We recently had the opportunity to chat with Sandy Reimer, YWCA Director, Health + Fitness. Sandy has worked with the YWCA in Vancouver for the past 5 years, but health and fitness have been her passion for a lifetime.
WHY do you do what you do?
Pure joy! I get to help make a difference in the lives of people in our community!
I am so incredibly fortunate and proud to work at the YWCA! I work with an incredible team of generous people who serve to change lives. We touch over 40,000 lives each year. To go to work each day and be part of this organization is fulfilling and joyous.
So fun! I often say what a very special place the Health + Fitness Centre is. It’s a privilege to work in an environment surrounded by people who share the common goal to take care of their health and strive to be the best they can be. Working in fitness is also very fulfilling – it’s fun to create fitness programs, classes, challenges and events for our members and see them reach their fitness goals.
I have the best job!
How do you stay PowHERful and on top of your game?
I stay on top of my game through exercise, staying connected with fitness industry, and a really great support group.
I’m pretty lucky to have a job where I can work out as a part of my day. I keep myself on the class schedule so I stay in top instructing form and connect with the members on the gym floor. Activity is key, on weekends some of my favorite activities are a run on the seawall, bike ride, mixed doubles tennis and the Grouse Grind!
Continuing fitness education is mandatory to maintain my group fitness and personal training certifications but you’d catch me attending conferences and absorbing the latest fitness journals regardless. I love information that I can share with our staff and members.
I have an amazing support group that I call on when needed, including physiotherapy, homeopathy and massage therapists. I also have great family and friends!
What encouraged you to get into a career in health & fitness field?
In my final year at McMaster of my Physical Education degree I started working at a fitness centre (Catherine’s Lady Fitness) – it was the best job! I taught , measured member results and sold memberships – it was the most fun place to work. Soon I was promoted to manager and it so it goes…
What is your ultimate dream for your role with the YWCA and ultimately what impact are you most looking to make in that role?
The YWCA Health + Fitness Centre is a very special place. For me as Director, it’s all about creating an environment that brings out the best in people. It’s all about the people – our members, staff, YWCA program participants, community.
I see the world of possibilities. Anything can happen, and great things happen every day.
Success means that we make a difference – in the lives of our members and in the lives in our community.
It starts with our team of fitness professionals and volunteers working in environment that is supportive, and promotes personal and professional growth.
As a leader within an organization that supports women through advocacy and integrated services that foster economic independence, wellness and equal opportunities, can you comment on the importance of integration.
Years ago in fitness we trained the body in specific muscles groups. Then we came to a greater understanding of fascia and that all systems and muscles are always working together. We began to change the way we program exercise to provide stability, mobility and functionality of the body.
It’s a great metaphor for life. All aspects of our lives are connected and intertwined. It’s important to integrate all the parts to make a better whole. The same goes for supporting women – at the YWCA we deliver a range of services –from affordable housing, childcare, and employment programs and of course, health and wellness, we provide options for women to find balance in their lives and work towards economic independence.
We believe that as women feel stronger in their bodies, that strength or confidence is also evident in other areas of their personal and professional lives. Do you have any success stories that you could share in this regard?
Absolutely! Working in a fitness centre we see many examples of this.
The role that fitness plays in the lives of women is so important. The beauty of exercise is finding and knowing your strength, feeling your power. Our bodies are so amazing, when you work them using solid training principles they get stronger. To experience this is empowering.
Working the physical body connects you to the emotional and spiritual body. Finding strength and balance and confidence carries over into all aspects of life
One of the programs that I run at the YWCA Health + Fitness Centre is called “Believe It”. It’s a 12-week program designed to help people reach their goals. In most cases the participants have a goal to lose weight. One of my favorite participants was Jacquie. Each week she’d come to the program and do the homework – which focused on workouts and nutrition. By the end, she had not only lost 25 lbs but improved her fitness level. She inspired her husband, and together they became positive role models for their young children. Once she got it, it seemed so easy, and each week her progress was inspiring to all. She just put it all together and kept moving forward.
What are thoughts on how the cycle can be broken – or perhaps it already has been and the media just needs to catch up?
I LOVE your mission to set a NEW media standard – it’s so necessary!
In some ways, I’d like to think that the media just needs to catch up. Certainly in the fitness industry we have come to know that fitness comes in many shapes and sizes. There is science behind exercise, and there are some amazing results that can happen with proper training. Yet genetics really plays a role – I can attest to this as an identical twin.
It’s time that we all become comfortable in our bodies and just be fabulous!
How about a lifestyle tip?
Each morning I repeat an affirmation for the day. I find it helps me to keep focused. Here are 2 of my favorites – “Great things happen every day!” and “ I am organized.”
When I’m organized all things seems to fall into place. For instance, I’ll open the fridge, and healthy food is there! We can all be so busy at work, it’s great to pack a glass container of cut up vegetables and add some cheese or sometimes a hard boiled for a healthy snack at work. Being prepared is key.
Top 3 Lifestyle + Leadership role models
I’m inspired by many women each and every day. I see aspects of them I admire and look to find them within me.
My grandmother was my first role model in leadership and lifestyle. I remember when I was around 10 years old and was visiting with her for a week during summer vacation, and I saw that each morning she worked out with Jack LaLanne on the television – it was wonderful. She was so happy. My grandmother took great pride in caring for herself. She ate well and exercised every day. She was beautiful.
Describe collaboration and what it look like/feels on the ground.
When you find a team or person you can truly collaborate with, its like magic. Its communication – knowing each other’s strengths – sharing and working together for success.
I’ve felt this with our team when we put on events for our members. We’ve done indoor triathlons, dance-offs, and hikes in the mountains. All our efforts come together to create something that is bigger than just one of us.
Describe your favorite adventure or hobby
I took ukulele lessons with my aunt. What a riot! We joined a class of 25 people on a Saturday morning, learning to play the ukulele and singing songs. I love playing my uke, and I’ll ask guests to sing a song with me. I’ve even had Jeff Hyslop and Sandy Winsby – 2 Canadian musical theatre stars – sing in a round with me!
What does giving back/fulfillment look like to you
Giving back to me looks like sharing the gifts that we’ve each been blessed with. It is to be generous with our spirit, our love and being kind to one another.
Can you give us a sneak preview into what’s coming up at the YWCA Health + Fitness Centre?
We’ll be holding an Open House in September and launching our THIS Is Fit campaign. Being fit doesn’t look a certain way… but it does feel good. We welcome in new members who are ready to experience what that feels like, and we’ll help you get there.
Sandy is an amazing director, she is commendable in the way she manages the operation, she recruits a great team and the absolutely warm, genuine and friendly way she greets members. Thank you Sandy for the care you give to the Y and the people of the Y.