Starting Sept. 10, a new family fitness class will be held in the gym at Fort Rupert Elementary School in Storey’s Beach on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m.
“This is a beginner to intermediate class that focuses on cardio, functional body strengthening, flexibility and stretching,” said Krista Minar, owner of Ripple Effect Health & Fitness Co. that was established July 1, 2015.
“Newbie’s welcome,” said Minar.
“I try really hard to provide levels so that everyone can work out safely and effectively. The goal with this class is to be able to provide something ‘close to home’ that can work for the whole family,” she said.
The first class is free and participants are asked to wear comfortable clothing, non-marking shoes and bring water and a mat.
Minar, a mother of three, is a BCRPA Certified Fitness Instructor, and is working on her Personal Training and Pre & Post Natal Fitness Certificate.
“I started out in a degree of physical education a decade ago, and left school to be with my (now) husband,” Minar said.
“I started working for Port Hardy Recreation as an Aquafit teacher and fell in love with the fitness field all over again. I love teaching, and realize that it is definitely what I was meant to be doing. I always thought that I would be in a classroom, but for me, this works so much better for this time in my life,” she said.
Minar has a special focus on ‘family unit’ health and wellness and believes fitness is a family affair.
“There is no guarantee how long we have, but we do give ourselves an advantage by leading healthier lifestyles, we prolong our lives, better yet, we improve our quality of life while we are blessed to be here,” said Minar.
Minar, 27, is a proud member of the Sandy Bay First Nation and a published author through Island Parent Magazine. She has completed the Kusam Klimb twice and has most recently taken up biking and decided to ride from her house to Cluxewe (33.5km).
“I am not a fast runner, but I love the challenge of pushing my brain to accept what my body is truly capable of. In fact, I love challenging myself - period,” said Minar.
In addition to Family Fit, Minar teaches a chairfit class for Port Hardy Recreation geared towards third agers and rehabilitation clients who require the assistance of a chair for a balance.
“It was meant as my ‘easy class’ for the week, and boy was I surprised - these women are warriors and we sweat up a storm,” she said.
Minar also teaches Tumble & Play for Port Hardy Recreation, also run out of the civic centre. Tumble & Play is a way for parents to allow for some indoor gross motor play (structured and unstructured) during the rainy months. In addition to helping people shed pounds, Minar also helps people trim non-essentials from their live. “I am a minimalist at heart,” she said, adding that she is currently “downsizing our home to upsize our life”.
“I’ve worked with clients, helping them work towards keeping the things that they need and bring fulfillment to their lives and learning to let go of the rest. It has been equally fulfilling for me as it challenges me to reassess and live more intentionally.”
For more information contact Krista Minar at 250-230-7890.