The Fit Ref Podcast with Justin Slimm

Duff Gibson is a former Gold-medal Olympian and current advocate for youth sport and physical literacy. In this episode, we dove into his training for the 2006 Games in Turin, how mental health is so important and why physical activity from a young age can set you up for success in life.  His section on having a growth mindset, especially during times of COVID-19, really blew my mind because...

Trevor is the sales manager of Apple Fitness, which is owned by LIV North. During this time of COVID, a lot of people are having a hard time getting the equipment they need because of a backlog of orders. I wanted to ask how this was impacting Trevor's world. He also provides tips on how to look for the best at-home gym if you're stuck working out from home. 

Calvin Zaryski is a high-performance endurance coach with nearly 30 years of experience training athletes in marathons, ultra-marathons, triathlon and even helped people climb Mount Everest!  You will learn so much during the podcast, including details on where to start if you're looking to get into endurance sport, how recovery plays an incredible role and why it takes time to train for an e...

I had the opportunity to speak with Dallas Deman, Pam Deman, Brendon Hamilton & Tom Wilde with the Badlands Training Centre in Medicine Hat about their upcoming opening.  To hear what their intent is and how they want to help each individual client was so incredible to witness.  The audio in this podcast drops out a couple of times but does come back.  For more information about...

We cannot control time. We are going to age. Your parents and grandparents may be in an exercise routine, or maybe they're not. Emily Johnson with StrongerU Senior Fitness helps us understand what it means to be fit into our 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s (and beyond!).  What we spoke about:  - How to move as you age  - Why ageism needs to end  - How to help encourage a parent or loved...

Eric and Chris Martinez are twins from Texas (recently moved there) who are best-selling authors, speakers and hosts of "The Dynamic Lifestyle" podcast. They have also written a new book called "Rise of the Fit Pros" hoping to help other fitness coaches grow.  In this episode, we spoke about:  3:13 -- How the death of their father three days before Christmas, and how that changed them fo...

Karyn is a CanFitPro PRO TRAINER, Fitness Instructor Specialist. She is also an ICG Master Trainer and a wealth of knowledge. Her 28 years in the fitness industry really shows through as she gave a lot of information about how to get the most out of her clients, what to look for in a group class, and how to measure success.  For more information about Karyn, you can go to her website: https://calg...

I decided to take the time to answer questions from you! These solo episodes are a good way to show what has worked for me and my clients in the past. If what you're doing is working, then by all means, continue. I am so proud of you for achieving your goals!  Keep it up! 

Amy and I worked together for years at a fitness studio in Calgary. I appreciated her energy, her connection with people and her ability to keep smiling. She now helps women of all ages achieve their goals through her online platform (a lot of people aren't ready to go back to a gym just yet). We spoke about so much, but what really spoke to me is her attention to detail and her ability to help so...

Stevie Ogrodniczuk and I go way back, coaching fitness classes together. I believe her message is one that needs to be shared, as she focuses on overall wellness, instead of just weights and reps.  Please make sure you follow Stevie on Instagram at @keep.moving.stevie

Amber and I go way back. Like, almost 15 years when we went to broadcasting school together. I have been admiring her journey over the past few years watching her as an emotional eating, digestive and hormone expert. We spoke about a lot in this episode, including why social media could be making you feel shame, how you can reclaim your control and why slowing down can actually make a difference.

ParticiPACTION has released a study saying children in this country are not active enough. In fact, they gave children and teens a D+ for overall physical activity. However, I wanted to go a little deeper to find out whether or not the pandemic had anything to play in the results.  You can read about the results here: https://www.citynews1130.com/2020/06/17/participaction-kids-physical-activity-co...

Josh is a former paramedic, who transitioned to the world of fitness in 2014. He understood the mechanics of the human body but wanted to help more people.  Josh is a very smart man, who focuses less on the aesthetic part of fitness, and more about helping people with chronic pain and understanding about how it's more than just how you look -- it's about how you feel.  To be honest, there wasn't a...

Julie is a longtime friend of mine and fellow fitness professional. This Okotoks mom has helped a lot of people achieve their fitness goals, but more recently has launched a new venture to help kids understand the value of moving their bodies. If you're in south Calgary, or the Foothills, check out Kids Play Adventures Inc. on Facebook and Instagram or at www.kidsplayadventures.ca. 

Geoff is the owner of Every Body Stronger, a fitness company in Calgary that focuses on getting stronger, healthier and prepared for longevity.  Geoff and I had an amazing conversation about how strength, energy levels and restfulness are amazing indicators of health, not just a number on a scale.  Please remember that while losing weight can be great, if it's not done with the right mindset and i...

Luke O’Geil is with the Calgary Gymnastics Centre and has been a coach for the past seven years. We spoke about more than just what he does with tumbling and jumping, but also about training and mindset.

Jeff has trained some of the top NHL athletes to come through Calgary. He and I had a lot in common, as my history in hockey is long and extensive. You can really hear his passion for training when he speaks about how to stay in hockey shape during COVID-19.

Kristen and I have worked together side by side as trainers and what I notice is her unbelievable passion for helping people. And as a mother, she is trying to navigate this new world just as much as you and I.

Mark Laidlaw is the head coach of the University of Calgary Dinos rowing team. The COVID-19 pandemic has put the teams' season on hold and he is staying busy with his full-time job. But he has several tips and advice on how to row a little better. If it's on the water or on a machine, it doesn't matter.

Karah is from Cambridge Maryland and recently heard me on the Tea With Gary Vee show. As the owner of a CrossFit studio in the US, she reached out to talk about fitness, life in the media and navigating newborn life.

Lucia and I go way back as we have trained together at Orangetheory Fitness. She is a physiotherapist at Lifemark and Movement Sports Clinic. Her practice has changed because of COVID-19, but she has shifted by offering online training services.

When I had the opportunity to chat with Gary Vaynerchuk, I was ecstatic. I reached out to his team in late April and the team responded to let me know I’d been selected. Listen to this one whenever you are feeling down, or unmotivated.

Deanne is a good friend of mine, a fitness client and an expert when it comes to binge eating. Often times, there is a lot of shame associated with binge eating, but it is more common than you may think.

In this episode, Rochelle and Rose, owners of Tri-It Multisport talk me into doing a triathlon! This pair’s energy is so contagious as they bring so much love and humour to the work they do.

With COVID-19 affecting so many, mental health and possible addictions may be prevalent in your life. It could be some you know really struggling, so make sure you know how recognize the signs and encourage them to ask for help. Sending love to you.