"A few months back I attended a dessert auction and had the highest bid on a month's membership to Bodyworks gym in Parksville. The dessert auction was to support a Syrian refugee family coming to Canada. I saw how much it had to offer and already knew a couple of the staff members. Since I live in Qualicum, and since its only $29.99 a month I had to sign up when the Qualicum location opened. The first day was tough as all my former inhibitions were in place. I'm on meds, my weight is up, I have osteoarthritis and old injuries. I tried a weight loss support group for a year and simply maintained my weight as my medications make it difficult to lose weight. I am a super busy wife and mother and not too good at consistency in the kitchen. Getting stronger makes me feel better, gives me a much needed edge on my daily activities and I am excited because I have overcome my inhibitions and look forward to coming each day. Some weeks I make it four times, some weeks only two. Cleaning is less painful. My husband is thrilled to see me chose life in this way. I have had my butt kicked by mental illness more than once. Now I like to go on the elliptical. I practically crave the rowing machine in the mornings to get limbered up. It's just a good thing to do and the women are seasoned, fantastic. I am 55 years old. Working out is hard work, but it is superior to the alternative. I have a lot of living left to do. The whole point is that I have grown in a short time at the gym and more women ought to check it out because it is good for you."

- Kelly Campbell

“My obsession in becoming a gym member began in the late 70’s when I saw a TV ad for a European Health Spa.  Shortly after that I moved from Winnipeg to Nanaimo.  I was pleasantly surprised to find that Nanaimo had a European Health Spa.  I joined immediately with a friend and fell in love with the lifestyle and the results/benefits it provided. Physically I benefited greatly as I was born with scoliosis of the spine which causes me a lot of pain and poor posture.  My chiropractor always tells me if I hadn’t exercised all these years I would not be in as fit as I am today and have the ability to prevent and bounce back from muscle injuries.  I also come from a family where weight is a serious health issue and I truly feel that if I had not exercised and watched my diet all these years I would be greatly over weight or obese.  I remember years ago some one told me you don’t have to go to the gym you look fit to me – well the reason I did look that fit was because I did go to the gym! My routine at the gym today is pretty simple – cardio, strength training and stretching.  I also walk a lot and my favorite place is the board walk at the beach.  At home I work out with weights about 4 times a week to keep my arms, shoulders and hands strong.  Over a year ago I purchased a Fitbit and it helps motivate me to keep moving and monitors my steps, heart beat, etc.  I am very goal oriented and I work hard at achieving new levels I set for myself.  I am really into researching anything health related but my main interest lies in the area of psychology. My gym rules are:  go to the gym even when I do not feel like it as I know I will always feel better than when I walked in; to never take my cell phone into the gym unless I am expecting an important call; to work out no less than an hour; to change up my routine from time to time; to be kind to every one; and to be thankful that I am well enough mentality and physically to go to the gym.  Thanks to ‘Bodyworks’ for making that possible for the past 12 years!  ‘If you do not make time for your wellness, you will be forced to make time for your illness.’”

- Barbara Toews (Member since 2007)

“I joined Bodyworks Fitness & Tanning for Women last September after my mom passed away. I needed a change of focus and getting fit was a goal of mine which I had yet to start. I went a few times and quickly realized that I needed some assistance with a program that would get me zeroed in and focused so that I could achieve my goals. I signed up for personal training sessions with Justine. She was so friendly and fun that I quickly became at ease with her. She truly listened to my fitness and ability levels when creating my program and patiently walked me through each exercise to ensure I had proper form and technique. I worked with Justine every couple of weeks so she could assess and adjust my program to ensure I was progressing without getting bored. Being a kinesiologist, Justine is extremely knowledgeable and professional. She encouraged me each and every session which gave me the confidence to continue working towards my goals. I have been working on my own for a few months now after completing my first round of training with Justine and she continues to check in on me and provide me with the encouragement to keep working hard. One of Justine’s strengths is the ability to change things up making the workouts not only challenging but interesting and fun. One of the things I love most about her is natural ability to share her own fitness flubs with you to provide some lighthearted laughter when you are struggling with a particular exercise or technique. For me, I was scared to death of the Smith Machine lol. I would recommend Justine in a heartbeat for personal training for all ages and abilities. She will put you at ease right away with her friendly, caring nature and her credentials speak for themselves. I am continuing to work hard and I am really looking forward to starting my next level of training sessions with Justine in the next couple of weeks.”

- Sandy Stocker

“I moved to the Island in July 2016 and the first thing I did was look for a gym to workout. I love how bright and clean your gym is. This gym suites my schedule because I can do a drop in class whenever I have time in my day. I really like the variety of classes and I can work out at my pace. The value and experience has been wonderful!”

