The Dagenais-Loo Family
August 2019
Meet the Dagenais-Loo Family! Stéphane, Heli and their two kids Sophie and Léa commit to physical activity as a family with three of the four involved in the CGC karate program. Though Stéphane, Sophie and Léa are working on turning karate into a full-family activity - and it seems like they're doing a pretty good job convincing Heli to join - they can all agree that even after six years of membership, they are still excited to spend time together to the CGC. Thank you Deagenais-Loo Family, for being such vibrant members of our CGC community!
"I want to lead by example and show my kids how great it can be to be active."
Heli - "Toronto, ON"
Stéphane - "Halifax, NS"
- What do you like about the CGC?
Heli - "I love all the options, there is something for everyone! After six years of membership, my family is still excited to come to the CGC."
Stéphane - "I like having the opportunity to spend time with my family in a healthy setting, where we can do activities together."
- What motivates you to maintain an active lifestyle/why is fitness so important to you?
Heli - " Working out clears my head and helps me manage stress. I want to lead by example and show my kids how great it can be to be active. You don't have to be a typical athlete to find something active you love; for me, that's running."
Stéphane - "I want to be healthy so I can be there for my family. I would like to set a good example for my kids about how important exercise is for a healthy mindset."
- What do you like to do in your spare time?
Heli - "I don't have a lot of spare time, but I love to read!"
Stéphane - "I like to be out in the woods and spending time with my family."
- What is your favourite workout routine/where in the CGC will we find you?
Heli - "I like to run on the Track or treadmill during our icy Nova Scotia winters. Year round, I love to cross-train in the gym and swim with my family. I also watch a lot of karate!"
Stéphane- "I love doing karate at the CGC with Sensei Jeff. He's a great teacher and I like learning new things and challenging myself. I also like working out on the Track."
- What is your favourite food or indulgence?
Heli - "Dark chocolate."
Stéphane - "I love all foods and cooking!"
- What is your favourite post-workout snack?
Heli - "I love making smoothies!"
Stéphane - "Peanut butter and banana smoothie."
- What is your go-to workout song or what are you listening to right now?
Heli - "Happy" by Pharrell Williams"
Stéphane - "En Nuit" By Video Club"
- What is your favourite movie/book/TV show?
Heli - "I love to read, I could not pick a favourite, but am currently reading through the Canada Reads books and loving them."
Stéphane - "The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery"
- What is your favourite quote?
Heli - "Comparison is the thief of joy" by Theodore Roosevelt. I try hard not to compare too much."
Stéphane - "We have two lives, and the second begins when we realize we have only one." - Confucius
- What is your current workout goal or accomplishment since starting at the CGC?
Heli - "I would like to train for, and complete, a full marathon in the next year. I have run six half marathons and feel ready to push myself in a new challenge."
Stéphane - "I want to keep working on my karate and improving and challenging myself. Sophie and I started in the family class years ago and just got our second degree brown belt in July. I love doing karate with her."
- What was your first impression of the CGC?
Heli - "My first impression was that it was very family friendly. We joined when I was on maternity leave and I loved using the child minding while I did a class."
Stéphane - "I found it a very bright, positive space."
- What is your favorite memory of the CGC?
Heli - "I love how excited my kids are to see program staff, especially After School staff, around the Centre. They love and really look up to them, which is great because they are awesome role models!"
Stéphane - "Doing karate with my kids and spending time with them here."
- What do you wish other people knew about the CGC?
Heli - "There is really something for everyone at the CGC! We love to swim and do other family activities together. We also get to have our own workout time when we use the child minding, which the kids love. I feel very comfortable and welcomed at the Centre. We have been so lucky to have spots in the After School Program which is exceptional. The staff love our kids and Sophie and Léa love going!"
Stéphane - "I think everyone should know how welcoming it is. They really make it easy to get fit and try new things. Years ago, I tried karate for the first time in the family class and loved it. I now do several classes a week and enjoy helping out too."
