Noelle’s Gift – What An Incredible Event!

I had a blast on Saturday!

A huge shout out to all the organizers and volunteers, to the fitness experts who travelled far and wide to be there, to the exhibitors- and to every single person that walked through the doors on Saturday to make Noelle’s Gift of Fitness & Health Expo 2019 a success.

What an incredible event.

This was the first year it was held in one location – the Point Edward Arena.  Other years, from what I know, has featured different events in different locations, but this year from 8am til 4pm – it was a one stop spot.  Workouts. Fitness professionals. Motivational speakers. Workshops. