by jennifer rampulla
much like many of the regulars at quad, i came to quad after months of
walking by the shaking, foggy windows of the king street location wondering
what the pounding music was all about. although i have never been athletic, i
have struggled with keeping my slow metabolism from getting the better of my
waistline since i was a teen. to be completely honest, i was not very good at
keeping up any workout routine for the long term and often i found myself
starting over. starting over trying to find something i could do regularly
that didn't wreak havoc on my body and that fit into a very busy schedule. i
started with just one beginner class on a saturday at quad on king, and
although it was tough, it was so much fun that i had to come back. i had done
spin classes at other gyms, and despite knowing it was a good work out, the
teachers lacked that special something that made you want to work for it.
micheline on the other hand was so encouraging, enthusiastic and passionate
you couldn't help but give it your all.
it did not take much more following that first class to get me completely
hooked and before i knew it i was investing in a pair of spin shoes, trying
out all of the classes and my monthly passes turned into annual passes. the
music is always different, the work out is always challenging and even on
those days you are dragging yourself to the class wondering how you'll get
through it, you can come out having worked harder and having more fun than you
ever have. the benefits of these classes go far beyond the physical changes to
your body and fitness level, it is good for your mind, spirit and overall well
being. three years later i am no less addicted to the high you get when you
complete a class. there are also three great locations that give me choices
depending on what kind of schedule i have or what kind of mood i am in. i work
downtown and take full advantage of the noon classes at quad on king or
sometimes even quad east, but on my days off or on holidays I will often drive
from my home in south etobicoke to quad west in oakville and catch a class
there. quad west is completely different which helps change up the scenery for
me, and although I am sure some people think "oakville?", it's only 10-15
minutes away once you're on the highway, not to mention lots of free parking.
each location has the same great energy and same great quality of teachers who
push you which is why I have been able to keep coming back.
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by doug duguid
i started riding at quad at the beginning
of may 2002. at first, i found the exercise routine
to be rather daunting.
however, the encouragement, friendly guidance and positive
reinforcement that I received from quad staff got
me through that tough initial phase. The quad facilities
are very clean, the environment is extremely positive
and the instructors are, without exception, highly competent!
it's been seven months now, i have lost 25 pounds and
the shape of my body has altered dramatically over that
period. i recently took out a one-year membership and look forward
to even more and better times ahead. In brief, quad
has changed my life!
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By michelle mundick
as a gym veteran, it is such a treat to find a place like quad
where every size, skill and fitness level are welcome. each instructor
is there to ensure i get the best workout i can, through constant encouragement,
technique tips and great music. i have yet to attend a class where i haven't
gone further than i thought i could. i consistently walk away feeling stronger
and happier. each instructor is there because of their love of indoor cycling, not
just because it is a job.
quad is helping me to transform and reshape my body. i am much stronger
and firmer than i have ever been, and my butt is rock hard. i am in better shape
than i was in my early 20's. quad is a treasure, and quad soon becomes
addictive!
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by steven becker
My experience at the quad west has been fantastic. I fell into cycling
quite by accident. We use quad as an off season training program for our
competitive soccer team and I decided to join in with the team. After that
my wife encouraged me to try out the new club quad west, which was opening
in Oakville. I started out with a few visits then got a month pass and I
then signed up for a year. My experience at quad west was much better than
my first taste with soccer club. At quad west the instructors provide
individual attention, develop you at your own base and provide a very
supportive environment. Going to quad west is not like hanging out at the
gym and feeling intimidated by people in great shape. It is more like
meeting up with good friends and family to have a great work out. With a
busy family and a hectic lifestyle the 45 minute sessions fit perfectly into
my schedule. The results from my training at quad west have surprised me. My
cardio vascular conditioning has improved dramatically and it did not take
long to show results. I quickly noticed that I was not tiring out in the
late stages of my hockey and soccer games. When everyone was dying I still
felt fresh. My body fat percentage has fallen and my core strength has
increased. I even noticed a difference in body shape as my winter tire
started to disappear. I am hooked on quad west and would recommend it to
anyone.
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by deanne khan
“if you go to quad you can ride to montreal and back!”
that’s what a friend of mine told me, and he was right. i joined
quad in february of 2004, because i wanted to get in shape
so that i could participate in the july friends for life bike rally
to montreal. by july (after only 5 months of riding) i was more
than ready for the bike rally, and by the time we reached montreal, i
felt like i could biked all the way back home. quad made
me reach my goal.
wWhen i joined in february i was out of shape, and had a hard time
losing weight, although for many months i tried diets, and even weight
watchers. diet alone just wasn’t enough. so when my friend told me
about quad, i had to try it out for myself. from day one, i
felt welcomed and supported by all the staff especially micheline who
gave me her one on one personal support and training. the classes
are energizing, and inspiring, even though they push me to my limits.
the staff showed genuine care, and kept me motivated to come back.
so by june (after working out regularly for 4 months) i was fit enough
to walk up 20 flights of stairs after every class. not only
have i lost weight, but i’ve also gained muscles and dropped dress sizes.
i have a much higher level of patience. my stress level has been reduced
by half. my self esteem is up. i have better coordination. better balance
and much better outlook on everything. strangely enough, quad has given
me peace of mind.
because of quad, i was able to complete the trip, and raise thousands
of dollars for hiv & aids. strange how the “wheels” of life turn and how one
good service can affect so many others.
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by tasha mancini
quad is an awesome club that was started by
micheline who had her own studio in l.a. i have been hugely devoted since day one; their
teachers are qualified, lovely, soulful people who make
you feel great, no matter what level you are at. the
music is very well chosen and tres groovy, and they
walk around regularly giving you technique tips (oh
so important!). i could not recommend it more. whether you go
part-time, cross-train or full time; they rock!
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