FAQ

"Ask us anything.”

Below is a compilation of questions, that we’ve already been asked, and our answers. We think that we’ve been thoroughly quizzed. However, if your particular question isn’t covered by this list, please contact us. Ask us anything, to do with fitness, nutrition and/or motivation. If we don’t already know the answer, we’ll definitely research the answer and respond to your query.

Why should I join an Alter Ego Fitness Experience Training Program?

You should join us if you’re serious about making a commitment to improving your health. Our program works! We’ve had numerous clients with amazing results.

You’ll be participating in a positive, supportive environment with other like-minded participants who are interested in getting in great shape and improving their health. We’re ALL about making sure that you have a great experience, getting fit while having fun!

Fitness Instruction
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How is Alter Ego Fitness Experience different from other “bootcamp” companies I hear about?

Fitness is not simply a business for us, it’s our passion. We’re constantly learning and seeking out new information about developments in the industry, by attending conferences, workshops and seminars presented by experts in the field and will bring that knowledge to share with our clients. At Alter Ego Fitness Experience, we’ll push you, while focusing on building up slowly and safely. We’ll provide adaptations for every exercise. We like to ensure that beginners and our “veterans” alike receive a safe and challenging workout, designed for their own individual fitness level.

Our classes are 1.5 hours in duration. Whereas, for similar fees to what we charge, a lot of the other companies workout sessions are only 45 minutes or an hour.

“You get great results, which is exactly why people perform for you!” 

We keep a low client-to-trainer ratio, no more than 8-1, and our overall class sizes are smaller too! And, at Alter Ego Fitness Experience, we’re not drill sergeants. We won’t yell at or intimidate you to push through exercises designed for more advanced athletes. But, we are sticklers for technique and form. Our goal is to ensure that each of our clients reaches their health and fitness goals and continues to exercise each day, without being injured!
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Are there any pre-requisites?

If you’re new to exercise, or haven’t been physically active for a long period of time, you should consult your physician prior to starting any fitness program. Once you’ve been given the green light, each NEW client must attend a Pre-Training Orientation Session prior to attending a workout class. This session takes approximately two (2) hours. You’ll be required to complete necessary paperwork (registration forms, health questionnaire and waivers) and be provided with an initial brief nutritional seminar.  This orientation is included in the price of your 6-Week Training Session and does not take up any of your workout time.

As well, if you want to be able to measure your improvement, we’ll take body composition measurements (circumference measurements, waist-to-hip ratio) and measure your body fat percentage to get an idea of where you are prior to beginning your training. At the end of your Training Session, these measurements can be taken again for post-session comparisons. These measurements and all other personal information will be held in the strictest confidence.
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What is a typical Training Session class?

Our Training Session classes are designed to include both cardio training and strength training. Cardio activities can include cardio circuit courses, obstacle courses, fitness drills, skipping, step-ups, and jogging or power walking, all of which have a high and low impact option. Resistance training will include dumbbell exercises, medicine ball training, resistance bands/tubes and callisthenics (push-ups, pull-ups, lunges, squats). Every class begins with a warm-up and ends with a cool-down stretch to prevent injury.
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Do I have to be fit to attend?

"You exceeded my expectations.” 

Definitely NOT! All our workouts are designed to help you get in shape. Our program is designed to accommodate all fitness levels. Our clients range in age from 18 to 65 years of age, with every level of physical ability, size and shape. Our Trainers will modify exercises for those who may not be able to fully participate in some of the exercises. The safety of all participants is essential in all aspects of our programs. It’s extremely important that all participants listen to their body and only perform what they are capable of doing. Our programs are structured for all participants to work at their own pace. However, everyone is encouraged to work hard!
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What do I need to bring?

We supply ALL the equipment used during our workouts. We have a van that’s just FULL of weights, kettlebells, mats, stability balls, TRX, stretch straps, Bosu balls, skipping ropes, hula hoops AND more!  So, all you need to bring is sufficient water to rehydrate as necessary, wear appropriate clothing for the weather and good quality running shoes.  If you’ve got all that covered, the only other requirement will be that you show up with a positive attitude.
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Where are your Outdoor Training Session classes held?

A majority of our classes are held in the Gordon Head (Mount Douglas/Mount Tolmie/Cadboro-Gyro Park) area of Victoria.   In addition, depending upon demand, we also offer classes in the West Shore (Colwood/Langford/Metchosin) area.

We choose public parks and spaces that are usually within close proximity to each other. In that way, our clients can effectively plan the time necessary to get to classes without too much adjustment from class to class.
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What can I expect to achieve in terms of results?