- Melody Oshiro (Member since 2016)

“The one thing that stands out that others have not mentioned……windows, tons of windows. You are not in a steel building with no view. The air doesn't sit stagnant inside. Air conditioning, a treat when its hot outside. I have been to a lot of gyms but this is my all time fave! Super clean, everything you could possibly need in equipment, great staff and owners! Even beginners feel welcome, and never feel intimidated! There are people of all ages and different physical issues. If you need help I have watched Dale and he is the best trainer I have seen. He finds a way to help you reach your goals, whether you have physical disabilities or just afraid to make the first step to getting more out of your life.”

- Karen Latiff (Member since 2015)

"This is a fantastic place to work out. It is a smaller area designed spaciously so there's lots of free space to exercise. The place is well taken care of and the equipment is constantly being cleaned. It just had a recent upgrade as well. The employees are incredibly friendly and will chat with you. The atmosphere is welcoming and friendly. Love it!"

- Rebecca Seasting (Member since July 2015)

"I have been going to Bodyworks for the last seven years and each year it gets better. Each year the equipment is upgraded and always kept spotlessly clean. What I appreciate, aside from the professionalism of the staff, is the variety of equipment. This means I can have a new program every two months and the equipment is there for me. The cost is low. For the price of buying one piece of equipment for home, I can have access to 30+ pieces for two or more years. To me, it is a no-brainer.
It is a friendly, welcoming gym and the patrons are there to work out. Try it! You will stay."

- John Mercer (Member since January 2007)

"We have been very long standing members of Bodyworks Gym for many years and we can say with certainty that the professionalism and positive attitude that prevails in our gym is second to none. Extremely friendly and down to earth. We enjoy the atmosphere there and will continue to attend. Very good people and wonderful staff."

- Gregg and Viktoriya Bowman (Members since May 2003)

"Bodyworks in Parksville meant that I was able to keep up with my physiotherapy while I was on vacation, plus get in some strength training on the side. With great hours, complete facilities, friendly staff, and reasonable rates, it's everything you could ask for in a small-town gym." 

- Mica Jorgensen (2 Week Pass holder July 2015)

"Thank you to the staff for your care, support, and laughs. You inspire and motivate me!"

- Mark Aitken (Member since March 2015)

"Bodyworks has a phenomenal atmosphere. Not only are the staff friendly, the clientele are welcoming and supportive. Bodyworks has helped me meet and surpass my physical goals."

- Trevor White (Member since May 2015)

Bodyworks has friendly and knowledgeable staff, great hours and the latest equipment, including fitness on request classes that are available any time of the day.  I love the personal training sessions.  They give me the tools and tips I need to improve my fitness level and stay fit.

- Ginny Sargison (Member since March 2011)

"Bodyworks has managed to cultivate a welcoming environment that beyond exceeded my expectations. Where I entered with apprehension, I left with a smile on my face, excited for my next workout."

- Amber Macarthy (Member since August 2014)

There are so many great things about Bodyworks that has made this gym one of the best places I've been to.  The owner and staff are such amazing, caring people.  This is not only my gym, it is a place I call home.

The staff always make sure you are looked after in every way.  It is kept very clean, they have great equipment and amazing classes!

I've been going here for the past two years and I've met such wonderful people that I call my friends.

- Liseta Barros (Member since September 2011)

I recently joined Bodyworks because of the promotion which gives me access to literally everything the gym has to offer.  This includes classes such as Pilates & Spin (among others) which I might never have tried.  It also gives me unlimited access to the sauna & tanning bed, both of which I had never tried before.  It gives me the opportunity to vary my workouts to keep things interesting.

The value is amazing!  I don't think you could find better value for your money!

- Kelly C. 

These classes are a great option for us.  I usually take the 50 minuite cycle class because I need to build my endurance and I need a tough workout.  By the time I finish one of those classes, I'm drenched!  It's a really great workout.  Besides just training for the ironman, I was really interested in the fitness on request programming because there is so much variety.  Normally I'd wonder how I would have time to do all of these activities, but with this program, I have all of those options right in one spot and I can do it whenever I have time available.  I like that there are different class lengths.  If I come in on my lunch hour, I may only have time for a 20 or 35 minute class, but then on the weekends or at night I can take a longer class.  Sometimes when I workout, I don't want to think.  If I can just go to the gym and press a button and have an instructor tell me exactly what to do, it's great.  I'm constantly telling people what a great tool fitness on request is.  I just love it!

- Jackie Allen (Member since March 2007)