Testimonials

” I’ve been active and fit my whole life — ran 10k’s, played numerous sports, gone to the gym consistently, etc. But I never saw great results. Hadj’s Grind class took me to another level. There is no possible way I can push myself alone the way I’m pushed at this class. That’s what makes the difference for me. It’s getting to the point where I want to quit, where I’m sucking air, where my legs are jello…. that Hadj encourages me to keep going.

 

Hadj mixes it up so that our brains and our muscles never know what to expect. I especially like it that he works out with us, rather than just telling us what to do. We’re all in it together. ”

 

~ Kelsey Winkler

” I’ve been going to Hadj’s class for 10 years. I love it! With Hadj’s expertise and his passion for teaching, it’s structured in such a way that you never do the same workout twice. I always end up challenging myself to do better than the previous class. Commiting to the class is not only easy but it’s fun. ”

 

~ Heather Watson

” Grind Athletix has given me agility, flexibility and endurance… which in turn allows me to play harder in the outdoors with increased safety and frequency.

 

Hadj provides expertise, a contagious passion for fitness, a fun social environment and fantastic scenery. Having been at it for over 10 years, it keeps getting better. The family-like atmosphere keeps growing. ”

 

~ Bart Porebski

” After 10 years of doing Hadj’s Grind Athletix, I have seen participants from all walks of life. Professional athletes looking to take their game to the next level; Recreational athletes looking for that extra step on their opponents; People looking to get into better shape or for a change of lifestyle or just looking to get toned for the summer. No matter what the reason for their attendance, they have all gotten amazing results. ”

 

~ Jamie Fraser

” I have been doing Hadj’s class for 6 years. It is the most consistent I have been with any program. His classes are challenging yet fun and never the same! It’s a great place to be, no matter what level of conditioning you are in — he will take you to the next! ”

 

~ Jennifer Jankowski

” Hadj structures his classes in such a way that we find ourselves matched up with people of the same ability and fitness level. We end up challenging and pushing one another. This is ideal for getting positive results.

 

While having been a member for over 10 years, the last 2 have been ones in which I’ve attended consistently and I have been amazed at the reduction in body fat as well as increased speed and agility.

 

It’s a great place to be. Members are encouraging and there is a family-like atmosphere. ”

 

~ Kevin McGloin

” Hadj’s Grind reminds me of the workouts I used to do with my provincial soccer team. It is not like other workout “classes”. It’s full of athletic people who want to stay in GREAT shape — and we all come because even though we are getting our butts kicked, deep down, we love it. Plus, he doesn’t play cheesy aerobic-class music! ”

 

~ Cristi Zuk

” I’ve been taking Hadj’s class for over 10 years and have seen dramatic improvements in my fitness, strength and health. The exercises we do in class will hone any athlete’s speed, agility and power. You can’t get the same type of performance gains lifting weights in a gym. The class atmosphere is exciting and supportive. This is the ideal training regiment for the weekend warrior or serious athlete. ”

 

~ Alex Guy

” Hadj has inspired me to push my limits beyond anything I could have accomplished alone. Every class presents a new challenge and the fun and exciting atmosphere always keeps me motivated. His classes are fast-paced, challenging and fun… the best combination for a great workout! ”

 

~ Tiffany Pulice

” Forget the whole concept of bootcamp!

 

I consider myself fortunate because I stumbled into Hadj’s class when training at a gym in Kitsilano. Hadj was actually covering a class for one of the instructors who I later found out used to be one of his students!

 

It only took two classes for me to get hooked on Hadj’s teaching style and I can honestly say that I’m addicted to the feeling I get after each and every class. After years of training on my own and wasting time at gyms I can honestly say that I am now in the best shape of my life. ”

 

~ Darren Patrick

” Hadj’s classes are the most amazing, intense and enjoyable workouts I’ve ever had. Since starting these classes I’ve noticed a huge improvement in my stamina, strength and overall fitness!

 

No class is ever the same, keeping things interesting and of course always challenging.  Hadj is inspiring and enthusiastic, always motivating you to push harder and go further.  Hadj incorporates the perfect amount of cardio and strength training guaranteed to take you to a higher fitness level than ever before!!! ”

 

~ Michelle Pulice

” Being a pharmacist, health and exercise is very important to me. I’ve been working out religiously since the 80′s and under Hadj’s direction for the last several years. When you search and find something run by someone who “gets it”, you stick with it, and I’m fully onboard with Hadj’s Grind Workout.

