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Hi, my name is Karel van Dam and I am a fitness enthusiast! I am a certified canfitpro Personal Trainer, Fitness Instructor Specialist, Older Adult Specialist, Certified Spinning Instructor, Healthy Eating and Wellness Coach and Bonefit trained through Osteoporosis Canada. Physical activity combined with making better food choices can start you on your journey to a healthier lifestyle and promote healthy aging.
I have always loved going to the gym but probably like you, life got in the way of my best fitness intentions; lack of time, work, children and excuses. Ten years ago, I revived my love for running, participating in various races in Russia, Toronto, Hawaii and Holland where I achieved my own personal goal of running my first half marathon.
I became a personal trainer, not only because I have a passion for fitness but because I wanted to be knowledgeable; to learn how to maximize my time in the gym through varied, efficient and safe workouts.
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Workout in my fully equipped studio which allows for an efficient and challenging workout session.
Every workout will be geared to achieving your personal goals safely with a balanced program of cardio, muscle conditioning and flexibility training.
Lack of time to get to the gym? Did you know that you can achieve your fitness goals in the comfort of your own home? As long as you have some floor space, I will ensure that you receive a workout that is efficient, challenging and prescribed just for you.
Not ready to return to the gym yet but still want to achieve your fitness goals? No problem, I will design a program for you and we will meet together via ZOOM to keep you motivated and on track.
Frailty is a condition most associated with aging. Locomotion, balance, flexibility and posture become affected which significantly increases the risk of falling.
As an older adult specialist, I recognize the need for older adults to maintain their physical activity in order to remain at home independently, ease medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and arthritis. Muscle strengthening, increasing your joint mobility and improving your balance can also help to prevent falls and promote longevity.
I will provide you with a safe, individualized exercise program to help you increase your energy and endurance, strengthen your muscles and increase your flexibility.
If you are newly diagnosed or have had PD for a while, it is never too early to start exercising. Exercise will help to slow disease progression, improve symptoms, reduce risk of falls and improve your quality of life.
During our one to one training sessions you will perform Parkinson specific exercises with the objective of targeting symptoms (rigidity, bradykinesia, incoordination and automaticity) that interfere with everyday movement.
You will learn everyday movements and are always performed with large amplitude, high effort and attention to action in various positions.
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In my studio: $60 per one hour session
In your home*: $60 per one hour session
Virtual Training: $45 per one hour session
Older Adults 65+: $55 per one hour session
* excludes travel based on km. Travel to North Ajax, Whitby and North Oshawa only
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Moti-Fit is located in Whitby, Ontario
(289) 928-4039
Email: motifit@hotmail.com
www.motifit.org
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As a busy business owner, it’s difficult to find the time to exercise. Karel has helped to keep me on track, even through the covid-19 pandemic, when stress levels have been high. She has helped me to improve, challenge and maintain my fitness levels to keep up with my teenage children and to retain a positive self image." — Cathy
I've been with a number of personal trainers over a number of years, all with their own strengths. Karel is different. With a volatile back, there isn't anything she hasn't done to make sure our workouts are safe. She spoke with my physiotherapist, had me get the green light from my doctor, all in an effort to ensure my safety as well as get the most out of our workouts. She is super proficient on the exercises she has me do, strict on my form, and careful with the weights I use. Don't get me wrong, she pushes me! Boy, does she push me. I've become much stronger than I've ever been and she motivates me to be stronger. She's not kidding when she says she's passionate about health and fitness. I love our down-to-earth conversations. We learn a lot from each other. I'm extremely pleased with the way she's handled the COVID-19 epidemic; very vigilant and accommodating. She's super knowledgeable and one of a kind. I'll be sticking around for a while." — Sonia
A true professional, always alert to fluctuating needs. Karel adjusts my exercise program seamlessly. By the time an exercise session ends, my energy level has elevated appreciably. I leave with a sense of well being ready to enjoy the rest of the day." - Steven C.
