Client Testimonials From Core Essentials

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 To Whom It May Concern:

Tanna joined our team as Fitness Coordinator in September 2007. We asked her to work with our group of 15 - 17 year old female hockey players, many of whom thought they were in great shape. We are a Midget AAA Female Hockey program. After working with Tanna I think they would all say that they had something to learn about conditioning.

Tanna's enthusiasm was immediately apparent and the team responded positively to her approach. She was able to establish an excellent rapport with the members of the team, both on an individual and group basis. Tanna established a weekly regime for the girls and over the course of the year we saw tremendous gains in their strength and conditioning. A real testimony to the results of this program was near the end of the year we experienced some injuries (concussion, broken clavical) and had to play an important playoff game with only 10 skaters. The team came out of the gate strong and we were a bit concerned that they may tire by the end of the game. However, as the game progressed the girls continued to perform at a very high level and in fact showed no evidence of fatigue. Their ability to play such an important game and maintain such a high level of performance was in no small part due to the excellent work Tanna had done with them over the course of the year.

Tanna is a gifted trainer. She is dedicated, enthusiastic, caring, and motivated. Her upbeat, positive approach to health and fitness was an extremely important component of our very successful season as District Champions.

Thanks Tanna,

Dave Fraser
Assistant Coach, Mid-Island Extreme

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 To Whom It May Concern:

I have nothing but positive things to say about Dave Gilks and all of the Core Essentials staff. I have had great improvements with my posture, my game, my general health and most importantly for an athlete being injury-free.

I started training last year at Core Essentials with Dave to try and improve for my sport of baseball. I came off my first year at the College of Southern Idaho being a non-starter. After a summer with Dave I went back to the school being the starting catcher and earned the First Team All-Conference catcher at the end of the year.

After my first summer with Dave, he taught my brother and I many things about training; the physical side, and more importantly the mental side. Because we were only able to train for a short period of time, he taught us skills to take with us to use at our schools during the fall and spring semesters. I have now received another scholarship to play NCAA baseball at Mesa State College. I believe my goal to play this level of college baseball would have been out of reach without my training at Core Essentials with Dave. We have learned to train to become athletes, instead of being one sport-specific.

My game has improved in the aspects of power, speed, arm strength, and most important to all baseball players being able to stay consistent.

Thanks.

Grant Vickers

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 To Whom It May Concern:

Now since this has happened so many have noticed the changes. The first thing they ask what "diet" are you on. No diet, just a different eating regime and eating very clean. I am doing this for my long term goal a "Fitness Competition".

So how did I start this amazing journey? I started with David Gilks from Core Essentials. David started working with me in late fall of 2005. David went through my eating plan I did for about a month and set up a fitness routine that met needs tailored to me. My aim at this point was to be able to wear a bikini top and shorts in the Dominican Republic in December 2005. Guess what? I was able to wear a bikini top and some shorts and to be able to walk around and feel comfortable with my body and feel really good about those changes. This was the start of a new me.

I have battled my weight all my life right from childhood. Doing many diets my weight would go down but back, but a lot heavier. At that time of dieting I restricted a lot of my food intake and exercised vigorously 3 times a day. What happened there I lost a lot of my lean body mass and my weight dropped, but I still had considerable allotment of fat on my body. This experience happened just before I got married in 1992.

I started to really think of working towards some fitness courses. This would help maintain my weight and keep myself active. That journey began and is still on-going. I had this philosophy or "Vision" if I could encourage, motivate and show someone at this type of build or heavier you can do this. Working really hard and giving yourself these goals, and this is possible for anybody. The results can be truly amazing!

I want to be out there for all the women. Being a person with this structure/build who is heavier, you can do this. There is so much support and encouragement when attempting this amazing goal. But all these goals are done in small baby steps. When you get closer to this goal it will blow your mind away and that this is possible no matter what your body type is.

My belief system is to believe in yourself that you can do this. You have so much strength to keep going to fulfill your "Dream"!

