A different approach to fitness

Three years ago Steve Frischman was a business executive, running his own high-tech consulting company, with relatively little concern for his health. He played hockey three times a week and felt that was sufficient physical activity. It was only after he attended a family gathering and his father made a disapproving remark about his expanding waistline that he began to rethink his priorities.

“I ballooned up to 269 pounds at one point,” said Frischman, who is 5’11”. “On my frame, that’s not exactly a good weight to carry.”

Frischman decided to put his business on the backburner and commit to getting in shape.

“I cancelled all my contracts that I had with companies,” said Frischman, adding that he made a plan to work out five days a week, for at least an hour and fifteen minutes a day. He also promised himself that he would make an effort to eat nutritious meals on a regular basis.

Four months later, Frischman’s body changed dramatically. He’d lost more than 60 pounds. Impressed with the transformation, a few people asked Frischman if he would help them develop training programs. He agreed, and continued taking on additional clients privately, until he finally opened his own gym, The Power Co. Fitness Centre, last December.

The 5,000-square-foot facility is located at 245 K St. John's Blvd., inside Plaza Pointe Claire. The gym is equipped with state of the art Matrix strength machines, and cardio machines with built-in cable TVs. There is 1,500-square-feet of turf, where athletes – such as hockey players – can participate in “dry land training” during the spring and summer months.

While The Power Co. Fitness Centre may sound like other gyms, Frischman calls his space the “un-gym”.

“We are the antithesis of all other gyms,” he said, citing overcrowding, old equipment, lack of personal space and no motivation as reasons why people leave other gyms.

Frischman prides himself on paying personalized attention to each of his clients, and honestly assessing their performance and progress.

“I tell people what they need to hear,” he said. “I’m able to see what everyone’s doing right, or what everyone’s doing wrong.”

Frischman’s “Boot Camp” class is by far the most popular choice among members at the gym. It includes stretching and flexibility exercises, core and abdominal work, strength training, cardio and boxing on heavy bags.

“I think it’s a blast,” said Pointe Claire resident Debbie Bicknell, who goes to the gym five days a week.

Bicknell believes starting a regular exercise routine had an immediate effect on her overall wellbeing.

“My state of mind changed right away. I felt good about myself, I felt happier,” she said.

Another gym regular, Diane, (who preferred not to have her last name published) said she appreciates Frischman’s personal approach.

“He lets you go at your own rhythm,” she said. “As long you keep moving forward and you keep trying, everything’s cool.”

Frischman’s first passion may be personal training, but he also believes in giving back to the community. The Power Co. Fitness Centre is a major sponsor of the second annual Mind-Body-Spirit Connection, taking place at the Dollard Civic Centre on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event offers West Islanders a chance to meet local professionals in the health, wellness, and beauty industries. Admission is free, but the sale of raffle tickets will raise funds for the construction of the planned West Island Cancer Wellness Centre.

For more information on The Power Co. Fitness Centre, call 514-674-0822.