 

Hadj’s workouts challenges you physically and mentally, and the Grind workout can be tailored to the person who has just started exercising, to someone who has returned to exercising or to someone who wants to maintain or to exceed their present fitness level. Hadj’s philosophy embraces you and provides you with a safe and meaningful way to stay in shape. Cheers to Hadj for keeping all of us people in our twilight years, sane?!”

 

~ Leon Jung

” I’ve done individual and team sports for most of my life and have competed at national and international events. I tried Hadj’s workout to build some speed and strength one spring. I noticed a big improvement in my running acceleration, speed, and cutting. Plus I could go for longer at a high intensity.

 

Now I’ve been going for a couple of years and it’s an important part of my life.  I rarely have injuries now because of the full body strengthening and variety of workouts. It’s a great group of people and a very supportive environment. There are people of different fitness levels and everyone can push themselves to the level that they’re comfortable with. ”

 

~ Jesse Schuhlein

” I believe the best workouts are when your limits are tested. This class will do just that. I’ve done my share of workouts and these have been the best i’ve ever had. Plus, the group environment just works for me.

 

Knowing that everyone is there to better themselves just inspires me to do the same. ”

 

~ Jason Kain

“ This is not your average boot camp! The Grind class provides a supportive and motivating environment that will drive you to your personal best.

 

Whether your goal is to improve your speed and endurance for your sport or enhance your overall fitness, this class will lead you to it. ”

 

~ Rachelle Thomas

“ I have been taking part in Hadj’s Grind Athletix workouts for over 13 years of fun and sweat.

 

Back in the 90′s, aerobics was in vogue, but having 2 left feet and not being able to follow the moves, it was not for me. I needed a workout regimen that would mirror the sports that I was involved in. Playing lacrosse I needed speed, agility, strength and endurance. Grind Athletix provides sessions that work on all these essentials.

 

Hadj’s workouts are never static or boring. He does cardio, plyometrics, strength and games to provide fun, uplifting sessions up to 4 times a week. I have benefited from these sessions not only on the fitness aspect but I found I had less injuries playing Lacrosse. You don’t have to be an athlete to participate. The group over the years has consisted of professional/recreational athletes, fitness buffs and average out-of- shape people. People who stick with it, over time, see great improvements in their fitness lifestyles. Grind Athletix is not just about working out, its a great group of people that over the years have become very good friends. If you want to improve your fitness level, meet great people, then Grind Athletix should be your choice. ”

 

~ Ben Chow

“ Hadj is an amazing trainer. He motivates through encouragement and a genuine interest in our well being. He loves what he does and he makes it unique, challenging and fun each and every class. The workout is like no other; some days you will love it, some days you will hate it because of the personal challenge… but you will keep coming back because it makes you feel energized, sore and proud of yourself.

 

The people are welcoming, there is no intimidation factor to the class. You set your own pace but will work harder than you ever thought possible due to the momentum and energy of the group. It’s encouraging to be around like-minded people while sweating your butt off! ”

 

~ Jamie Bulmer

“ I started with GRIND ATHLETIX when a friend invited me to class. Not going to lie – it’s a buttkick, but within a couple of classes I felt that I was a part of the “team”. The class atmosphere is fabulous – and provides what I need to push myself further, and be accountable.

 

Hadj keeps every class moving well (never a dull moment) by incorporating plyometrics, cardio and endurance training. I can honestly say I am never bored and consistently challenged. Hadj really creates a great vibe. He is high intensity, but in a way that is encouraging, and it pushes us a little bit further. There’s a great group of people.

 

So, if you are the person who hates the tedious routine of the gym – this is a great opportunity to get in the best shape of your life and have fun doing it!  ”

 

~ Nicola Walter

“ The Grind workout has been the core of my fitness routine for close to two years now and has helped me make great strides in my personal athletic limits. Increased strength, endurance, speed, and agility have all come from Hadj’s classes.

 

The positive and supportive atmosphere created by Hadj and the other participants helps to keep everyone motivated and working hard throughout the challenging and varying exercises. ”

 

~ Kevin Citterelle

“ Had’s workouts have improved my spring, speed and vertical more than any other training regime I’ve tried. But that’s only one dimension to Hadj’s workout – I find the classes have an incredible meditative effect and I enjoy the friendly, social atmosphere.”

 

~ Maia Tsurumi

“ I love Hadj’s classes. He mixes up every session and I look forward to the workouts every week. I have found my new addiction – Grind Athletix! The classes have given me the energy and strength to cope with my three kids (and my husband – lol) on a daily basis. I have found new friends in the classes who encourage me and help me get through the workouts. They never judge or exclude me out of any routine.

