Early Riser, Lindsay May’s goal is to make fitness and lifestyle goals achievable
When we last talked to local fitness trainer Lindsay May, she gave us the run-down on what to expect at the Recreation Trade Show. While we had her in the Q+A headspace, we asked her about goal-setting, early mornings, and living every day like it’s your last. Lindsay is launching her next 7 week session of Early Risers starting September 10, with 3x one-hour long outdoor classes a week, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 5:45am. There’s also a Total Body Transformation Challenge for people who want to set a specific weight loss goal for themselves. If you achieve the greatest percentage of weight loss in the 7 week program, you take home $300.(Reserve a spot in either program – Call Lindsay on 604 905 9347.)
What’s your professional uniform?
I have a private personal training studio, where I train up to 4 clients at a time. Through bananamayBODYWORKS, I offer running clinics and an outdoor bootcamp style class called Early Risers. I also teach a variety of group fitness classes at the community centre, everything from circuit to spin to kickboxing and step! Nine times out of 10, I’m wearing stretchy clothes, no make-up and my hair is pulled back! Kinda goes with the territory.
Tell me about your summer-long Early Risers Boot Camps? How many people take part?
I teach Early Risers year round. We are outside from April-October, then head indoors over the cold winter months. The classes are awesome, each day is different from the last and our group ranges in size from 12-20 people.
Why is working out, outdoors, more fun?
The outdoor Early Risers classes are super popular, in part because it just feels good to be outside breathing fresh air, watching the sun come up, and seeing the odd bear! We do “field trips” some mornings where we are running up the trail to Nairn Falls or Happy Trail. It’s fun.
I hate mornings. Why is the morning a good time for a workout?
Most people don’t love it either, but exercising in the morning before all your other responsiblilities present distractions is convenient and practical. It ensures you do it.
How did you come to be a personal trainer? Were you always a sporty girl?
I have a BA in Anthropology and was planning to go into land claims law, but I met a boy, fell in love and realized Pemberton would continue to be my home, so I searched for a niche market. Yes, I’ve always been sporty and active, and it’s what I like to do for fun. There was niche, so I pounced. It took two years to complete my certifications and put together a business plan . . . seven years later, I’m still loving it.
How do you motivate people? Is boot camp about yelling and screaming? Is it about the reward of a post-workout guilt-free latte and muffin?
I encourage people to believe in themselves. We are all capable of more than we think . . . It’s about changing the voice in your head so that when a challenge presents itself, you hear “yes I can do this, I want to do this, I will do this, I can’t believe I’m doing this, I’m proud of myself for doing it.” I always tell clients that they are responsible for all the hard work, they can take the credit for all their success, not me . . . I’m just bossy!
What is the importance of goal-setting?
Goal setting is critical. Without it, you are just floating! Goals don’t have to be huge & flashy, it’s not about impressing the people around you. Goals need to be personal and realistic, little things that when accumulated become life change. Eating broccoli, drinking more water, walking to the store, getting more sleep, setting boundaries, reading a book, etc. My perspective on wellness is very holisitic. We need to nourish and prioritize not just our physical health, but our emotional, mental and spiritual health too.
What are the most important milestones for someone who wants to transform themselves physically?
Getting started. Without that, you continue to be a spectator in life.
What makes you so good at what you do?
I love what I do, and I care about my clients. You can’t fake that.
What is your favourite running loop?
This is crazy, but when I’m training I love to run long distances on the highway. Each hill is a mini challenge and I attack! It’s like ticking things off your to do list, it feels good. I also love running up around Mosquito Lake!
What are the biggest fitness challenges we face at different ages in our life?
I don’t think it ever changes . . . The challenge is to stay active. Sometimes we are busy, sometimes we are tired, there is always something to use as an excuse. There is no secret to being fit and healthy at any age. The challenge is just to do it!
After working for the past few years as a Seniors Supported Living Coordinator in Pemberton, how would you feel about growing old in Pemberton? Would you rather be old in Pemberton or young in Pemberton?
Pemberton is an amazing place to be regardless of how old you are! I hope to grow old in Pemberton.
You said that you “get to hang out with the wisest people in our community and learn from them.” What are some of the best things you’ve learned from local seniors?
Live each day like it’s your last, one day that will be true! Seriously though, to be kind and patient and genuine. They’ve taught me to be a better listener and why that’s important.
What’s the best age for someone to take up a new sport, hobby or skill?
Age is relative. There is no good age or bad age. It’s simply what is. If you want to try something, do it!
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