How did I start my journey? I was asked by David Gilks of Core Essentials if I had any long-terms goals. I have had one that I was not sure if I was able to do it with all the unsuccess I have had from the past. I thought I would I take a shot, what do I have to loose? So my goal was competing in a fitness competition doing the "Figures". The other part is to have this done before I turn 40 next year before July 1st.

So this began on Jan 9/06. The new journey began for me. This consisted of a new eating plan. The first part of the eating plan was very hard. So many different emotions, being tired and moody.

There was so much support from David at Core Essentials. Very good in helping with your anxiety with this new regime. He was able to help and explain why this was happening. Always made sure you understood "why". I find David very knowledgeable, easy to talk to and so very comfortable. He is always there when you need encouragement and a lift to get through it.

When I finally came back at the end of February this experience was so amazing. I walked in and David was so amazed as well as his staff. His first comment was "you lost your ass!" Other comments were, "you come in now walking tall, have a big smile, and look very happy." I'm not afraid to show my tummy!

I am showing a lot more of my body and wearing tighter clothing... feel very good about myself and I'm liking my body and the changes it is going through.

Other positive encouragement from Core Essentials is getting these hugs on how amazed they are with my changes. Lots of wonderful words like "awesome" and "unbelievable transformation"... I am truly amazed David.

The greatest thing that I am so proud with these changes is my stomach. I have lost a lot of weight around that area, I can't remember the last time I was able to be feel confident in showing it off. I was so proud of this accomplishment. Starting to see muscle development forming and feeling my ribs in my stomach area, I've never felt that.

What this shows me is that I can do this and there are so many more changes to come that I cannot wait.

So much encouragement and positiveness from whoever I talk to. Yes I have amazed so many and cannot believe these changes. I even get requests of what I should wear in my fitness classes when I teach. Lots of compliments. This makes me feel so good inside. I can't wait for changes...

Other experiences is keeping up with my clothe sizes. I can't seem to keep up with my clothes, they keep coming off. Spending a lot of in alternations. But so amazed how small I am getting...

These are the changes so far... getting a hourglass figure, slimming in my face, muscle definition in the upper body.

Also finding when buying new clothes looking at tighter/clingy and form fitting clothes.

When I started with David in fall I was a 40 in pants and now I'm in a size 34... unbelievable.

I have started to weigh myself a little more and when I do it is getting lighter. Makes me so happy and amazing of these results.

I could not have pursued this without David. He has guided me to something I thought I couldn't do in my lifetime. I was in a mind set of not doing it... David, thank you for this journey!

How have I changed is my attitude is different, happy, I feel I am on top of the world, lots of energy, I can look at my body in the mirror, walk tall and lifted, I feel free and I have no limitations on what I can do....

I know when I walked out of Core Essentials how wonderful I feel and how proud I am of my accomplishments. I know upon leaving David how amazed he was and proud of how I have progressed in those 2 months. I guess I blew him away...

I believe I can get to my final goal next year and I have the faith in myself in meeting my goals.

I know David has so much experience, motivates me to meet my goals and how important this is to me. He encourages and pushes to your limits and always gives lots of positiveness and so much support.

I am so glad that this goal was asked and now I see the possibilities to pursue this dream to a reality. This will be a overwhelming experience.

The ongoing battles I face or can't get a grip on it. Changes are happening to my body all the time. Every week there is a change. However, my mind is still back in the past. It doesn't seem to be connected to my body.

I get lots and lots of compliments and some are hard to absorb. I guess I am second guessing myself... is this real??? I feel I am in a dream!

I try really hard to accept these wonderful compliments. I need to accept these changes and look deep inside that this is me just waiting to emerge into this beautiful and amazing person. Thank-you David.

Shannon Baldwin

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 To Whom It May Concern:

I am nominating Core Essentials for the 2006 MISTIC Science, Technology & Innovation Awards because David Gilks, the owner, both embodies health and is one of the most passionate people I have ever met on the subject of fitness. He has a commitment to health that is boundless and appears to be on a personal mission to bring it to as many people as possible. both individually and collectively. including children.

