Category: In Club

What To Expect from MOVATI Athletic Albany

IN CLUB

Fitness, Redesigned, Reimagined.

Get ready to be moved!

Imagine a space where contemporary architecture seamlessly blends with an immersive fitness design, enhanced by leading-edge wellness amenities. Our redesigned and reimagined club offers an all-in-one fitness experience that will truly inspire you!

Where Strength Meets Ambition

Enjoy a spacious and well-equipped weight floor and cardio deck with a wide variety of premium brand equipment, offering the best-in-class models at MOVATI Albany.

Unwind and Revitalize

MOVATI Albany offers spa-like premium amenities, including a member lounge, Café featuring privacy pods, spacious change rooms with private showers, steam rooms, and saunas. Enjoy our aquatics area, featuring a hot tub, cold plunge and a 25-metre lap pool.

Push Your Limits Together

Discover the perfect class in one of our 7 boutique-style purpose-built studios, designed for group fitness activities like hot yoga, pilates, dance, cycling, and high-intensity training in a supportive and fun group setting.

A Club Within A Club: Women’s Only

The way we see it, being able to feel comfortable and completely at ease during your visit is absolutely essential. Our Women’s Only area is like a “club within a club”, offering women members the option of a private and fully-equipped fitness space just for women.

MOVATI Recharge: Wellness Redefined

MOVATI Recharge is a space where holistic health meets tranquility. This wellness area provides a rejuvenating experience for your mind, body, and soul. Feel your best using red light and compression therapy, and improve movement with fascial stretch therapy. Enjoy private contrast therapy, featuring access to your own cold plunge pool, infrared sauna and shower.

Where Fitness and Connection Meet

More than just a place to work out, MOVATI serves as a social hub, fostering a sense of community and setting the standard for a welcoming and inclusive fitness environment.

Check out the MOVATI Albany web page for more details. The waitlist is filling up, limited spots available to secure your founding membership visit https://movatiathletic.com/albany/

About MOVATI Athletic

MOVATI Athletic is a privately held company with 18 locations across Ontario and Alberta. Established in 1997, MOVATI Athletic is a pioneer in the fitness industry offering an experience that goes beyond just working out. It offers a full range of the latest fitness services and amenities tailored to its members’ needs. With nearly 2,000 full- and part-time team members, its caring and exceptional people ensure that members feel welcome, feel comfortable and feel healthy.  Driven by a vision to empower people’s lives through fitness and health, making the communities it serves healthier and happier, MOVATI Athletic is poised for growth nationally and internationally.

New Class Format: Rave Ride

FITNESS

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new cycle format – Rave Ride!

This new 45-minute class will initially launch in our Mississauga, Waterloo, Manning, and Windermere clubs the week of January 6th, 2025.

Rave Ride is different from Speed & Power and Rhythm & Beats. It is an immersive experience fueled by music, energy, and results. Harnessing the power of music, expert coaching, and real-time metrics, we will climb, sprint, and jump our way to the finish line. Get ready to be so energized during the ride that you’ll surpass your own expectations without even realizing it!

Differences with Speed & Power:

  • No FTP test or Gift Track
  • Long, constant effort (built with appropriate rest to drive performance)
  • Music is ONLY EDM/House to match the Rave ride
  • Not an outdoor ride – a challenging, metric driven indoor ride
  • No heads-up display – only lights and music

Differences with Rhythm & Beats:

  • No Choreo
  • No weights
  • Not a rhythm ride

We look forward to showing you what this class has to offer. Available for reservation on the Group Fitness Schedule in our Mississauga, Waterloo, Manning, and Windermere clubs the week of January 6th, 2025.

Join MOVATI Today and get Started with this Special Offer. Already a member? Get customized programming and improve your mobility and recovery by consulting with one of our Performance Coaches in club and complete your Game Plan Session or join seminars with one of our fitness professionals.

Story Credit: Jayde Kabeya, National Manager, Group Fitness Education

*MOVATI’s trainers and/or consultants are not health care providers, and do not provide any medical diagnosis, treatment or advice, and any trainer and/or consultant tips are not intended to replace the advice of a health care professional.

12 Days of Yoga

12 Days of Yoga
FITNESS

Who said the holiday season is the wrong time to practice yoga? There’s no wrong time to de-stress yourself with some stretching, meditation and breath control. Roll out your mat and add these 12 poses to your practice.

Don’t do them all at once. Try one pose each day of the festive season to let your body and mind gradually soak up the holiday spirit!