"The nutritional information and the small class sizes, really set you apart" 

If you consistently attend, follow a healthy balanced diet and put in the effort, you will lose fat, strengthen your muscles and/or move closer towards reaching your goals. You’ll notice an increase in your daily energy levels and a dramatic improvement in your cardiovascular fitness level. Our programs include a multitude of exercises and activities that will help firm your muscles and increase your stamina, endurance, and balance.  By increasing your metabolic rate (metabolism), you will lose fat and increase your lean body weight (muscle mass). The goal is to improve your fitness capacity.

You’ll also share the experience with other like-minded people who want to make healthy lifestyle changes and get amazing results just like you.
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What is your policy on missed classes?

We expect clients to attend the classes they signed up to attend. But, if you have to miss a class, we’d really appreciate an email or phone call as soon as you know you won’t be able to attend. We may need to alter the planned workout based on the reduced numbers and/or there may be other clients, who’ve missed one of their classes and wish to attend an alternate class.

However, we also try to be as flexible as possible to ensure that you don’t miss out on the workouts you’ve paid for. So, if you sign up for a morning class but miss that one, you can usually join us for an evening class. But, if those classes are full, it may be more difficult to catch up. As well, if you sign up for a consecutive Training Session, we’ll permit you to carry over the missed classes to the next Session.
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Who will be attending the programs?

People just like you, someone who needs to shake up their fitness program, those that prefer a group environment, and/or those that want access to the knowledge and skill set of a personal trainer but cannot afford to hire one individually. Our clients range from individuals that have never participated in a structured exercise program to those who compete recreationally in fitness/sporting events. But, the majority are somewhere in between.

“The trainers knew just when to push us to do our best.”


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How soon will I see results?

Depending on your commitment level, nutrition and effort level, your performance can improve right away.  We’ve had clients that are surprised to see a reduction of several percentage points in their body fat, and a loss of several inches, during their first 6-Week Training Session. You can too!  But, remember, the more consistent you are in attending class and following the clean eating nutritional guidelines, the better your results will be!

Check out our Testimonials page to read what others have said about their experiences.  But, remember that everyone’s body is different.  So, your results will differ!  If you’re not getting the results you had hoped for, maybe it’s time for a reality check.  Ask yourself, "Am I putting in the effort I should?"  "Is my commitment where it should be, am I eating clean or have there been too many indulgences, have I missed workouts?" or "Am I following what has been suggested to maximize my results?"

“You care about each individual and it shows.” 

The participants that have seen the most body transformations commit to coming 2-3 times weekly, work really hard when they do attend, watch their nutrition and engage in other forms of exercise outside of our programs. Your results are completely dependent on your commitment.
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What about the weather?

What about it? We play outside!  If it rains, we get wet. In colder temperatures we encourage you to dress for the elements. Participants remain moving and tend to shed layers as they get warmer. In hotter temperatures, we’ll seek shadier locations whenever possible, hydrate frequently and take breaks more often.
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Are classes ever cancelled?

Yes, but only in extreme circumstances (i.e. extremely cold weather, treacherous road conditions, unforeseen emergencies, etc.) that are beyond our control.  If the need to cancel a workout session arises, we’ll endeavor to send an email, or contact clients by phone, a minimum of 1 hour before the start of the class.
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What about payment?

Acceptable forms of payment are e-transfer, cash, or personal cheque (payable to Alter Ego Fitness Experience). Payment in full is usually due prior to attendance at your first workout.  However, for a small administrative fee, we do offer the option of spreading the cost over three equal payments.
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Can I bring a friend with me to one of my classes?

“You guys were great! Always positive and encouraging, you made it fun.”

Unfortunately, we don’t normally permit others to join the class (drop in or attend with a friend) unless they’ve already taken classes with us and are knowledgeable about our practices.  To minimize the possibility of injury, we always ensure that participants are using proper form and technique.  And, we’ve found that a “newbie” person, that doesn’t know the proper way to perform an exercise, can take too much of the Trainer’s attention away from the regular participants.
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OUR COVID UPDATE

As always, your health, wellness and fitness is our top priority. To make sure you feel safe while working out with us, we’ve made the following adjustments:

  • No Drop-ins allowed.  Same clients each Session.  Maximum group size of 4 clients.
  • Each client is provided their own set of equipment & weights at each Session.
  • All equipment is sanitized between Sessions.
  • Distancing of a minimum of 8 feet per person is ensured during the entire class.
  • All training is conducted outside.  During inclement weather, we will use a covered area.
  • Masks are required when clients are not at their assigned workout spots, however can be removed during the workout.
  • Hand sanitizer is provided.
  • Instructor will be at least 8 feet away and not masked during the class.  However, they can mask if that’s preferred.
  • Adjustments to form will be made verbally from a distance or the Instructor will mask to adjust physically (if wanted).
  • If working out indoors, everyone is required to wear a mask.

Click HERE for more information on class days, times and other options.

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