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I was training to run a marathon when ‘life’ stepped in and left me with 36% lung capacity.

Fast forward about 10 years when I signed up for Sue’s ‘Launch’ Package so that I could participate in the Terry Fox run vs watch from the side lines. Living with a lung disease and hearing the ‘gossip’ about Sue and her classes made me panic. But I also found myself excited to meet with her, I could barely make it up a set of stairs without stopping. Sue agreed to meet with me and then followed up a few days later to go for a ‘walk’. The walk was structured and included a rest at every 3rd telephone pole, I was done after 6 poles. But her Launch package got me through the walk and left me wanting more.

I am now participating in her classes 3 days a week. Her ability to encourage and engage, while adding humour to her workouts is inspiring. Her commitment to showing up to class prepared and to keep you working to the last second, makes you just as committed to showing up and giving 110%. I will never run that marathon or be at the front of the TP pack, but I will not allow a flight of stairs to intimidate me again. Sue has helped me to realize that health is a lifestyle that looks different on everyone.

JoAnne


I joined Tread Powerfully® four years ago and at that time my goal was simply to get in shape after being relatively inactive for a period of time. As I continued with classes, I realized that Tread Powerfully® had become much more about personal enjoyment, energy, focus and commitment, and all this with the tremendous leadership, support and community that Sue and her team provide. Sue keeps us interested and challenged with constantly changing routines and drills. After four years, I have never felt more strong and fit, both mentally and physically.

Saskia


The teen strength for girls really helps me in multiple ways for my every day life. It's not just one night of the week that I am getting physical activity, it helps me to motivate myself to do more physical activity throughout the week as well. With the multiple stresses that we as teenagers have in our daily lives from school to work to friends, this class provides a reserved space of time to relax and let the weekly stresses go. For me it has been the smartest thing I have signed up for, I have done it throughout all of my high school years and have loved every minuet spent doing it, regardless of the hurt I always feel the next day. Thanks to Sue, who is one of my biggest role models in life, I always know to stay positive, eat healthy, and enjoy every moment.

Julia


I am a “morning person” and am usually up and about by 5:30 am each day! While all the other members of my family are sleeping, I have time to think about what I need and want to accomplish that day, time to make my lunch and time to catch up with the news on CHCH TV! My energy levels are higher in the morning and when possible I love to fit exercise into my morning routine.

Thanks to Tread Powerfully®, I am up and out of the house by 6:00 am two mornings a week. The exercise challenges are amazing and after a workout with Sue or Lisa, I feel more energized and able to focus on the day ahead. I love the feeling of accomplishment first think in the morning... “I did it, I made it through another class”. I feel in control and ready to tackle my day with a positive attitude and a smile on my face!

Joanne


As busy professionals trying to stay active and healthy, Roman and I “did” the gym thing for so many years that working out had become synonymous with boredom, repetition and drudgery. When I joined Sue’s Tread Powerfully® over two years ago, Roman became quite accustomed to seeing me arrive home after an invigorating power walking class, still dripping with sweat (I liked to think of it as glowing), with tales of the exciting workout, the glorious feeling of being outdoors and the amazing camaraderie of exercising with like-minded fitness enthusiasts. I quickly added a variety of strength classes and Lisa’s Power Pilates to my weekly regimen and was completely and utterly hooked.

Naturally, Roman’s curiosity was piqued and he decided to accept my invitation to try a class. His enthusiasm was instant and he too loved the feeling of being challenged physically in such a contagiously fun and supportive environment. We now take several classes together, which has been a great experience in itself.

We see each other not just as a couple, but as athletes who train together and reap the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. As for stress management, the cares of the day literally evaporate with the sweat. We often laugh through the exertion as we tackle Sue’s intense muscle circuits or bursts of cardio in a strength class. We cheer each other on, celebrate each other’s successes and revel in our ability to push our bodies past what we ever thought possible. Tread Powerfully® has brought so much to our lives and for that, Roman and I are truly grateful.

Barbara and Roman


“Motivated”, “inspired” and “committed” are some of the words our family use when we think of how we feel about Tread Powerfully®.

After many years of solely running, adding classes through Tread Powerfully® has done just what the name says. We are still running, but with far more power and strength. The combination of power walking with body-weighted muscle training has been an asset to my overall fitness. Sue’s muscle classes have challenged both my husband and I beyond anything that we had previously done. The ever changing classes keep us motivated and excited for the next class.

“The best class ever”. “I love Sue’s classes”. This is what our teenage daughter says about the Strength for Girls class. I just can’t say enough about how this class has impacted our daughter. Sue’s mentoring and special ways have truly inspired these girls each and every week and keeps them coming back for more.

Tread Powerfully® really is a family affair in our house!

Fiona, Bruce and Paige


I’ve always been a very “off and on exerciser”, often “off” for long periods of time. Since beginning with Tread Powerfully® seven months ago, my life is very different! I’ve been loving working out as often as five times a week, even in pouring rain or below 0C temperatures. Sue is a truly inspiring leader - encouraging each of us to be our best in body and in spirit. All classes (Sue's and Lisa's) are motivating, challenging and fun, and the beautiful weekend sunrises stay with me all week, helping me to feel calm and energized all at once. I’ve never been more fit and strong, nor felt calmer or more centred in everything I do. The icing on the cake (no calories!) is how much I love all the amazing, lovely new friends I’ve made as we groan together along the way! I have to say that my “life gets better after 50 plan” is really working!

Ilka


This summer I joined Sue’s Tread Powerfully® group. At first, I could not complete the one-hour power-walk with weights. Twelve weeks later, together with a portion-controlled diet, not only was I able to complete the program, but I have lost 30 pounds. Recently, along with some other members of the group, I entered a 5 km race, and placed first in my age-group! Thank you, Sue, for the motivation and excellent instruction.

Margaret


The thing I like most about Sue Abell is that her programme does not remain static. As Sue evolves, so do the offerings. Tread Powerfully® encompasses so much more than fitness. Sue ensures that mind, body and soul are all being thoughtfully nourished through exercise, mindful eating and healthy, positive thoughts. Sue genuinely cares about each and every member and exhibits this through her diligent communication and commitment to learning. It is always exciting to see what Sue has in store for the group to both challenge and encourage.

Joelle