Day 1: A Partridge in a Pear Tree

Tree Pose

Tree Pose

 

Day 2: Turtle Doves

Warrior 2

Turtle Doves

Day 3: French Hens

Warrior 3

Warrior 3

Day 4: Calling Birds

Plank – lift up each of your 4 limbs one at a time Or Crow Pose

Plank – lift up each of your 4 limbs one at a time Or Crow Pose

Day 5: Golden Rings

Wheel

Wheel

Day 6: Geese a Laying

Pigeon

Pigeon

Day 7: Swans a Swimming

Cobra

Cobra

Day 8: Maids a Milking

Cow Face Pose

Cowface

Day 9: Ladies Dancing

Dancer’s Pose

Dancer's Pose

Day 10: Lords a Leaping

Standing Split or Hand to Big Toe

Day 11: Pipers Piping

Close twist crescent lunge with hands mimicking a pipe

Pipers Piping

Day 12: Drummers Drumming

Warrior 1

Warrior 1

Join MOVATI Today and get Started with this Special Offer. Already a member? Get customized programming and improve your mobility and recovery by consulting with one of our Performance Coaches in club and complete your Game Plan Session or join seminars with one of our fitness professionals.

*MOVATI’s trainers and/or consultants are not health care providers, and do not provide any medical diagnosis, treatment or advice, and any trainer and/or consultant tips are not intended to replace the advice of a health care professional.

Machine Orientation

FITNESS

When you first step into one of our clubs, it feels like you’ve walked into a maze of machines and equipment. There are weights, cardio machines, and more, all designed to help you achieve your fitness goals. However, figuring out how to use these machines correctly can be a daunting task, especially if you’re a beginner or haven’t had any formal training.

That’s where a machine orientation from one of our certified performance coaches comes in. Whether you’re new to fitness or just unfamiliar with the equipment, understanding how to use machines properly is essential for safety, effectiveness, and making the most of your workouts.

What to Expect During Your MOVATI Machine Orientation

  • Introduction to Different Machine Types
  • Proper Adjustments for Your Body
  • Proper Form and Technique
  • Safety Guidelines
  • Creating a Personalized Workout Plan

Why a MOVATI Machine Orientation is Important

  • Reduces the Risk of Injury
  • Maximizes Your Workout Efficiency
  • Boosts Confidence
  • Helps Build Good Habits Early On

If you’re interested in learning more about different machines and how to use them properly, register for a free machine orientation session in the app or stop by the front desk!

Join MOVATI Today and get Started with this Special Offer. Already a member? Get customized programming and improve your mobility and recovery by consulting with one of our Performance Coaches in club and complete your Game Plan Session or join seminars with one of our fitness professionals.

*MOVATI’s trainers and/or consultants are not health care providers, and do not provide any medical diagnosis, treatment or advice, and any trainer and/or consultant tips are not intended to replace the advice of a health care professional.

Exciting News: A Title Change for Enhanced Member Experience

IN CLUB

At MOVATI Athletic, we’re always looking for ways to improve your experience and create a welcoming environment that’s both inviting and supportive. Today, we’re excited to share a change that reflects this commitment—one that recognizes the hard work and dedication of a key group of team members who contribute so much to your time here.

We’re updating the title of one of our essential roles from “Custodian” to “Facility Attendant”. This new title is a reflection of how vital these team members are in maintaining and enhancing the overall atmosphere of our clubs. While the term “custodian” traditionally focuses on cleaning, our Facility Attendants do far more than that. They ensure our facility is safe, functional, and an enjoyable space for both members and staff.

Here are 3 Ways MOVATI Facility Attendants Help to Improve the Member Experience

  • Delivering a safe and 5-star immaculate environment, always keeping the gym spotless and well-maintained.
  • Providing exceptional service, using the MOVATI 3 Steps of Service to support your fitness journey.
  • Building connections with members, helping to create a friendly, community-oriented atmosphere.

This title change is just one part of our ongoing efforts to recognize the full value these team members bring to your fitness experience.

We’re excited about this update and confident it will help create an even better experience for all of our members.

Join MOVATI Today and get Started with This Special Offer. Already a member? To customize programming and help you improve your training, consult with one of our Performance Coaches in club and complete your Game Plan Session or join seminars with one of our fitness professionals.

*MOVATI’s trainers and/or consultants are not health care providers, and do not provide any medical diagnosis, treatment or advice, and any trainer and/or consultant tips are not intended to replace the advice of a health care professional.

