Name: Kristy Hoornick
Tell me a bit about yourself and what you do.
For the last 10 years I have been the Fitness and Wellness Facilitator at Hutton House and have run my own fitness studio with classes and personal training. In November I closed the location of my studio and decided to just rent gym space from Hutton House, which allowed me to invite Special Olympics Athletes to evening workouts.
I have created a fitness jewellery line for Hutton House with most of the proceeds going back into three programs, one being fitness.
I also assist with dog rescue groups—I foster, arrange fundraisers and have created a jewelry line with proceeds going back to the rescue. I have four dogs myself, and am currently in the process of fostering two more.
What motivated you to become a personal trainer?
First I was a fitness instructor, so I felt like it was a natural progression to take the personal trainers course and get certified.
What is Hutton House and how can Western students get involved?
Hutton House has three locations and we work with adults 18 and up who are living with disabilities. We have a variety of programs ranging from helping people find employment and volunteering opportunities, to art, pottery and music classes, fitness and cooking; the list goes on.
We have a lot of volunteers from Western who can get involved in a lot of ways, so it’s always great to have more!
What is one thing about working with people who have special needs that you wish more people knew?
The amount you can learn from them, not just about their disabilities, but about their abilities
What has your experience training athletes for the Special Olympics been like?
It has been a great experience, especially to have people you train go to the World Games in Austria. Personally, it was also very educational doing their fitness testing as well.
One of my favourite classes in the Monday night class where my clients workout in a group class with my dogs, which everyone really enjoys.
What’s one tip that you would give to someone who wants to start working out but isn’t sure where to start?
They need to find something that makes them feel good. If they have never worked out, perhaps joining a crossfit gym isn’t the best way to start, but if they like the outdoors maybe try joining a walking group or learn to run program.
Most places offer a free class or trial week, so I would suggest they really research places and make sure that the owners and instructors are certified, and not just following a fitness trend.
What made you decide to get involved with dog rescue groups?
One day, I wanted to adopt a senior dog so I Googled senior dogs in my area and the Rescue Group that I got my dog from, and now volunteer with, came up. They are really great to work with and educated me, so I wanted to do more to help.
What is your favourite thing about dogs?
Watching them relax and realizing they are safe, happy and loved so they can truly be a dog.
What are your goals for the next five years?
I am seeing now how the Hutton House gym is truly a community gym by involving Special Olympics and my own training clients and the dogs. I also am in the (slow) process of creating a therapy dog program at Hutton House.
I would like to grow the partnership with Special Olympics to have more athletes, and people with disabilities in general, workout in classes.
I would also like to continue working on a dog business that includes dog massage and even fitness and personal training for them and their owners.
I am hoping to have completed my Fundraising and Recreation Therapy diplomas as well.