes, but also from the training sessions. Before joining I had no clue what exercises to do, how to do them properly, how to use the machines, I was truly a new-by. Now I feel comfortable and confident going. I have definitely noticed my endurance improve as well as my strength. I just feel better for going, mentally and physically. The atmosphere is great too, friendly people and welcoming atmosphere. (Shauna F)

Once you achieve your goal, what is your next goal? I plan to keep challenging myself and next I’ll have to work at adding in going to the gym to use all the equipment that is available. (Kim W)

Honestly my next goal is to improve my diet. At the age that I am at now I have noticed big changes physically these last few years. I know that exercise and diet need to go hand in hand to get me where I want to be physically. More training sessions may be on the horizon too?? (Shauna F)

Anything else you want to add? It is so awesome to have such a well-equipped facility so close to home. The staff is all amazing and so knowledgeable. Front day one when I walked in, I have felt so comfortable- as one saying on the wall says, “you belong here”. We all need the encouragement to break away from the comfort zone and everyone here is so supportive and encouraging that it makes you want to challenge your abilities. This is the friendliest gym that makes you feel like you are part of a new family. (Kim W)

Jennifer & Cody Friesen

What was the main reason you became a Prairie Strong Member?For Cody it was to be able to train for hockey. For Jen it was to simply start moving and getting strong, and to recondition her calves and ankles after having ruptured both of her achilles.

What have been your goals since starting at Prairie Strong? For Cody his initial goal was to be able to do a pistol squat and now it's to get his legs moving faster so he can skate faster. For Jen it's to lose weight and increase her weights in class every week by 5-10 lbs.

How have you progressed towards those goals!? Cody accomplished his pistol squat after only a few months at the gym and earned a free smoothie for being able to do it! He's still working to build leg strength as he progresses in hockey. He continues to want to be a stronger and faster skater. Jen has been consistent with the weight but definitely losing fat weight and gaining muscle weight at the same time. Since starting classes in October 2021, she's increased her leg extension machine weight from 20-70, her seated cable row from 22.5 to 85 and many other increases!

Once you achieve your goal, what is your next goal? Cody wants to increase his box jump! Jen is looking to conquer the stair master and get to 30 minutes on it (up to 10 so far) - Cody did over 40 a couple of weeks ago and Jen doesn't want to be put to shame again! ;)

Anything else you want to add? Together they are encouraging one another to get stronger. Cody dominates on the stair master, while Jen just about dies, but Jen can lift and pull heavier weights than Cody (it's fun to say mom can at least beat him at something ... for now!). We're each improving and can't wait to see what the other can do better at next time. Cody loves attending the kids class after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Jen has participated in the Beginners Team Training and the Womens Team Training and highly recommends either or both - it's a great way to learn new stuff at the gym, to keep track of your progress, and meet new friends!!

Lindsay Robertson

What was the main reason you became a Prairie Strong Member?To improve my cardiovascular fitness and increase my activity level.

What have been your goals since starting at Prairie Strong? To show up consistently (2-3 times per week).

How have you progressed towards those goals!? I have been attending 2-3 classes a week plus engaging in other forms of physical activity outside of the gym environment.

Once you achieve your goal, what is your next goal? Utilize the weightlifting equipment in the gym.

Anything else you want to add? I biked through the Pacific Rim National Park on Vancouver Island over the Canada Day weekend. All of those hills in spin class made that ride a breeze! (see photo)

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