A fresh start to fitness

Living Fit Studio invests in the health of the Elk Valley

1 of 3Rosa Gilmar, owner and operator of Living Fit, stands below the freshly painted logo in her new studio. — Brielle Will photo

2 of 3Rosa Gilmar shows a lined-up lower body and core exercise with the mini-fit ball for support. — Brielle Will photo

3 of 3Rosa Gilmar shows her core strength class attendees an exercise focused on core building with the mini-fit ball. — Brielle Will photo

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The Elk Valley inspires many to incorporate active living into their daily routine. Long-time resident Rosa Gilmar’s innate passion for health and wellbeing caused her to create a life surrounded by fitness and helping others.

Gilmar’s Living Fit Studio opened its doors in the community of Sparwood last January, which seemed to be a natural transition from her previously owned Curves gym in the same location.

“December 2011, was once again a life change—the closing of Curves—and so evolved Living Fit Studio into a much larger venture,” said Gilmar.

A lover of the mountains and local communities, the fitness instructor first graduated from Mount Royal College after studying leisure education and community recreation. She then migrated west to Fernie 30 years ago.

The personal and professional challenges

Promptly after moving to Fernie, Gilmar immediately opened a business in the fitness field where it was nearly impossible to find work at the time. While working and raising three children with her husband Bruce, she was able to commit to starting up her own fitness classes. 

As she continues to educate herself and become certified in anything related to fitness, she is proud of the work it took to get where she is today.

Shortly after the first fitness classes, she opened a studio as a personal trainer and medical exercise specialist with a close friend and fellow trainer, Tammy Schembri.

They began in Fernie at the Rocky Mountain Medical Centre as Living Fit Studio. As their lives began to change, Schembri went on to open a studio in Grand Forks and Gilmar did just the same in Sparwood soon after.

With the additional opportunity to own the local Curves Gym, she carried on with both through to the end of 2011, and new doors opened.

A commitment to living fit

“I continue to offer the best possible service and have a wide variety of classes for all levels,” said Gilmar, who is also a busy personal trainer in between it all, consistently offering the best up-to-date programs for all of her clients.

Living Fit Studio offers an array of options, including beginner to advanced strength and core training, tai chi, Latin-style Zumba classes and small group training.

Gilmar has joined forces with fellow trainers Dale Burlington and Darcie Musil, who each bring their own styles of yoga to the studio, as well as Amy Quick with circuit boxing classes that are not for the faint of heart.

Living Fit also carries a new Canadian yoga and athletic brand, Terra Frog Clothing.

Having sown roots here with her husband, staying in the Valley is important to Gilmar.

“I have made a commitment and an investment in wellness and wish to continue to share that with others,” she said. “I have a lot of experience in the field and just cannot imagine doing anything else.”