10 Muscle Building Exercises For a Belt Squat Machine

FITNESS

The belt squat machine is arguably the most versatile machine for a lifter at any experience level. There are dozens of possible exercise variations, but we’ve narrowed it down to 10 of the best muscle-building exercises you can perform with it. There’s a mix of upper and lower body, time to build some muscle!

  1. Belt Squat

It comes as no surprise that the first exercise is the belt squat itself. This movement is great since it doesn’t put any load on your spine. Instead, the load is placed on your hips — perfect for those with more sensitive backs.

As an added bonus, by loading your hips through a belt squat belt your hands and arms are free to move as you’d like. Prefer to keep them to your sides? That’s cool. Like to hold the handles to help with balance? No problem.

There’s also tons of versatility with this single exercise: stance width, foot angle, amount of forward lean or degree of knee bend, you can hit your legs from many different positions.

 

  1. Lunges

Next up are lunges. Lunges come in many forms: forward lunges, walking lunges, curtsy lunges, and such — all working your legs a bit differently. That said, the best lunges when using the belt squat machine are stationary reverse lunges (usually called “split squats”) and alternating reverse lunges.

Due to the belt squat’s frame, you won’t have the space to step forwards or very far out to the side. Because of this, reverse lunges are the best candidate. Just watch your footing when you step backward, since you’ll be stepping off the platform.

 

  1. Bulgarian Split Squat

Ah yes, the most hated enemy of almost all lifters — Bulgarian split squats. These are a type of lunge where your feet remain stationary but your body dips down and back up. The exciting twist is that your back foot should be elevated, making this a challenging exercise.

Feel free to use a plyo-box, weight bench, or even a chair to prop your foot up. If the top of your foot is uncomfortable, go ahead and place a rolled-up towel or mat on the edge of your elevated surface. Many find it easier to push themselves hard on Bulgarian split squats using the belt squat machine since you can hold the bar. Without having to actively balance so much, you can focus more on the actual movement.

 

  1. Belt Marches

The next exercise we have is belt marches. I know, it looks really simple. But don’t let its simplicity fool you. Throw a serious amount of weight on the machine and literally march in place, driving your knees to roughly the same height as you would when climbing a flight of stairs. Your glutes will be screaming — trust me.

 

  1. Calf Raises

Time for those calves to get some love. If you don’t want anything fancy, a calf raise on the platform will do just fine. That said, using a piece of scrap wood like a 2×4 can be great to get an extra range of motion to build more muscle. For a more home gym-friendly option, place a 25lb bumper weight plate on the platform. This will add a couple of inches to get your calves burning.

 

  1. Stiff Leg Deadlifts

Thought deadlifts were impossible on a squatting machine? Think again. While you could technically just hold onto the middle center pole during your set, you’ll find it more comfortable to swap out the belt squat belt for a straight bar attachment. If you’re working out alone: tie a resistance band around the support arm so that when you lift up to start your set, the tension will automatically pull the stoppers away.

 

  1. Bent Over Rows

To add some slabs of muscle to your back, rows are the way to go. Using the same straight bar attachment as in #6, you can do a classic bent-over row.

 

  1. One Arm Rows

Alternatively, replace the straight bar with a standard cable machine handle to perform single-arm rows. Combined with a lunge stance, you can get a great stretch with this variation.

 

  1. Bicep Curls

Building your biceps is definitely possible on the belt squat machine. Simply use your favorite attachment (rope, straight bar, cambered bar) and squeeze hard at the top. In just a couple of sets, your arms will be pumped up and ready for the beach.

 

  1. Sumo Squats

Finally, the belt squat can also be used for sumo squats. Place your feet wide on the platform with your feet angled outwards and drive your knees outwards while you squat down. You can hold the middle metal lever or clip on your favorite attachment for a less awkward grip.

 

Final Thoughts

The Belt Squat Machine isn’t just a one-trick pony. While belt squats are the obvious main choice, you can actually get an awesome full-body workout with this machine. Interested in learning more about the Belt Squat Machine?

 

Join MOVATI Today and get Started with this Special Offer. Already a member? Get customized programming and improve your mobility and recovery by consulting with one of our Performance Coaches in club and complete your Game Plan Session or join seminars with one of our fitness professionals.

The Benefits of Woodway Treadmill Training

FITNESS

There are two types of treadmills, and they are not created equal. There are traditional treadmills, which run on a belt system. Then there are high-performance Woodway treadmills that use a ball-bearing system designed to eliminate slipping.

