The turning point came as I stared into the mirror and finally admitted that “too busy at work” was no longer a legitimate excuse for neglecting my physical health.

As a reporter, I had been exposed to overwhelming
scientific proof linking improved physical fitness to increased workplace productivity.

The last nail in my couch-potato coffin came when a friend referred me to FitSystems, a personal training studio on the eastern outskirts of downtown. She told me that not only did FitSystems have all the latest and greatest equipment and a terrific staff, it had a 30-minute fitness program (appropriately called Fit-Quik) that suited my hectic lifestyle to a T.

The next step – actually walking into the studio and getting started – was a big one. I had to walk into a fitness facility and sign up for a program that would involve sweating, a body function that in my life is generally reserved for late-breaking stories and tight deadlines.

FitSystems owners Dave and Cathy Burton are committed to helping Calgarians attain happier, healthier lifestyles.

Breathing heavier after bounding up one flight of stairs to the FitSystems door, I felt like it was my day of reckoning. It was time to pay for those countless hours sitting in front of the computer during the day and watching reality TV at night.

To my delight, however, there was no Grim Reaper to be seen when I opened the door. In fact, walking into the studio was an inspiring experience that put me on the road to a healthier lifestyle.

The first thing that struck me was the positive energy in the building. The exposed brick and overall character make it feel like you’ve just moved into a hip new downtown loft.

As I approached the front desk, I was introduced to owners Dave Burton and wife Cathy, who founded FitSystems eight years ago.

They took a little time to explain the services of and the philosophy behind FitSystems. “On the surface, with all the benefits of healthy living, you’d think everybody would want to develop a consistent exercise regimen,” explained Dave, who in the 1980s competed on the national track and field team as a long jumper and sprinter.

“But the truth is, it’s hard for many people to make and maintain that commitment to physical fitness.

“So what we do is remove every possible impediment from the equation.”

Continued Cathy: “We’ve got state-of-the-art equipment in a turn-of-the-century character building, and together they create an ideal workout environment.

“But the one thing that really sets us apart from the rest is our people. Our trainers are all fully certified in exercise sciences and, equally important, they’re great people.”

Indeed, the FitSystems trainers excel in education and motivation while avoiding irritation.

“We deal with a lot of executives and business people, and they don’t want to be insulted by some glorified cheerleader,” said Dave. “If we brought in Richard Simmons, he’d get slapped.

“Our customers are top professionals, so they deserve top fitness professionals – and that’s exactly what they get at FitSystems.”

FitSystems offers fitness appraisals, personal training, speed/power training for athletes, facility/equipment consultation, as well as classes in martial arts,
circuit training, core stability, agility and stretching.

“From cardiac rehab to the elite athlete, we have the people and resources to help you reach your fitness goals,” said Cathy.

Dave then led me on a tour of his gorgeous business, which features everything from chiropractor Dr. Corrado Cultera, pilates instructor Laura Principe and massage therapy to beautiful shower/sauna/locker-room
facilities and a juice bar.

“Impressive place,” I said as Dave introduced me to head trainer Colin Davis, a certified fitness consultant who earned a BSc in kinesiology at the University of Calgary.

“Thanks,” Dave replied. “It’s a great facility, but it wouldn’t mean anything if we didn’t have people like Colin providing superior service to our clients.”

Colin then sat down with me for an initial consultation that allowed him to develop a clear understanding of my needs and goals.

“I don’t need to train you for a marathon if all you want to do is develop a modest workout routine that gives you a little less weight and a little more energy.”

My reply: “That’s all I’m looking for. Besides, even the world record holder in the marathon can’t beat my time doing 26 miles in my car.”

Colin then conducted some simple tests (blood pressure, strength, fat, flexibility), explaining that it was an optional exercise, but one that can be very helpful in establishing a baseline from which to work.

From there, he worked within to implement a routine that worked just as well for my budget as it did my schedule. For now, that means becoming a member and receiving one personal training session a week, while dropping in for two more lunch sessions on my own throughout the week.

My 30-minute workout involves plugging a plastic key into the slick workout machines and then uploading the data onto the main computer. The Fit-Quik system enables me to get in my exercise while tracking progress with incredible precision.

After six months, it’s easy to see the results of my investment. I see it in the mirror every morning and in my energy level each afternoon.

For more information on FitSystems, call 270.3090 or
e-mail fitinfo@fitsystems.com.