What a Difference a Year Makes

My 2021-2022 Wellness Journey 

Dear Friends, 

It’s been over a year since I began my partnership with my colleagues at Innovative Fitness. In that time I have committed myself to a strong and healthy fitness regime with my amazing coaches, and I have participated in exclusive nutrition counselling – through the Innovative Fitness family.

Until now, I never would have thought I would be able to reach such a significant milestone…

So let’s begin with my headspace in 2020. I was a heavy carb-intake guy who also loved the sugar!!! I was pre-diabetic and my blood pressure was 140-over-100, which had my doctors concerned.

With the help and support of my amazing Wife I was able to change most of my poor nutritional habits and the weight started to come off. By August 2021, I dropped over 50 lbs. and was feeling and looking better. 

Then one day, I found myself reading an article by my former colleague Penny Greening (Innovative Fitness Marketing Genius) where she told her story of personal discovery through her Cancer diagnosis and her commitment to a healthy lifestyle – which included the valuable fitness component. So I reached out to her, things clicked, and together we created the “Howard Blank Fitness Journey with IF” program.

Not long after this I entered the doors of the Innovative Fitness studio on West 10^th Avenue in Kitsilano, and as they say – the rest is history.

Innovative Fitness has been there for me and with me, every step of the way. From my thrice-weekly workouts to my texts and conversations on how my body works, and more ideas on how to maximize efficiency and output to live the best and healthiest lifestyle imaginable, my team was by my side.

In 13 months I have put on extensive muscle mass, my balance and posture is ‘night and day’ from before this undertaking, and I am happy to say that my blood sugars are in line and my blood pressure (checked this week) is now 120-over-80 – SUCCESS!

When work required me to travel, the Innovative Fitness team has helped me by setting up an away program, and have always been there for me via text or call. My trainers truly care for my health and well-being, and are behind me every step of the way.

At Innovative Fitness, there is a ‘personal goal’ bell that one rings upon achieving key personal milestones. I have been so grateful to have rung that bell a total of 5 times over the past 13 months (!) and I look forward to more bell tolls for the rest of 2022 and beyond.

Why is IF so different? The fact is, their personal coaching and training is truly second to none. The team’s attention to detail and record keeping not only allows me to grow, but keeps me on track and inside the lanes. 

Yesterday, I was at Harry Rosen and I was able to purchase an off the rack pair of Armani jeans. This would’ve been unheard of just one year ago.

I have gone from a size 48 waist to a 38 in just over 2.5 years. More importantly I have replaced fat with muscle to keep me young and healthy as a middle-aged man.

Whenever I am asked to appear as an MC or auctioneer at special charitable events and galas… I am so proud to have in my bio that I am an  Ambassador to Innovative Fitness and the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC. I am constantly being asked about my transformation, and I proudly explain – it’s a team effort… an Innovative Fitness and Howard Blank team effort.

Right now, Innovative Fitness is offering a complimentary health consult and initial personal training sessions for my friends and family – just tell them Howard sent you.

I highly encourage anyone thinking about making a small, or big, change – to take them up on their offer – and give it a try.  With several locations across the GVRD there is bound to be a location close to you.

Thank you Innovative Fitness for a year in the books. Here’s to my next chapter with IF for 2023 and beyond.

– Howard Blank