He has initiated a project creating a foundation for youth in the community aimed at fitness. He is an expert in his field and a consultant to many, providing service to many clients including ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia), WCB, the Teachers Federation, IWA BC Forest Logging Rehabilitation Services, BC Amateur Hockey Association. He is an educator and role model for the fitness industry noted for his skill and expertise. His studies include alternative health: herbology, biokinesology, reflexology, acupressure, educational kineosology and fitness. But it's mainly his passion about fitness that inspires me, his belief in potential regardless of our starting point and his vision of making the world a better place, one body at a time.

I believe David wants to ensure as many people as possible exercise properly, maximize their exercise time/results and buy into the philosophy of health as a life-long prospect.

I first met David in May when I tentatively made an appointment to see him to discuss my increasing health concerns. I went to interview him, as I saw this coaching process as a potential long term commitment... important enough to get to know him a bit and understand his health philosophy. I had been to gyms on numerous occasions but felt I had affected little change and was still missing many pieces in my health awareness. I wanted an expert... someone who understood health from the inside out and could help me succeed in an area that I hadn't succeeded in much before. I not only needed a coach; I needed to challenge my assumptions and believe change was possible.

And so we began. Week after week I showed up with doubts, fears. and questions. I wondered whether I could do it, keep with it, sustain it. I had a lot of previous unsuccessful attempts, and a few that worked temporarily. Yet I really wanted to pull it off this time. I hoped there would be something in Core Essentials that would sustain me this time around.

I found inspiration in David. His enthusiasm. excitement. and encouragement of my process and progress have been instrumental in assisting me in creating a stronger foundation for health/fitness. His can-do attitude, no-nonsense approach and strive for excellence encouraged me to continually strive as well and throw in another sit up before the day is done. He encouraged me to make small changes and celebrate the little victories, particularly when I so readily discounted them. He helped me to see when I blind-sided and discounted my success/couldn't see past my old habits and old ways of remembering. He reminded me to notice what I had achieved ...that the day to day experience was also the journey to success, not just the end result: that I had in fact already created a new paradigm. Then I too began to notice the many changes... in movement, flexibility and weight loss. Pieces of the puzzle are falling into place. New patterns are being created. Inevitably I leave believing in my ability to change and am once again encouraged to hick it up a notch, yet again. It's all quite marvelous, really.

While I initially hesitated about submitting this because I wasn't sure whether it fit under technology, the more I think about it the more I believe it does. While I may not understand the physiology of the body as much as I'd like to -- not yet anyway -- I do know this: our bodies are an amazing mechanism that not only house our cells, our structure, and our beliefs... but our very essence. We are a technological marvel. And one who can help me understand the workings, metabolism, muscles, bio-kinesology, structure, impact of nutrition, and inspire and encourage myself and others to become more fit and improve all areas of our lives as a result... well that person has a gift and deserves to be recognized as an expert in innovation (which the dictionary defines as a creation resulting from study and experimentation or the conversion of knowledge and ideas into a benefit for new or improved products, processes or services).

In my first meeting with David when I tentatively shared my reasons for coming to Core Essentials and my hopes for my health, David listened intently and responded with great conviction: "You can change your life with this you know." I so wanted to believe him. I saw his belief and wanted and needed to believe it to be true and on many occasions in the first weeks/months needed to borrow/lean on his belief. Until mine strengthened enough to become a foundation that I could stand on.

This I know. I am changing my life. My thanks and deep appreciation to you David, for who you are and all that you do.

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 To Whom It May Concern:

My name is Granville MacLellan and I am a retired member of the R.C.M.P. I have had many experiences with gyms over the span of my life. I have found that although the equipment was available for use - very little instruction was available as to proper use.

