Get active with a fitness trainer

By Grant Cree

A team of fitness trainers at the Morinville Leisure Centre (MLC) are adding value to clients’ lives by helping them strengthen mental and physical health. “I think during the pandemic, one of the biggest things we talk about is our mental health,” said Jennifer Potocnik, MLC Fitness and Wellness Program Coordinator.

“We know that exercise is going to help with people’s mental health, whether it’s just the exercise itself, or in the sense of social and community relationships that are part of that. I think that’s a really big component.”

Potocnik and her team are asking residents to consider more visits to the MLC, even if it’s only to get out and about for an hour or so. “During the month of January, if you purchase an annual membership, we will offer a free personal training session for you included with that membership,” she said.

By the third week of January, all trainers were happy to see a few determined people still showing up to take action on their New Year’s resolutions. “If you’re coming in because you were specifically interested in personal training, the other promotion is if you buy three sessions, we will give you one session for free,” said Potocnik, noting the offer ends January 31. Visit the Town website or phone for details.

When she’s not helping clients, Potocnik keeps busy training the trainers, sometimes for up to eight hours per day. Prior to being hired by the MLC in April 2020, she worked in the fitness industry for almost 28 years and earned her Bachelor of Physical Education degree. Her numerous certifications include accreditation with Fitness Alberta.

In addition to supervising four trainers, Potocnik also oversees six facility monitors. Their role is to support fitness services by hosting MLC orientation tours and manage building security by walking around and paying attention.

Although the Restriction Exemption Program is in place at the MLC, face coverings are not required when engaged in physical activities.

“It’s kind of been dynamic,” said Potocnik. “We typically offer at least 20 fitness classes per week, registered or drop in.” Those group activities include cardio dance, 50+ strength training and core training. At the same time, personal trainers are doing one-on-one workouts with individual clients.

“We find that accountability really does help people with their level of success,” said Potocnik, adding the MLC trainers provide flexible scheduling for clients.

“What’s great about it is that everyone who comes to a personal training session will have the opportunity to learn something new. You walk away with a better technique or better form, or you’ll learn something about your health and wellness.”

The certified trainers also implement safety protocols on equipment to reduce the chance of injury as people workout in a friendly and supportive setting. “No one comes to the gym and says, ‘I’m here because I don’t want to achieve my goals.’” No, they want to be here, and we want you to be successful,” said Potocnik.

She noted that all trainers work with clients’ progress reports to help them grow and stay motivated to keep showing up for those scheduled self-care sessions.

“A personal trainer helps people with their long-term success and their goals,” said Potocnik. “It’s all about connecting people with a trainer to help get them started on the right path and also hopefully keep them motivated and keep them coming back and hopefully grow and be with them.”

To purchase memberships or find out more about personal training sessions, visit www.morinville.ca or call 780-939-3450.