4 minute read
True Conditioning
Over the summer True Conditioning relocated to their beautiful new home above Coast Capital Savings in the heart of Steveston village where it all began.
This is the third move for True Conditioning in five years. The group fitness and personal training studio opened in 2014 and was based in a small storefront on First Avenue. It didn’t take long for owners Sophie Manfredi and her husband Ryan Kitchen to realize True Conditioning was so popular that it needed to expand.
In 2016 they shifted to London Landing where they operated happily for three years but once again growth warranted another move. Sophie is pleased to report they did not let go of the space; in early October Ryan is opening a new business called Advantage Jujitsu Academy.
The new True Conditioning studio is 4,000 square feet with plenty of room to house the studio’s TRX suspension training and Pilates equipment. A small facelift was needed including a paint job to brighten the walls with True Conditioning’s signature yellow. Sophie laughs when she says, “Let’s hope this is the last time I have to paint a wall yellow again.”
Competitive sports have always been part of Sophie’s life – when she was six years old she joined the Richmond Rapids swim club and later, as a UBC student, she joined varsity rowing. Today Sophie is a competitive Olympic weightlifter and hopes to qualify for the Canadian Nationals in 2020.
Sophie’s career path led her to become a personal trainer and nutrition coach. She founded True Conditioning based on her mission to empower women through fitness and health. She believes “all women should feel comfortable and confident in their bodies, and I hope to inspire others to step outside their comfort zone, so they may uncover their true fitness potential.”
Sophie says with her winning smile, "We are a really friendly, all inclusive environment that is open to all shapes, sizes and fitness levels. We can tailor modifications to workouts, so anyone can join in and benefit from the positive effects of exercise.”
True Conditioning offers classes that cater to diverse fitness needs including strength and conditioning, total body conditioning, high intensity interval training and core conditioning. All classes utilize TRX suspension training equipment. It’s your choice whether group or personal training or maybe even a little of both is right for you.
What exactly is the TRX system and what does this type of workout entail? A Navy Seal invented TRX, which stands for Total Resistance Exercise. If you have ever seen black and yellow straps hanging in a gym, that’s TRX. This fullbody strength workout utilizes a person's own body weight instead of relying on machines or dumbbells to develop strength, balance, flexibility and core stability.
Incorporating a combination of cardio, strength drills, TRX suspension training, and free weights, True Conditioning’s interval style training classes are a fun, fast and effective way to get a full body workout, improve overall fitness and help shed extra pounds.
Women and men can safely start classes at any age. Members include teens through to True Conditioning’s oldest member (age 75) who is able to lift 180 pounds!
Physiotherapy and massage therapy are also available. Sophie says, “It is valuable to have those pieces in the communication loop. In addition, True Conditioning is the first studio in Richmond to offer clinical Pilates rehabilitation using the reformer.”
True Conditioning is open seven days a week, and with a wider range of classes and new extended hours from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. it is possible to squeeze in a workout either before or after work.
Members’ testimonials abound. Some members are motivated by working out with a great group of people and excellent trainers, while others enjoy solo workouts with a personal trainer. Nutrition coaching is another much appreciated service. Members see noticeable reduction in their body fat, an increase in lean muscle mass, improved energy levels and many enjoy fitness levels they never knew were possible.
Sophie confesses she is a workaholic and can’t think of a better place to spend her time. Being able to sneak in a workout on the job brings her happiness.
She is an advocate of supporting local businesses. Sophie enjoys forming creative partnerships with other health related companies. Beginning this fall, monthly socials with Steveston’s Britannia Brewing Company and The Juice Truck will help bring the community together.
Sophie and Ryan married in August. Their dog Winston, a 5-year-old bulldog, donned a doggie tux and was the ring bearer. Clients adore the canine mascot and Sophie loves being able to bring him to work.
The couple lives within walking distance of the business. Sophie is enjoying the commute and True Conditioning members who live in the village are also giving the more convenient location two thumbs up. She says, “I am so lucky to come to work every day to do something I love to do.”
True Conditioning, 200-3960 Chatham Street, Richmond, BC, V7E 2Z7. Telephone 604-762-1175
www.trueconditioning.com