My experience, however, with David Gilks of Core Essentials Health Management has been totally different. David is a man of excellence in approach and instruction. What I appreciate most about David is his "up-front" integrity. David is there to give clear direction on how to accomplish a healthy lifestyle and he invests "himself" as well as his time, expertise, and energy into helping you become successful in your endeavors. David Gilks is a "no-nonsense" kind of trainer and frankly the word is out, "that if you don't mean business and you are not serious and willing to work hard and do what it takes to be successful, then he doesn't want to waste your time and money nor his and that perhaps Core Essentials is not the place for you."

To date, since being under his direction I have toned up, lost weight, and certainly I have a higher energy level and am eating properly - all over a four month period. It indeed has been a encouraging time and I am looking forward to even further success in continuing to experience a healthier, more fit life. Thank you David, finally I have discovered someone with knowledge and integrity that is able to teach the proper techniques to achieve a healthy lifestyle. I couldn't have done it without you! Thanks for showing you care!

Granville MacLellan

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 To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing this letter in support of David Gilks, Medical Exercise Specialist and Personal Trainer at Northridge Fitness Center.

I worked with David on a WCB funded program for 3 months between February and April, 1999.

The one-on-one training and education I received from him was a welcome change from the programs I had attended in the previous year. Prescribed exercises that I had unknowingly been doing for a year with poor technique were quickly corrected. David would hold my shoulders in the correct position (as I couldn't hold it for long on my own), before executing the exercise, which made performing it less painful. Sharing his knowledge of anatomy, what muscles an joint actions each exercise used, and how they related to movements we do at work or at home, gave my workouts a sense of purpose. Encouraging mind/muscle awareness was another helpful tool for me.

A workout that focused on strengthening the whole body and not just the injured areas was also an approach that I hadn't been introduced to up to that point.

David is enthusiastic about his work, and loves to share his knowledge with others. His good nature, sense of humor, and caring personality all helped to keep me motivated throughout my challenging three month program.

Sincerely,

Jane Patenaude

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 Heartnews, December 2004

Our meeting on Sunday, November 21 was well attended and we all enjoyed our speaker, David Gilks, Medical Exercise Specialist and Master Personal Trainer. David is very passionate about the need for all of us to maximize our physical health thus improving our lives overall. His talk motivated many of us to get started on some kind of program that will help us improve ourselves.

The First Open Heart Society of British Columbia

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 David's attributes are many:

...he has a rare ability to truly listen and understand what the real issues are and where they are based.

...he has a fantastic grasp of theoretical knowledge, but it is his ability to translate this into something real, practical and relevant to each individual that really stands him apart from most health professionals.

...his passion is contagious and this resonates in his ability to motivate.

...you can’t help but feel great, inspired and motivated after a session with Dave. It lasts for days and overflows into all aspects of your life.

Most importantly he is one of the most ethical and honest individuals I have ever been fortunate enough to work with. I whole heartedly recommend David Gilks and his unique services – whatever your goals may be you are guaranteed to achieve much, much more!

Jennifer Shultz, B. Phty (UQ) MAPA, Physiotherapist

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 To Whom It May Concern:

Women's Fitness 101 is a fabulous program. Using a well-researched approach, it combines nutritional education with strength training, aerobic activity and stretching to allow you to achieve your health and fitness goals. The exercise program emphasizes proper technique in order to avoid injury. The program occurs in a very comfortable and supportive environment. Diana, the instructor, was always so positive and encouraging, and made me feel like I could really achieve my goals. For the first time in many years, I feel in touch with my body. I would highly recommend this program to anyone wanting a sensible approach to becoming fit.

Dr Kathryn Sawyer

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 To Whom It May Concern:

This past August, I experienced what I believed was a Bride-to-Be's worst nightmare come true - my wedding dress was too small (by quite a bit!). With only a month until my wedding, I was absolutely devastated. I was stunned that there was such a significant difference in my size between April and August (time between buying the dress and one month prior to wedding). During that time I had been suffering with medical problems. I was well aware that I had gained weight, but nowhere near prepared for the effect it had on the fit of my wedding dress.