Woodway treadmills provide a much more stabilized and reactive run that helps a runner achieve a more efficient stride. Increased efficiency means improved performance and reduced risk of injury, and who doesn’t want that?

Conventional treadmills absorb a lot of the runner’s energy, while the surface of Woodways are designed to give energy back to the runner in a way similar to a Mondo track surface, without the turns and impending muscle imbalances.

The Woodway Difference

Smooth and low-impact surface

Woodway treadmills feature a slat belt running surface, which is designed to provide a smooth and low-impact running experience. This can be particularly beneficial for runners with joint pain or those who are looking to reduce the stress on their joints.

Energy-efficient

Woodway treadmills are known for their energy-efficient design. They use a unique drive system that reduces the amount of energy required to operate the treadmill, making them more environmentally friendly and cost-effective to run.

Customizable workouts

Many Woodway treadmills come with customizable workout programs and training regimens that can be tailored to meet your individual fitness goals.

Durability

Woodway treadmills are built to last and are known for their durability. They are often used in commercial settings, such as gyms and fitness centers, where they are subjected to heavy use on a daily basis.

 

Join MOVATI Today and get Started with this Special Offer. Already a member? Get customized programming and improve your mobility and recovery by consulting with one of our Performance Coaches in club and complete your Game Plan Session or join seminars with one of our fitness professionals.

July Café Special – Team Member Summer Favourites!

IN CLUB

Julian’s Bello Blush

Created by: Julian Tricarico,
Account Representative,
MOVATI – Richmond Hill

Ingredients:

Unsweetened Coconut Milk

Vanilla Protein

Creatine

Strawberries

Mango

Pineapple

Some benefits of creatine  include: helps maintain a continuous energy supply to your muscles during intense lifting or exercise.

Erica’s Campfire Banana Boat

Created by: Erica Boulanger,
Member Experience Representative,
MOVATI – Burlington

Ingredients:

Dark Chocolate Almond Milk

Unsweetened Almond Milk

Cookies & Cream Protein

Banana

Vanilla Frozen Yogurt

We look forward to seeing you at the CAFÉ!

Join MOVATI Today and get Started with this Special Offer. Already a member? Get customized programming with one of our Performance Coaches in club and complete your Game Plan Session or join seminars with one of our fitness professionals.

Try It Tuesday June 2024 – Youth Programs

FITNESS

Attention all MOVATI Athletic members,

For the entire month of June, our Try It Tuesday theme will be centered around Youth Development Programs (ages 8-13).

Each club will be offering two different programs:

  • MOVATI Youth: Development Programs

Week 1: Foundational Movements

Week 2-3: Nutrition Basics & Skill Development

Week 4-5: Strength Development

Week 6-7: Conditioning

Week 8: Core

  • MOVATI Athlete: High Performance Programs

Week 1: Baseline Testing & Assessment

Week 2-3: Nutrition Basics & Strength Development

Week 4-5: Speed & Agility

Week 6-7: Strength & Power

Week 8: Performance Testing & Re-Assessment

These programs are designed to help future stars reach their athletic potential. MOVATI’s experienced Performance Coaches will use effective programing to provide a fun and motivating environment, while focusing on sport specific drills to maximize speed, agility, strength, and power.

Spaces are limited. For more information and to secure your spot please see the front desk or contact your club’s Group Personal Training Manager.

Join MOVATI Today and get Started with This Special Offer. Already a member? To customize programming and help you improve your training, consult with one of our Performance Coaches in club and complete your Game Plan Session or join seminars with one of our fitness professionals.

#LETSMOVECANADA – 2024 NATIONAL HEALTH AND FITNESS DAY!

FITNESS

Get out and get active to celebrate National Health and Fitness Day on June 1st at your local MOVATI Athletic club.

Jayde Kabeya, our Group Fitness Education National Manager has challenged you! Take part in her Group Fitness or 50 Rep. challenge.

To learn more about these challenges, head over to our social media channels and check out Jayde’s challenges. Complete either one or if you are up for it why not conquer both? Share your experience on social media using the hashtag #MOVATIMovesCanada #LetsMoveCanada.

To learn more about National Health and Fitness Day, check out the Fitness Industry Council of Canada website: https://ficdn.ca/

Join MOVATI Today and get Started with This Special Offer. Already a member? To customize programming and help you improve your training, consult with one of our Performance Coaches in club and complete your Game Plan Session or join seminars with one of our fitness professionals.