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When I got the call asking if I’d like to work out with hockey legend and Canucks President Trevor Linden, I didn’t hesitate to say yes, but I’ll admit, I was a little intimidated. I mean, working out with a professional athlete made me feel like I should train for the occasion! The invite was to attend a group class at the newly opened Orangetheory Fitness location on Davie Street in Vancouver. Ok, a group class, I thought – I can handle that!

For those of you who aren’t familiar with the concept behind Orangetheory, it’s a one-hour group personal training, heart-rate monitored, high-intensity workout that is scientifically designed to keep your heart rate in a target zone that spikes metabolism and increases energy or as they call it, “the afterburn”. The result is more energy, visible toning, and extra calorie burn for up to 36 hours. Sounds like my kind of workout so I signed myself up!

I made my way to Orangetheory Fitness on a typically dark and rainy evening to be greeted by Trevor himself in the lobby. I’ve interviewed him over the years on my talk show, so we played catch up for a bit and I confessed how nervous I was. He warmly encouraged me that the workout is designed for everyone and we would be having tons of fun while we worked up a sweat. So I laced up my New Balance Fresh Foam kicks, strapped on my heart rate monitor and got ready to feel the burn!
We started off on the very bouncy, brand spanking new treadmills and our Orangetheory coach encouraged us the whole way through to listen to our bodies and make sure we pushed ourselves as hard as we could to stay in the zone, but make sure we take it easy when need be. I’m usually one to workout solo, but the group environment with all our results displayed in real-time on the leaderboard made for a fun and competitive workout which definitely encouraged me to go as hard as possible. We moved on to some weight training and then to the WaterRower machines that rounded out a tough, but thoroughly enjoyable 60 minute class.
I have to say that this was one of the funnest workouts I’ve had in a while – and not just because Trevor was sweating with us and cheering us on! The combination of maximizing my time at the gym, being challenged and having fun doing it is a winning combo. I had an absolute blast and I’ll definitely be back for more!
All photos courtesy of Brendon Purdy Photography