I was so upset with myself, I had to express my feelings to someone... I confided my situation to my very good friend Kris. She was so great, offering words of support and encouragement. She also offered her time as a walking partner as often as our schedules would permit. A few days later, my fiance and I attended our Jack and Jill party/wedding shower. I enjoyed myself, but was so worried about how I would fit into my dress, I didn't even want to eat or drink. That night I received a gift like no other. It was a small, rolled up piece of paper, stating that the bearer would receive an Assessment by David Gilks at Core Essentials, including cardiovascular risk assessment, body composition, biomechanical screening, dietary analysis and menu planning, and primary exercise prescription. I was stunned and speechless (remarkable for me!) ... I was so touched that my friends would give me this opportunity. Suddenly I felt like I had some direction with regard to my wedding dress predicament.

I called David and we set up an appointment right away, as time was definitely of the essence. This was my first time meeting David, and I felt an immediate connection. He seemed like someone I could speak openly with, and share fears, successes and humour, too! We discussed my goal (to trim as much off my midsection as possible) and our time frame (one month). David did a core assessment on me (I had very little core strength). He explained the importance of a strong core, and that I would need to start with basic core strengthening. Initially I felt a little disappointed, as I had expected David's approach to be similar to those of other personal trainers I had met previously. I very quickly understood the importance of a strong core to overall good physical health and strength, and any disappointment was replaced with a new understanding.

Dietary changes were a part of David's recommendations for me. This would mean a major reconstruction of my diet. I would need to start eating a lot more protein and a lot less fat and starchy carbohydrates. The amount of food seemed more than adequate, as did the meal intervals (5-6 times per day). The dietary plan that David set up for me seemed reasonable, something I felt like I could do.

Armed with new information, a couple of core strengthening exercises, a dietary plan, the motivation to succeed, and the knowledge that I had such an inspiring, motivating, magnanimous individual guiding the way, I left my first session with David. I had a huge smile spread across my face, and a lightness in my step that hadn't been there for a long time.

I met with David once a week for the next month. Each session started with a check-in about how I was doing with regards to diet and exercise, health concerns, and my feelings around how I was doing, and how emotions and stress may be affecting my program. This was somewhat of a new experience for me, as I'd never had a personal trainer who'd taken such a holistic approach. David asked about hurdles or other difficulties I'd encountered. Together we would strategize to determine ways in which I could avoid or overcome these, and other obstacles, in the future.

Following a discussion of the previous week, our sessions would usually include me giving David a demonstration of the exercises learned previously, to ensure I was doing them correctly and getting the maximum benefit from them. One of the things I was very pleasantly surprised about was that David didn't give me a long list of different exercises to do. He focussed on a few core strengthening exercises (as well as cardiovascular training) that we built on each week. I was so accustomed to doing a number of different exercises for each of the major muscle groups. Seeing the positive effects of only few exercises was very encouraging and exciting. It also erased a lot of the long-held beliefs that I had about exercising (especially those surrounding the need for expensive gym equipment). All the exercises that I did required no equipment at all!

Other things David taught me include consciously focussing on specific muscle groups to perform a particular exercise (as opposed to just doing the exercise), thus maximizing the benefit of the movements. I've learned simple movements to incorporate into my daily life (for example, while walking, standing or sitting) that contribute to increased core strength. I couldn't help but laugh the day David said that part of our session would include him teaching me how to walk! What he meant, I would quickly learn, was that he would show me some ways that would help me improve my posture and form, and contribute to more efficient and effective movement. These things combined would, in turn, help me gain a stronger core, better posture, a longer stride and stronger butt and leg muscles.

