With Fall arriving, a new season marks “a beginning.” Thus, here are two inspirational women who want to help people discover the joys of holistic healthy movements whether you want to try the gym, or dance. Spoiler alert: one way is not better than the other.
Starting the gym can be daunting. So it’s great to have a coach and friend with you at the beginning. As for who? Look no further than Sofia Rizzo. Born and raised in Thunder Bay, Rizzo noticed something off-putting in gym culture.
So, in pursuing a Masters Degree in Sociology at Lakehead University, she wrote her thesis about differences in gym experiences based on factors such as gender, age, experience, and abilities.
“[Coaching styles] focused kind of on body image and wanting to change what you look like. That wasn’t the approach that I wanted to bring to training,” says Rizzo. “I felt like a different approach was needed. So I decided to give it a try.”
From there, Rizzo got her personal training certification and went to make a difference in her community. Everything she learnt, she brings to the table as a coach. Clients first connect with Rizzo during a 90-minute initial consultation where they discuss gym history, capacity, goals, sleep, stress, and lifestyle, etc.
“All bodies are athletic bodies. Regardless of your experience, we start with where you are today. I firmly believe in whatever you do outside the gym, you bring to the gym. If I don’t know what happens outside those four walls, then I am sometimes doing [clients] a disservice. This is why a holistic approach is essential.”
Rizzo’s holistic approach is everywhere within the 50-75 minutes one-on-one sessions she offers at PUSH Fitness. Sessions start with Rizzo asking, “how is your body doing today?” From that check in, it goes warm-up, training, then cool-down. The sessions themselves are completely personalized for you based on what you like, dislike, and want to achieve working with Rizzo.
“The majority of my clients, when they reach out, are uncomfortable in a gym setting. The best thing that I can do for them is be with them at the beginning of their gym experience and stay with them until they’re comfortable. I like to help clients feel confident in the gym by getting to know gym etiquette, form, etc. The gym is a subculture and it is helpful to understand in terms of equipment and how we converse with each other.”
Language is a huge part of Rizzo’s philosophy as a coach. She encourages open dialogue between her and clients where they are working together towards a common goal and an approach where she’s not above you as a trainer, but working alongside as a coach.
“I choose words when I’m with clients where I ask “how does this make us feel” to kind of even the playing field. When I’m with clients, we are the same. I think there’s a myth between coaches and clients; just because I’m a trainer, doesn’t mean that I don’t do certain things. The fact that training should be easy for me or I must act and be a certain way. No. I’m just a normal human who also has hard days. I just love training and helping others learn to move their body in a way they love.”
To learn more about Sofia Rizzo and her training, go to everybodyfitness.org or email her at srizzofitness@gmail.com
As for those who want something that is a workout, but doesn’t “look” like one,
I recommend Emma Dubinsky’s dance workshops. Dancing since she was three, Dubinsky has taken her love of dance to Toronto and back home. After completing the Commercial Dance Program at George Brown College, she worked in Toronto as a dancer and dance instructor before moving back home to Thunder Bay and bringing her love of dance with her.
“A lot of what I did in Toronto was taking classes from instructors. You can drop-in and attend whenever you want.” says Dubinsky. “I wanted to bring that to Thunder Bay. There weren’t really any drop in dance classes for adults here and there’s a want for that in town.”
Dubinsky created hour-long workshops on Sundays at 11 and Monday evenings. In October, she will also be adding a six-week training program with two-hour long classes where dancers learn a bit more technique and a routine that will culminate in a concept dance video. Though if you just want to try the drop-ins first Dubinsky offers Jazz Funk, Hip Hop Fitness, Heels, and Jazz classes. Jazz Funk is having fun and feeling loose with a combination of hip hop and heels, but sneakers instead of heels. Whereas Hip Hop Fitness is a class Dubinsky curated from her experiences in a gym setting.
“I was excited to bring that to Thunder Bay because I thought if people want to try dance, I’ll recommend Hip Hop Fitness. I’ll do an ab or arm workout during class to give you those elements of fitness and teach basic groups of hip hop and dance stretches across the floor.”
Heels, is an empowering and sensual form of dance. Students come to class in their heels and learn a routine to get in touch with your inner sensuality. As for Jazz, one of Dubinsky’s favourite styles, there is more technique required. Focusing on pointed toes, straight arms, and good posture, Jazz is a challenging style. But when you continue with it, you can learn and grow with it and be turning, jumping and kicking in no time.
“Dance is a mind, body, and soul workout. You’re listening to music and having a great time. You don’t even realize you are working out. If you’re learning choreography, you’re exercising your brain. For me, dance is a form of meditation. When I am in a dance class, I’m not thinking about anything else.”
Dubinsky’s classes are judgment free safe spaces to try out dancing. She encourages her students to make mistakes, learn, have fun, and hopefully walk out of the class feeling confident, lighter, happier, and that they got a good sweat from it.
“I always say at the beginning of my classes, if I’m doing anything that is too much for you, work within your own limits. So do what you’re learning in my class and make it your own. If I’m doing a movement that doesn’t feel right, I’ll always give options to make it different, easier, or even more difficult.”
Dubinsky’s love and passion for dance and sharing it with others is contagious in the best way possible. She knows how much it’s impacted her life and is super motivated to help people find their love of dance too.
“Dance is one of those things that the more you do it, you will improve and see that improvement. You’ll find you’re quicker at picking up choreography, getting stronger, or stretching
a little farther. You’re gonna feel more confident about yourself. I’ve seen it time and time again, and it’s really inspiring and kind of what keeps me going with it.”
To learn more about Emma’s dance classes and workshops, visit emmadubinsky.com
