Sylvia Ozbalt
Oh, the places you’ll go! I’ve been a group fitness instructor since 1980, since before Madonna, before specialized exercise footwear, butt bands or burpees! That summer, I was asked to sub for my “aerobic dance” instructor, and the shared energy in the room that day instantly transformed me into… someone I’d been all along. Just louder! I still remember the feeling, and I’ve been hooked on getting people moving ever since.
In those first years, the industry exploded, and we grew our knowledge of the science and the art of fitness leadership along with it. In the 40 years that have followed, I’ve had the absolute joy of owning and managing fitness studios in Montreal and Quebec City, alone and with stellar partners and teams.
The learning has never stopped. I have always loved the challenge of applying exercise science to shape classes that sprung out of my experience in track, gymnastics, dance, rock climbing, running, cycling, yoga… The very best part is what happens when we’re all together, moving! And when I see the smiles and the hooh-yeah! feeling beaming through.
It’s an undeniable privilege to find myself still and again moving and growing with you in this positive, vital and creative industry.
Certifications: ACE Group Fitness Instructor (since 1993),
357 Functional Fitness (2020), FAI Functional Aging (2016)
Working out with Sylvia is one of the highlights of my week! She is compassionate and warm and gives off a lovely energy during class. Without Sylvia, if left to my own devices, it’s easy to fall into a workout rut and get lazy to try new things. With her encouragement and support, however, the classes are varied and interesting and push me just enough to try new things. Most of all, I appreciate what she does to build a supportive and friendly community online, especially during these challenging times. Thank you Syl!
PROGRAM DESIGN
Because the body needs to move. The pandemic challenged us all in new ways. We’ve had to change, to adapt. If the trend to more sedentary lifestyles was a concern and preoccupation of fitness professionals before Covid, it is now an outright emergency. The People Gonna Move program is designed to get us up and moving safely and effectively. And to be joyful, friendly and easy to follow. Classes are simple to access and easy to fit in your schedule, with a variety of short classes offered at different times of the day. Mix and match as needed. Modular back-to-back livestream options allow for a quickie pop-in or an extended workout.
LIVESTREAM
Because we thrive when we’re together. There are livestream classes 5-6 days a week. That way, we all still show up and move together, no matter where we are in the world! I never expected that a bunch of tiny squares on a Zoom screen could feel so vibrantly “flesh and blood”. But they do! There’s something magical about all of us booking in at the same time, from coast to coast, and across the ocean. And you can’t beat the commute!
ON-DEMAND VIDEOS
Because of busy schedules. Sometimes the schedule just doesn’t work for you or your time zone. Or you like to work out on your own. Finally! There is now a video library that contains the best of the livestream classes, recorded, with all the quirks of live and spontaneous action. New videos are added regularly. Several of our memberships now contain the option for unlimited access to this growing library of videos. Pop one on, and go!
IN-PERSON
Because it’s also amazing to play side-by-side. From spring through fall, we get together for outdoor classes in the local parks. Circuit-style intervals and stretching classes. Enjoying the fresh air, the partnered workouts – and chatting and whooping, and the sounds of focused breathing – along the way. Gee, it’s wonderful to hear you again!
FLEXIBLE PRICING
Because movement is for everyone. Years ago, I told my Dad that I’d hold on to his deep (and large) hope for world peace and justice. His kind of idealism drives the PGM pricing and donation structure. Financial circumstance shouldn’t be an obstacle to such a fundamental thing as healthy movement. Sure, we can all move without taking classes, but we may also need or want a coach, or a group to move along with. This is why drop-in classes are on a sliding scale.
PEOPLE GONNA MOVE MOUNTAINS
Because we’re all connected. Each season, we donate a percentage of all class payments to support local and global community organizations. We also hold a fundraising community hike or event to add dollars to each of those donations. Since November 2020, with your contribution, we’ve given to BC Food Banks, David Suzuki Foundation, International Conservancy Fund of Canada, Seniors Services Society, Aboriginal Friendship Centres Society, International Development Relief Fund, IRSS, Coast Mental Health, the Downtown Eastside Women’s Center, Doctors Without Borders, Canadian Red Cross. Catch you at the next event!
MERCH THAT DOESN’T HURT
Because… climate change and too much stuff. We’re sourcing vintage, previously owned casual sporty pieces and printing them up individually with our unique PGM designs. Each item is one-of-a-kind – and it’s all very, very SLOW FASHION. All printing thanks to the Vancouver Art Department.
With respect and gratitude, I acknowledge that I live, work and play on unceded xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) territory.
THANK YOU. I could not have put this project together without the support of friends and family, old and new, who have shared their fitness and scheduling needs and preferences, listened to me hash and re-hash my vision, helped me express it in movement and in words, generously offered their technical and professional expertise – and every day keep on keeping me real. It’s all about community, and I’m grateful to you all.
