Category: In Club

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.

We Are #TeamMOVATI – Mike Edwards

IN CLUB

Throughout 2024 we’ll sit down with different staff members from our club’s operations team to help you get to know them a little bit better and how their role is enhancing your club experience. This week we are sitting down with our Richmond Hill Facilities Tech Mike Edwards.

Mike, take me through “regular” day if there is even such a thing in your role.

“A regular day starts with me getting here in the morning and doing a walkthrough of the facility. From there I run through our daily checklist to ensure everything on it has been updated. If a project needs additional attention or if a new urgent job comes up, we can properly evaluate the situation and move jobs around the list.”

“From there we refer to our maintenance system that prioritizes our weekly, monthly, and quarterly checks. This helps us stay on track to ensure all aspects of the club are running properly and to code. In the event something is off or needs attention, we can tackle that area of need with preventive maintenance to limit the number of closures.”

With all the behind the scenes work you do, how has your role positively impacted the member experience at MOVATI Richmond Hill? 

“First off, I would like all our members to know that their experience is always top of mind. We as a staff at MOVATI Richmond Hill have extremely high standard and we want each induvial member experience to be perfect from the minute the enter our facility to the moment they exist.”

“As it relates to my role, my main priority is ensuring all equipment and amenities are running smoothly so the members can get the most out of their fitness journey. This means if a certain machine is not operational, we urgently begin the process of identifying the issue and prioritize the equipment being fixed within 24-48 hours.”

We also sat down with Daniel Iagodkine who is our Manager, Operations for MOVATI Richmond Hill. We got his thoughts on what Mike means to the team and how his productivity positively affects the member experience.

What does Mike mean to the team and how does his productivity, attitude and overall demeaner positively affect the member experience at MOVATI Richmond Hill?  

“That’s a great question. Since joining the team, Mike has gone above and beyond our existing high standards to ensure everything is operational for the members at MOVATI Richmond Hill. He is all about business and is the first person to always provide additional support to the team when it is needed. Mike stays true to the 24-48 hour turnaround window for equipment and amenities repairs.”  

At MOVATI Athletic we have always committed to providing our members with a higher level of efficiency and cleanliness throughout our facilities. With our continued investment, we are going above and beyond our existing high standards, raising the bar even higher.

 

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.

We Are #TeamMOVATI – Gautam Tiwari

IN CLUB

Throughout 2024 we’ll sit down with different staff members from our club’s operations team to help you get to know them a little bit better and how their role is enhancing your club experience. This week we are sitting down with our Richmond Hill Custodian Gautam Tiwari.

Gautam, how have you enjoyed your time at MOVATI?

“I’ve really love my role with MOVATI Richmond Hill. The overall work culture here is amazing and I love meeting new members and interacting with them. As I get to know the members, I always want them to have the best in club experience so I ensure my work reflects that.”   

In your role with MOVATI how do you feel it best translates to a good experience for our members?

“If I was a member of a gym the first thing I would look at is how clean it is. I would be looking at all the equipment and the facilities to ensure they are well cleaned, maintained, and working properly. With this ability to look through the eyes of a member, this helps me perform my job to the highest level ensuring that I am meeting the high standards MOVATI has set for us to achieve allowing our members to have the best in club experience.”

We also sat down with Daniel Iagodkine who is our Manager, Operations for MOVATI Richmond Hill. We got his thoughts on what Gautam means to the team and how his productivity positively affects the member experience.

What does Gautam mean to the team and how does his productivity, attitude and overall demeaner positively affect the member experience at MOVATI Richmond Hill? 

“Gautam is one of my top custodians at Richmond Hill. He is super trustworthy and always works with a smile on his face. The best part about Gautam is he always greets every member and asks how they are enjoying their experience at MOVATI. When at work he is all about business, producing top quality work and is always available to support his teammates. Gautam’s attention to detail is extremely high and we love having him part of the team.”

At MOVATI Athletic we have always committed to providing our members with a higher level of efficiency and cleanliness throughout our facilities. With our continued investment, we are going above and beyond our existing high standards, raising the bar even higher.

 

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.

April Café Special – Add 1 Complimentary Boost To Your Shake

IN CLUB

For the month of April, visit the MOVATI café and take your favorite shake to the next level with a FREE Nutraphase Sport Boost (Creatine, Glutamine, Collagen or BCAA).

All our fitness journeys can have varying definitions depending on each of our individual goals. However, the one thing each of our journeys all have in common: People work for results. Day in and out, members strive to achieve the fitness goals they have in mind and when it comes to achieving fitness goals and seeing results, there is an addition that can be made to a fitness journey that will provide progress and offer results: Supplements.

With MOVATi’s FREE Nutraphase Sport Boost promotion for the month of April, we break down the benefits of Creatine, Glutamine, Collagen and BCAA.

 

Creatine

Supplies energy to your muscles to help you improve your athletic performance as well as increase your power, strength, and speed. Many people also take creatine supplements to build strength and promote brain health.

 

Glutamine

Helps you maintain healthy immune system function as well as aiding in brain function, digestion, muscle recovery and growth.

 

Collagen

Aids in strengthening joints and bones as well as improving the health of skin, hair, nails and digestive system.

 

BCAA

Branched-chain amino acids, also known as BCAA decreases muscle fatigue and increases muscle endurance.

 

Looking to take these benefits with you on the road? You can purchase the retail tubs at the MOVATI café and save 10% during the month of April.

 

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 Personal Trainers 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.