Client Testimonials From Core Essentials

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 David's attributes are many:

...he has a rare ability to truly listen and understand what the real issues are and where they are based.

...he has a fantastic grasp of theoretical knowledge, but it is his ability to translate this into something real, practical and relevant to each individual that really stands him apart from most health professionals.

...his passion is contagious and this resonates in his ability to motivate.

...you can’t help but feel great, inspired and motivated after a session with Dave. It lasts for days and overflows into all aspects of your life.

Most importantly he is one of the most ethical and honest individuals I have ever been fortunate enough to work with. I whole heartedly recommend David Gilks and his unique services – whatever your goals may be you are guaranteed to achieve much, much more!

Jennifer Shultz, B. Phty (UQ) MAPA, Physiotherapist

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 To Whom It May Concern:

Women's Fitness 101 is a fabulous program. Using a well-researched approach, it combines nutritional education with strength training, aerobic activity and stretching to allow you to achieve your health and fitness goals. The exercise program emphasizes proper technique in order to avoid injury. The program occurs in a very comfortable and supportive environment. Diana, the instructor, was always so positive and encouraging, and made me feel like I could really achieve my goals. For the first time in many years, I feel in touch with my body. I would highly recommend this program to anyone wanting a sensible approach to becoming fit.

Dr Kathryn Sawyer

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  To Whom It May Concern:

This past August, I experienced what I believed was a Bride-to-Be's worst nightmare come true - my wedding dress was too small (by quite a bit!). With only a month until my wedding, I was absolutely devastated. I was stunned that there was such a significant difference in my size between April and August (time between buying the dress and one month prior to wedding). During that time I had been suffering with medical problems. I was well aware that I had gained weight, but nowhere near prepared for the effect it had on the fit of my wedding dress.

I was so upset with myself, I had to express my feelings to someone... I confided my situation to my very good friend Kris. She was so great, offering words of support and encouragement. She also offered her time as a walking partner as often as our schedules would permit. A few days later, my fiance and I attended our Jack and Jill party/wedding shower. I enjoyed myself, but was so worried about how I would fit into my dress, I didn't even want to eat or drink. That night I received a gift like no other. It was a small, rolled up piece of paper, stating that the bearer would receive an Assessment by David Gilks at Core Essentials, including cardiovascular risk assessment, body composition, biomechanical screening, dietary analysis and menu planning, and primary exercise prescription. I was stunned and speechless (remarkable for me!) ... I was so touched that my friends would give me this opportunity. Suddenly I felt like I had some direction with regard to my wedding dress predicament.

I called David and we set up an appointment right away, as time was definitely of the essence. This was my first time meeting David, and I felt an immediate connection. He seemed like someone I could speak openly with, and share fears, successes and humour, too! We discussed my goal (to trim as much off my midsection as possible) and our time frame (one month). David did a core assessment on me (I had very little core strength). He explained the importance of a strong core, and that I would need to start with basic core strengthening. Initially I felt a little disappointed, as I had expected David's approach to be similar to those of other personal trainers I had met previously. I very quickly understood the importance of a strong core to overall good physical health and strength, and any disappointment was replaced with a new understanding.

Dietary changes were a part of David's recommendations for me. This would mean a major reconstruction of my diet. I would need to start eating a lot more protein and a lot less fat and starchy carbohydrates. The amount of food seemed more than adequate, as did the meal intervals (5-6 times per day). The dietary plan that David set up for me seemed reasonable, something I felt like I could do.

Armed with new information, a couple of core strengthening exercises, a dietary plan, the motivation to succeed, and the knowledge that I had such an inspiring, motivating, magnanimous individual guiding the way, I left my first session with David. I had a huge smile spread across my face, and a lightness in my step that hadn't been there for a long time.

I met with David once a week for the next month. Each session started with a check-in about how I was doing with regards to diet and exercise, health concerns, and my feelings around how I was doing, and how emotions and stress may be affecting my program. This was somewhat of a new experience for me, as I'd never had a personal trainer who'd taken such a holistic approach. David asked about hurdles or other difficulties I'd encountered. Together we would strategize to determine ways in which I could avoid or overcome these, and other obstacles, in the future.

