Rehabilitation, flexibility, posture and balance improvement. Cardio, strength training, stretching, and breathing exercises are all incorporated as desired or appropriate. My training as a Group Fitness Instructor was completed with InShape Training in 2013. My annual re-certification is with CFES (Canadian Fitness Education Services). Additionally I have Third Age, First Aid and CPR certification. June 2015 I completed the BCRPA Weight Training Course with Growing Strong Training. June 2016 I completed the American Academy of Health and Fitness course "Cancer and the Older Adult". February 2017 I completed the Inshape Training course "Musculoskeletal Testing". My journey to older adult fitness coaching feels surprising, but has become a natural fit for me. I've been a preschool teacher, an accounts manager and an ESL teacher over the pre-family and busy family years. Now as an empty nester I am keen to keep fit as a means to engage in varied activities and allow for active grand parenting. I read the book "Younger Next Year" in 2012 and that motivated me to get serious about upping my physical fitness. A big part of my journey to fitness coaching was my role as main caregiver for my parents. They lived with us for 7 years. I always noticed how much better they felt overall after we'd been out for a walk or we had done some exercises. They passed away in 2009, just 33 days apart, my Mom age 90 and my Dad age 91. My mother-in-law had a personal trainer coming in to her apartment the last couple years of her life. We marvelled at how her stamina and especially her balance improved within just a few months of 2x's/wk work with her trainer. She too died in 2009 at age 83. My husband and I went from the sandwich generation to empty nester's practically overnight. I've done a fair bit of volunteer work with older adults since 2009 with an emphasis of fitness and movement since April 2013. Some feedback:
“Beth Hankinson has been leading fitness classes three times a month for the last six months at our Assisted Living Facility. Since coming on board, the tenant feedback on Beth’s exercise classes have been overwhelmingly positive with a significant increase in program attendance. She has a clear grasp on how to lead an effective and safe fitness class for the older adult. Beth is both personable and professional with staff and tenants.”
-Franca Temolo-Jones
Recreation Coordinator, Honoria Conway: St. Vincent’s Hospital November 2016
"We feel so privileged to have Beth come to our senior's home on a weekly basis to give an exercise class specifically geared to seniors. She exuberates such knowledge, creativity and joy during the class. Beth immediately bonded with our seniors, and her delightful giggle and her singing along to the background music has endeared her to all of us. The exercises and soundtrack she chooses are different each week, so we never get bored. We can tell she puts a ton of work into her preparation. She has surprised us many times with ingenious exercise tools and unique stories she tells to embellish the particular exercise. Hiring Beth almost 2 years ago has been one of the best decisions we've made."
- Edith Rae
Chaplain, Parkdale Manor
December 2016
"Beth makes every exercise time fun so your loved one is enjoying their work out without even realizing how much they are benefiting by their time with Beth. She is not only caring and loving to her clients, but full of encouragement and provides a safe environment for them. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending Beth to anyone who is looking for one on one personal building and strengthening program. She's the best there is!"
Bev Richards - wife of client
Tenant Testimonials from an Assisted Living Facility in Vancouver:
“Beth is a very entertaining and informative instructor. For example, she’s taught us how to breathe properly. We all feel elated after her classes”
Jenny B, age 77
“Beth is discipline and lively”
Arcady, age: 99
“Very uplifting. She passes her good training on to us. She’s excellent.”
Simon, age 85
“I like her selection of music. She works a good variety of muscles using different exercises”
Carol, age 84
"Beth really shows genuine care towards everyone she works with. She listens to your goals and concerns, and is a great encouragement. It's obvious her certifications and kind nature make her a great fit for working with seniors, making them feel safe while having fun! I would highly recommend Beth for someone looking to get started to improve their fitness and health."
-Michelle Scheier
Seniors Exercise Researcher
Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, 2013