Each session with David was informative, encouraging, motivating and uplifting. The information he provided was presented in a number of different ways including discussion, demonstration, return demonstration and pictures. I found the concepts easy to grasp, and it was very helpful to go out and run with David, and get pointers on running technique, as opposed to having him explain it to me (or have it written out) and go out and do it alone. It was reassuring to know that he was watching me go through the motions, and making suggestions, and for me to feel the differences when following through with them.

David's continuing display of knowledge is astounding. I find our discussions extremely interesting, and his information greatly enhances my knowledge of how our bodies function. David's down-to-earth approach to my “wedding dress’ situation was comforting and realistic. From the first time I met David, I felt like I had known him for a long time. I was comfortable discussing my weight issues, my fears and struggles with food. I'd seen David's picture in the newspapers before I met him - I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous about having him as my personal trainer. I had preconceived ideas about him that couldn't have been further from the truth. I thought I would be uncomfortable because I was overweight, and he was so fit. I cannot emphasize how at ease and comfortable I felt with David from our first meeting. He wasn't intimidating, judgmental or critical... just very supportive, inspiring and so very positive!

Perhaps the most important part of my program was the pieces about internal dialogue. David and I spoke about this in each of our sessions, and how negative self-talk can sabotage success. I have struggled with this in the post, and David picked up on it right away. If I spoke negatively about myself, he didn't placate me with responses such as "you're not fat" or "don't be silly." Instead, he would explain how such comments and thoughts were detrimental to my overall success, and expending energy on what I didn't want depleted my reserves, leaving less for me to use towards going after what I did want.

After one short month I am happy to say how wonderful I feel. Had I not experienced it myself, I would have never believed that I would notice such a change in my overall health after such a short time. The increase in my core strength has helped my posture, and eliminated some back pain. My flexibility has increased and I'm sleeping better. I'm not at my ideal weight or fitness level, but that wasn't my goal (and it would have been unrealistic anyway!) - my goal was to get into my wedding dress. I still had to have my dress altered, but not as much as I would have if I'd never had the amazing opportunity of having David Gilks of Core Essentials as my personal trainer.

Most importantly, I felt beautiful on my wedding day!

Lori Multari

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 To Whom It May Concern,

David Gilks, MES completed our Medical Exercise Specialist and Post Rehab Conditioning Specialist Certification workshops in 1997 and 1998 respectively. David successfully completed both certification examinations. He also completed our Pharmacology for Fitness Professionals, Ergonomics for Fitness Professionals and Essentials of Senior Fitness workshops. These workshops are designed to provide fitness professionals with the skills for develop safe and effective conditioning programs for clients with medical conditions.

Medical research has shown the benefits of functional conditioning programs for clients with work related musculoskeletal disorders. These programs should include cardiovascular, flexibility and strength training. In addition to these components, prevention programs such as back schools should be part of the program. David's training has prepared him to deliver these services.

David has worked with clients with medical conditions for more than 5 years. During this period he has worked with many physicians, chiropractors and physical therapists in the Nanaimo community. I would highly recommend David to work with clients with work related musculoskeletal disorders.

If I may be of any further assistance please contact me at 1-888-610-0923. To learn more about our organization you may visit our website at www.postrehab.com.

Sincerely,

Michael K. Jones, Ph.D., RPT

President, American Academy of Health, Fitness and Rehabilitation Professionals

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 To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to recommend Mr. David Gilks as a BCRPA Master Instructor. I have known David since 1997 when he successfully completed both the Medical Exercise Specialist and Essentials of Post Rehab Fitness courses. Since that time I have witnessed the development of David's teaching, presentation, and analysis skills. His passion for his work is infectious to those around him and his drive to learn inspires his students. He is presently enrolled in our Medical Exercise Program Director (residency) and his company is developing a PERC (Prescribed Exercise & Rehabilitation Centre) Centre in Nanaimo, BC. He is a qualified teacher and has a natural ability to lead. I would highly recommend and support him as a supervisor and teacher.

Sincerely,

Michael K. Jones, Ph.D., RPT

President, American Academy of Health, Fitness and Rehabilitation Professionals