Following a discussion of the previous week, our sessions would usually include me giving David a demonstration of the exercises learned previously, to ensure I was doing them correctly and getting the maximum benefit from them. One of the things I was very pleasantly surprised about was that David didn't give me a long list of different exercises to do. He focussed on a few core strengthening exercises (as well as cardiovascular training) that we built on each week. I was so accustomed to doing a number of different exercises for each of the major muscle groups. Seeing the positive effects of only few exercises was very encouraging and exciting. It also erased a lot of the long-held beliefs that I had about exercising (especially those surrounding the need for expensive gym equipment). All the exercises that I did required no equipment at all!

Other things David taught me include consciously focussing on specific muscle groups to perform a particular exercise (as opposed to just doing the exercise), thus maximizing the benefit of the movements. I've learned simple movements to incorporate into my daily life (for example, while walking, standing or sitting) that contribute to increased core strength. I couldn't help but laugh the day David said that part of our session would include him teaching me how to walk! What he meant, I would quickly learn, was that he would show me some ways that would help me improve my posture and form, and contribute to more efficient and effective movement. These things combined would, in turn, help me gain a stronger core, better posture, a longer stride and stronger butt and leg muscles.

Each session with David was informative, encouraging, motivating and uplifting. The information he provided was presented in a number of different ways including discussion, demonstration, return demonstration and pictures. I found the concepts easy to grasp, and it was very helpful to go out and run with David, and get pointers on running technique, as opposed to having him explain it to me (or have it written out) and go out and do it alone. It was reassuring to know that he was watching me go through the motions, and making suggestions, and for me to feel the differences when following through with them.

David's continuing display of knowledge is astounding. I find our discussions extremely interesting, and his information greatly enhances my knowledge of how our bodies function. David's down-to-earth approach to my “wedding dress’ situation was comforting and realistic. From the first time I met David, I felt like I had known him for a long time. I was comfortable discussing my weight issues, my fears and struggles with food. I'd seen David's picture in the newspapers before I met him - I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous about having him as my personal trainer. I had preconceived ideas about him that couldn't have been further from the truth. I thought I would be uncomfortable because I was overweight, and he was so fit. I cannot emphasize how at ease and comfortable I felt with David from our first meeting. He wasn't intimidating, judgmental or critical... just very supportive, inspiring and so very positive!

Perhaps the most important part of my program was the pieces about internal dialogue. David and I spoke about this in each of our sessions, and how negative self-talk can sabotage success. I have struggled with this in the post, and David picked up on it right away. If I spoke negatively about myself, he didn't placate me with responses such as "you're not fat" or "don't be silly." Instead, he would explain how such comments and thoughts were detrimental to my overall success, and expending energy on what I didn't want depleted my reserves, leaving less for me to use towards going after what I did want.

After one short month I am happy to say how wonderful I feel. Had I not experienced it myself, I would have never believed that I would notice such a change in my overall health after such a short time. The increase in my core strength has helped my posture, and eliminated some back pain. My flexibility has increased and I'm sleeping better. I'm not at my ideal weight or fitness level, but that wasn't my goal (and it would have been unrealistic anyway!) - my goal was to get into my wedding dress. I still had to have my dress altered, but not as much as I would have if I'd never had the amazing opportunity of having David Gilks of Core Essentials as my personal trainer.

Most importantly, I felt beautiful on my wedding day!

Lori Multari

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 Dear David:

The first thing I must do is thank you for the time you invested in me. Once in awhile in life we are fortunate enough to encounter an individual is able to reach us at a level that few others do - that is what you did for me. It seems that you have an innate ability to read me, as I'm sure you do with many others.

I am very grateful that Kris and Gerry Breeden gave me the opportunity they did - what I'm more thankful for is that you believed in me enough to invest your valuable time and knowledge. I can't tell you how much that means to me. Interestingly, this happened at a time in my life when I needed it most.

Your approach to health and fitness is very holistic. I found the concepts easy to grasp and the exercises effective. I ready enjoyed our discussions, and learned a lot about how important a strong core is to overall body health, and the effects of dietary components on the body.

I think your idea for a Bridal Boot Camp is exciting, and Nanaimo needs it. I know that if anyone can motivate women in health and fitness during such an important and stressful time in their lives, you can. If I can be of assistance to you in any way in this venture, please feel free to contact me. I have been, and will continue to, tell anyone who will listen how much I got out of your program. I look forward to continuing a program with you, hopefully in the near future.

Thank you for believing in me, even when I didn't.

