THUNDER BAY -- Four years ago, Jacquie Kennedy left the security of her job with the RCMP to realize her dream. A certified Personal Trainer, she started a small gym to help others on their wellness journey.
“It was a big leap - but very rewarding,” Kennedy says. “It’s challenging being an entrepreneur, but because I have such solid people backing me as clients, it was an easy transition.”
Her clients range from 12 to 75 in age. The majority are women on a wellness journey of their own. “It’s very rare that somebody comes in super fit, except for my body building clients,” she explains. “Everybody’s looking for support, and this space is very supportive and encouraging; very community-based. We are like a family.”
Many people prefer smaller gyms, so that they get a sense of belonging with a group of like-minded individuals sharing a goal. At Sweatclub, the biggest class only has 12 people.
Kennedy says her studio specializes in “health and wellness challenges,” which last six to eight weeks and offer a comprehensive program that includes meal plans and dedicated workouts. Although each participant has their own goal, the group is small, so that there is a shared sense of accomplishment.
The group also meal preps together, renting space at the RFDA or other kitchens. “Food is so important, it’s huge.” Kennedy says. “Exercise is a small part of becoming healthy, and what you put in your body is the main focus.”
She has a collection of satiating recipes so that participants don’t feel deprived. “The biggest thing about the challenges is that I make them to eat a lot. People are in the mind frame of less is more, but during challenges, people eat five, six small meals a day,” she says.
“I think there’s a huge obsession with weight, but weight is not an indicator of health.” Kennedy encourages people to set goals based on measurements rather than the scale, such as a smaller size of clothing that they want to fit into.
The studio, which is located on 737 North Vickers Street, also offers the Rock Steady Boxing Program, a boxing program for people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Kennedy went to Indianapolis to be certified, and now offers the program at her studio, the only place that offers it between Winnipeg and Sudbury.
Since Kennedy started the studio in 2016, she has come a long way. Although she still teaches most of the classes, she also hires several other instructors for yoga, kettlebell, boxing and other classes. She hopes in the future to have a gym with a community kitchen, so that they can do their meal prep on site.