Karel is cheerful, helpful and attentive. I like her very much. She notices how I am moving and gives lots of correction, feedback and praise. Karel has helped to improve my posture and strength and is a joy to work with." — Peter
Did you know that when I reached 57, I became worried about the years turning me into a big soft gummy bear? I might have pulled off 'cute' but I would not have been happy nor would I have respected myself. Instead, I reached out to Moti-Fit for personal training. Thanks for your consistent encouragement and inspiring energy! You cheer me on as I reach and exceed new goals. Every session is new and challenging. Every large and tiny muscle is now alive and well. Every hour with you has been the very best investment in ME!
AND my arms no longer jiggle when I wave goodbye at the door.
Please reserve a FOREVER place for me in your workout room." — Pat
I have been struggling with a health issue for a number of years and therefore haven't been particularly successful with improving my physical abilities. I started working with Karel because of her professionalism and knowledge. We started out slowly and as a result, I was able to build up my stamina and greatly improve my strength. Our sessions were challenging but also very appropriate for my fitness level. I was especially impressed with her atttention to detail and emphasis on using the proper form while performing the various exercises. Being a senior, she also stressed the importance of working on my balance. I have seen such great improvement and feel much healthier and happier as a result of our work together. I would highly recommend anyone who wants to better their quality of life to work with Karel for an improved fitness level. It's also important to note that not only is she encouraging but she has a good sense of humour and is kind." — Sue
I have been working with Karel for the past year and intend to continue to do so. My goals include increasing my general fitness levels and strength. Karel has had to deal with the added complication that I suffer with constant back problems. It is obvious that Karel goes the extra mile to research and understand my back condition and has tailored specific exercises/programs with my condition in mind to help me achieve my goals while building strength in the right places at the right pace to help my back condition and avoid further injury. Each session is tough but fun and there is a real variety of exercises from session to session to keep it interesting." — Steven M.
Prior to seeing Karel, I felt that I was in good shape because I was thin but I would never have considered myself strong. In the short time I have been training with Karel my body has transformed in a way that I didn't know was possible. Now that I've seen such dramatic results I can't imagine my life without Karel's support and motivation - training with her is absolutely the most valuable thing I have ever done for myself. With Karel in my life I have gained confidence, self love and a truly caring friend." — Shawna
I was struggling to achieve my fitness goals until I met Karel. She has exceeded every expectation I had. I looked amazing for my wedding and have never in my life been this fit or this comfortable with my appearance and it's all because of her! She is one of the most talented and wonderful women I have had the pleasure of working with." — Tanya
I thought I was fit until I met Karel. She has revamped and improved my workouts and made it enjoyable again. I was struggling for years to gain more muscle mass and in three short months Karel easily made that happen for me and she's still going strong. She is the best personal trainer in all the GTA!" — Nick
Not quite as young as we used to be, we were looking for a personal trainer who could challenge us while at the same time, understanding the limitations of an older body. We both have been working with Karel for several months and she has been wonderful. She is always positive, energetic and motivating. She ensures every exercise is executed in the correct body position and alignment; she adjusts and modifies immediately if our arthritis starts to flare up; she follows up every exercise session with an email to ensure there are no post-workout issues. Our flexibility, range of motion and core strength has improved greatly. With Karel's knowledge and experience, we have been very pleased and would highly recommend her!" — Janet & Alex
If I could, I would rate Karel higher than 5 out of 5 stars. I began working with her around 8 months ago when my doctor had advised me that I needed to make serious changes to my lifestyle. I was badly out of shape with higher than normal blood pressure and a pre-diabetic condition. We've been working together 3 times per week and I've seen major improvements in my cardiovascular fitness, strength and endurance and a return to normal blood pressure. Her positive attitude is contagious and helps you achieve goals you didn't think were possible. She knows how to push you hard but not over the edge with unique but flexible routines that really target the areas you need the most work. She always challenges me to combine my diet with my workout and genuinely cares enough to follow up with motivational emails and texts to keep you on track. If you are looking to invest in your good health, Karel is the one you want!" — Blaine
Thank you for being committed to motivating and helping your clients. You are such a caring person and your experience is so valued." — Susan
I have two very young boys and Karel keeps me improving in all areas of strength, balance, and coordination. But most importantly when it gets tough with the kids she is energetic and motivating. I am a better mom with more to give my kids at the end of the day." — Tara
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