With upmost regard,

Lori Multari

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  Dear Dave,

Thank you for designing your Bare Essentials program; it was exactly the kick start that I needed to get my fitness journey in motion. Although I was exercising before I started your program I had not set out clear goals for what I wanted to accomplish and lacked the confidence to believe that I would be successful. Being a working mother with two toddlers I had all the excuses for why I was overweight and could not commit myself fully to an exercise and diet program. Finally fed up with how I felt about myself and the lack of energy I had I decided to commit myself to your 6 week program.

The Bare Essentials program worked perfectly for me because it was quick and intense. Meeting with you each week kept me inspired and also held me accountable. Although it was up to me to follow the exercise plan and diet, the encouragement and wealth of knowledge that you provided along the way was the key to my success.

Having lost 17 pounds upon the completion of your 6 week program, I now feel lighter both physically and emotionally. I no longer feel fat, I actually feel fit and ready to move! As I embark on the next stage of your Bare Essentials program I look forward to the fitness challenges that lie ahead with a new found confidence in my abilities to achieve my health and wellness goals.

Thank you for believing in me and providing me with the skills to reach my goals. I look forward to continuing this journey with you.

Yours truly,

Noreen De Pol

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 Hi Diana,

I want to thank you for your time and knowledge that you presented during our sessions of Women's Fitness 101.

It was exciting to see that you live by what you teach and your professionalism was very obvious in all of our sessions together. I found it very encouraging to realize that it is not just diet or just exercise, but a combination of lifestyle changes that help an individual work towards a goal of a healthier, more fit way of living on a daily basis.

By setting both short and long term goals will help me to work towards a better body and mind maintenance program.

Thank you again and take care,

Ria Edmond

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 To Whom It May Concern,

David Gilks, MES completed our Medical Exercise Specialist and Post Rehab Conditioning Specialist Certification workshops in 1997 and 1998 respectively. David successfully completed both certification examinations. He also completed our Pharmacology for Fitness Professionals, Ergonomics for Fitness Professionals and Essentials of Senior Fitness workshops. These workshops are designed to provide fitness professionals with the skills for develop safe and effective conditioning programs for clients with medical conditions.

Medical research has shown the benefits of functional conditioning programs for clients with work related musculoskeletal disorders. These programs should include cardiovascular, flexibility and strength training. In addition to these components, prevention programs such as back schools should be part of the program. David's training has prepared him to deliver these services.

David has worked with clients with medical conditions for more than 5 years. During this period he has worked with many physicians, chiropractors and physical therapists in the Nanaimo community. I would highly recommend David to work with clients with work related musculoskeletal disorders.

If I may be of any further assistance please contact me at 1-888-610-0923. To learn more about our organization you may visit our website at www.postrehab.com.

Sincerely,

Michael K. Jones, Ph.D., RPT

President, American Academy of Health, Fitness and Rehabilitation Professionals

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 To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to recommend Mr. David Gilks as a BCRPA Master Instructor. I have known David since 1997 when he successfully completed both the Medical Exercise Specialist and Essentials of Post Rehab Fitness courses. Since that time I have witnessed the development of David's teaching, presentation, and analysis skills. His passion for his work is infectious to those around him and his drive to learn inspires his students. He is presently enrolled in our Medical Exercise Program Director (residency) and his company is developing a PERC (Prescribed Exercise & Rehabilitation Centre) Centre in Nanaimo, BC. He is a qualified teacher and has a natural ability to lead. I would highly recommend and support him as a supervisor and teacher.

Sincerely,

Michael K. Jones, Ph.D., RPT

President, American Academy of Health, Fitness and Rehabilitation Professionals

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 Jodi Anderson-Reinholdt

Love your class, so happy I've joined...look forward to next week!!

Jodi

I'm so thankful that you have this class, I think it's going to be great for my body and soul!!

I have enjoyed the classes so much and will always be thankful to you for helping me off the couch and start exercising again. I would never have been able to do it without you.
I will miss you and everyone so much! What a great time I have had.

Thanks again....

Jodi

I will always be a fan of your class and hope more Moms and Babes will keep you busy for a long time!

Thank you again - it really helped me get back into shape and feel like myself again!

Jodi

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 Baby Stroller Boot Camp

I would like to say that you have done a very good job running the camp and keeping it fun for mums and babies.
After gaining 50+ pounds during my 2nd pregnancy, and being in the older age bracket (those 35 and over) I knew the lbs weren't going to fly off by themselves. The baby stroller boot camp has allowed me to work out without having to leave my baby boy with a baby sitter. Now I can proudly say that my jeans from before my pregnancy are fitting rather loose:-D.

-Anita Wessel