Introducing Richard Cheng, 56, and his wife Kathy Cheng, 58. They are 10 year veterans of Innovative Fitness and have been training 2x per week since the beginning. Both are busy working professionals who will only miss a training session to frolic around fascinating countries while on vacation.
As their training coach for the past 3+ years, I can say that they are a fantastic example of the “IF lifestyle”. I have seen them overcome injury, persevere in the face of adversity, and challenge themselves every week, and all of it with big smiles on their faces.
What brought you to Innovative Fitness?
For one, our friend Dudley suggested we try it. He was a regular. We wanted to improve our fitness & health. Both of us belonged to a gym, but did not have enough motivation to go regularly. Hence, we decided to join a gym with personal trainers. This was a Christmas gift to each other about 10 years ago. We have renewed the membership yearly and has been a fantastic gift ever since.
What are some of your successes so far?
Along with getting healthier and more fit. We both have become more toned and lean. Richard succeeded in doing a 1/2 marathon and three ten k’s which he had never done before. Kathy completed a Healthy Habits Challenge and lost 10 pounds along with learning to be healthier (drinking more water and using a heart monitor to track calories and heart rate). This challenge also introduced the weekend circuit class which we continue to go almost weekly. Great workout. With a knee injury, skipping was quite difficult, but, with practise and direction from IF, Kathy’s skipping has improved significantly. All without pain!
Richard had a setback with frozen shoulder and a bit of a knee issue. He has mostly overcome the shoulder problem with physio and trainers at IF. He has decided not to pursue long distance runs anymore, but very much enjoys the training at IF. This is his high… who needs drugs?
Kathy developed arthritis in the knee. IF helps with strengthening and stretching. Motion is lotion for the joints.
How do you stay so consistent? What motivates you?
Going together motivates us and it is fun to work out together. We have had many wonderful trainers throughout the years. Our current trainers, Ben & Carla, are fantastic. They motivate us and are always encouraging which helps us to improve our fitness. They often vary the exercises which keep us entertained. Having consistent trainers is very helpful to us with them being aware of our previous injuries.
What are some of your goals for 2016?
Stay healthy with no injuries. Keep having fun. Perhaps a small weight gain for Richard in the form of muscle mass. Lose 5 pounds for Kathy with more toning, especially abdominal. Sign up for healthy habit challenge for Kathy. Continue to workout twice a week with a trainer and go to circuit class once a week. And overall, continuing to enjoy, live long and prosper!
Bret Hodge
Club Manager
Innovative Fitness Kitsilano
p. 604 714 1661 / c. 778 388 9125
www.InnovativeFitness.com
Like IF – www.Facebook.com/InnovativeFitnessKitsilano
Follow IF – @IFDifference
Watch IF – www.YouTube.com/InnovativeFitness1