 

I really enjoy being with all my classmates. We would not have such a wonderful class if it wasn’t for our great leader, Hadj. I appreciate his patience and encouragement… toward everyone in the class. Hadj has a way of bringing the best out of everyone. I will forever be grateful for joining such a wonderful group of determined athletes.  ”

 

~ Nadia Joa

“ I had eyed Hadj’s class with envy back in his Olympic Gym days. The workouts looked brutal, yet everyone kept coming back week-in and week-out and were having — gasp — “fun”! I finally took my first class 6 years ago and haven’t looked back.

 

His classes combine the correct amount of intensity and changing variety that fit current models of good fitness training. I have to say I have never been as fit as I am now. Now after a long day at work, my wife may be tired but I still have lots of energy!”

 

~ Dr. Simon Ng

“ Given the short amount of time I have due to work and family commitments, going to the gym is really not an option (too time consuming, too expensive, limited results). However, being an out-of-shape father of three is also not an option. I am happy to say that, in little over a year, I have worked off my “pregnancy weight” without having to take short cuts. Hadj’s regimen is first class. He incorporates new movements and switches the order of exercises to prevent us from adapting to the same routines. It is never boring, there is always continued improvement and I have yet to plateau!

 

What really differentiates Grind Athletix from the other run-of-the-mill bootcamp workouts are the people. Hadj is a great leader, motivator and coach. He has built a great sense of community where everyone is supportive and shares the same level of dedication. Basically, we are all proud to be Hadj-o-holics. ”

 

~ Tom Joa

“ It’s easy to sign up for a new gym pass, but it’s even easier to stop going to the gym.

 

Hadj’s class is different. It pushes you to step out of your comfort zone through great exercises and positive encouragement, leading you to great results. And that makes you want to back. Since the entire group is on your team, you feed off the motivation from others. This builds your overall confidence.”

 

~ Celina Archambault

“ I would not be in the physical shape that I am in today if it wasn’t for Hadj’s workouts. He’s creative and committed. He keeps it fresh and challenging with no pretense, if you’re willing to do the work you will see the results.”

 

~ Angela van den Byllaardt

“ I’ve had years of experience with one-on-one personal training with Innovative Fitness, done various workouts with bootcamps, friends + groups, but have never had as much instant satisfaction as these Grind workouts.

 

Hadj Gill is a sincere and dedicated athlete who loves what he does and it shows in every varied session he offers. I love the group dynamic; the support, the challenge, the competition… all of it combined is what a Grind workout is all about.

 

Although I’m probably a decade short of being a Grind regular, the quality of these workouts will keep me committed for the long term.”

 

~ Clay Yandle

“I used to lift heavy weights in my twenties. However, as the years progressed, the muscle strains and sore joints took longer to heal.

 

That’s when I shifted to Hadj’s Grind workouts 16 years ago.  No weights – just natural, athletic movements that have made me feel stronger and more agile.

 

My joints are grateful I made the change… so too is my heart.”

 

~ John Leung

“Training with Grind Athletix for the last three years has given me the challenge and intensity that I look for in a workout.

 

Hadj is sincere and friendly and gets to know all of his participants, bringing a family-like atmosphere to the class. He has an undeniable passion for fitness and sport that makes him an expert in his field. The fast pace of the class and the countless variations to exercises is something that I could never mimic myself at the gym. As a competitive volleyball athlete who will be entering the CIS league in the fall, I thank Hadj for bringing my fitness to an elite level.

 

His experience combined with the friendly competition in the class have allowed for visible improvements in my speed, endurance, strength, and balance.”

 

~ Ola Kobza

“I’m an athlete and a new mom.

 

I’ve been playing ultimate frisbee and fast pitch for the past 20 years and have won provincial, national and world titles.  I started attending Hadj’s classes a few months after my daughter was born and the progress I felt after just a few sessions was inspiring.

 

I was motivated to continue with the classes and now I feel like my old self again.  Back on the playing field, I can hold my own again. Hadj’s workouts are so well thought-out, all you have to do is show up and you can get everything your body needs.  The group is supportive and friendly, just a great encouraging atmosphere.”

 

~ Megan Atkinson

“Once you get older the body definitely goes through changes. It’s not easy to maintain the same physique and fitness you had as a teenager. Since I’ve been doing Grind classes the results have been amazing.

 

Having played sports my entire life, the thought of going to the gym doesn’t motivate me anymore. So I get my fix with Grind Athletix. I feel like a teenager again in my favorite gym class in high school!

 

Hadj makes me feel like I am having a personal training session every class as he takes the time to correct my form and pushes me to my full potential. I have friends and family telling me how fit I look and that, to me, is the best compliment I can hear!”

 

~ Heather Jansen