“Sports kept me out of the gutter. Its kept me away from depression. Its kept me away from being negative. I feel dominant. I feel powerful. I feel part of the team again. And I think that this is what its all about.”

- Mike T.
Retired Canadian Master Cpl.

Via Unconquered

“To me [sports is] its awesome. It gives me my tasks, and my mission, and my goal for the immediate future which is Invictus.
And then it gives me something to look forward to after that.
And I don’t think this will be the end.
I think it will be a stepping stone to greater things.”

- Kevin N.
Retired Canadian Sgt.

Via Unconquered

“Sports kind of made me believe again.”

- Simon M.
Major, Canadian Forces

Via Unconquered

“Last year’s [Invictus] Games was the extra push that I needed to regain control over my illness [post-traumatic stress disorder] and my injury...Mountain biking was part of my journey.That’s how I got back into sports.”

- Natacha D.
Gatineau, Quebec Canada

​Via The Star

"During my 20s and early 30s, I realized how running made me feel better about myself and helped develop my self-confidence. I signed up for a multitude of races ranging from 5ks to marathons. With the completion of each race and the training that went along with it, I felt stronger physically and mentally. Especially after finishing my first marathon – the Marine Corps – I felt like I could do anything! 

Running took on a whole new meaning after I had my son and daughter.  I NEEDED to get out and run. I didn’t want to become that mom who lost herself completely, doing nothing for herself after having children. Let’s face it that’s not good for anyone! Running had become an important part of my life and it had to continue.  

It’s great that my children have seen how important running is to me. They know it’s a part of my routine and ask, “When are you going for your run?”  The best is when I get back from a run and they ask, “So how was your run mom?”  

As I’m in my early 40’s, running has taken on another meaning. Life has become so busy with balancing family and work. I need to get out and run to give me the space to think without any distractions. It’s during my run that I think the most clearly, creatively and get a pulse on how I’m really doing. I always finish feeling mentally refreshed. 

This check in with myself has helped tremendously over the last several years as I have cared for and grieved the loss of my dad, my mom and one of my best friends due to cancer. Watching my loved ones become weaker and weaker to the point that just getting up to brush their teeth was a herculean effort, has also made me appreciate every time I can get out for a run.  I run with a sense of gratitude; I have the strength and health to do it.  
I’m sure the reasons why I run will change again but one thing is for certain - I’ll keep running as long as I can!"

- Christie Y.

Via Find Your Inner Pace

“Since activity is my number one self-care strategy, my life simply isn’t the same without it. Activity not only keeps my mind and body healthy, it also allows me to connect with friends and indulge my competitive side. I have a great group of friends that I train with, who help hold me accountable to training and keep me motivated to continue improving. I also routinely sign up for various races which helps to keep me motivated to get out there every morning.” 

- Amanda L.

Via What do dietitians think about weight, self-care and staying active? 

"I never go into a big day without running first thing in the morning. I have found that morning exercise makes me mentally sharper throughout the day, and I am convinced that my morning running routine has changed my life and career more than any other habit.

- Andrew M.
​Boston, Massachusetts USA
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​Via This is How to Exercise to Sharpen Your Mind

"I started using hiking regularly as therapy. Whenever I felt like crap, I'd go for a walk. Every time I went I felt better. Sometimes I felt so crap I couldn't motivate myself, so I got my friends together and we motivated each other, often by planning an epic adventure.

Now, exercise is part of my life. I do it daily, and it's not a chore. I hike, climb, swim, cycle, kayak, handstand, do yoga and occasionally even jog. I no longer exercise because I hate my body, but because I love it. I love the natural exhilaration I get from moving in nature with friends. It totally lights me up."

- Di W.

Via How I turned exercise from torture to therapy

"I love that even though [barre] it’s a workout I am actually having fun doing it. Even when I think I don’t want to go I am smiling as soon as I walk through the doors. Everyone (plus the music!) is so upbeat and positive and the energy is awesome. I love that every class is different and challenges my strength in different ways. I walk away from each class knowing I’m stronger and have done something amazing for my mind and my body."

- Kelly
Edmonton, Alberta Canada

"I love the Barre community. The people that come here and the instructors are always so positive and it helps make me want to push myself to the best of my abilities. The variety of the different types of classes as well as the different instructors keeps me working hard. Plus having a great looking butt is a bonus!"

- Jon
Edmonton, Alberta Canada

Via Barre Body Studio