Okanagan Health and Fitness

With more than 40 years of yogic practice between them, Sonya and Jeff Thomlinson teach the methodologies of Kripalu yoga, which focuses equally on physical and meditative elements. Together, they run Trinity Yoga Center's teacher-training program, sharing the lessons they learned from many internationally recognized yogis such as Stephen Cope, Ana Forrest, and Shiva Rea. During daily classes at Trinity’s two locations, the teachers, in turn, reach out to beginning practitioners, aiding them in achieving perfect postures even as they reflect inward. Individual sessions focus on aspects of yoga such as core power, stress reduction, and candlelit meditation. Students leave class with calmer, more focused minds and increased levels of energy that occasionally result in them sneezing lightning bolts.

Catharine Goheen founded Dr. Specs Optical in Kelowna in 1987 to offer patients exquisitely crafted lenses at prices they could afford. Today at the high-tech optical lab, skilled technicians continue to churn out perfectly formed lenses in as little as one hour, with varieties ranging from simple uncoated prescriptions to polarized Drivewear lenses. The knowledgeable staff helps clients select from more than 2,000 varieties of frames, making recommendations based on face shape, lifestyle, and probability of being mistaken for a professor.

Dr. Specs give back to the surrounding community by donating eyeglasses once a year to churches, Rotary Clubs, and hospitals. During mission trips, the team helps disadvantaged communities live fuller, happier, and easier lives by supplying them with prescription glasses.

Aradia Fitness founders Christine Boyer and Tracy Gray used to cart a portable pole to different gyms in Tracy's Dodge Neon. Though acquaintances scoffed at their idea of teaching pole dance to inspire confidence and build muscle, the duo was determined to make the art available to everyday women. Thankfully, they had the business expertise and exercise know-how to back up their venture: Christina, a Pilates and yoga instructor, stood by pole fitness as a full-body conditioning method, and Tracy's experience as a figure skater and fitness instructor brought pizzazz to the routines. The pair's classes quickly sold out wherever that Dodge Neon went.

They've come a long way since then, having been featured in Canadian Business and Elle for their growing pole-fitness franchise. At Aradia Fitness studios throughout North America, guests of all backgrounds can practice the empowering pole spins, cardio dance steps, and stiletto heel swordplay of Christine and Tracy's curriculum. Every class and private party strives to connect pupils with their sensual side, bringing self-esteem and sinuous moves to spotlight.

Adventure Forever's certified mountain guides and first-aid responders enlighten beginning outdoorspeople and seasoned aficionados alike on the intricacies of ice climbing, rock climbing, and easy to difficult day hikes. During full-day treks and lessons, guides escort troupes of thrill seekers up frozen faces and climbing courses, plying their clientele with the necessary skills and knowledge to tackle Mother Nature's vertical labyrinths. Each experienced guide carries years of wisdom, capably leading participants through regions stretching across Canada, the United States, and Middle Earth.

Master Carlos Gracie, Jr. founded the Gracie Barra Association—which now encompasses more than 300 Brazilian jiu-jitsu schools—to aid students in developing their understanding of the art beyond simple competition. His schools teach not only combative techniques, but a four-pillared philosophy which instructors and students embrace: brotherhood, cooperation, discipline, and respect.

The instructors work with other trainers to expand the class repertoire beyond jiu-jitsu, offering women's kickboxing, muay thai, strength training, and kid's classes. Each teacher brings a long history of competitive expertise in the subject they teach and bears a high-ranking belt in the art of jiu-jitsu, with Mr. Reichenbach possessing a brown belt himself. The facility they teach in consists of a series of open training areas, which rely upon big floor-to-ceiling windows and glow-in-the-dark teachers for light.

At Urban Links, golfers up their games with hands-on training sessions with certified instructors and access to an indoor facility with the latest in golf training technology. Golfers can cure their slice-, shank-, or narcolepsy-prone swings inside hitting bays that feature TrackMan swing-analysis software, which uses motion sensors and video playback to break down swinging motions. Urban Links’ resident aces also enlist TrackMan technology to help players find out the club specifications that best fit their swing and body type. Along with lessons and club-fitting sessions, golfers can take advantage of the equipment and develop secret handshakes with cyborg Greg Normans during independent practice sessions in the hitting bays.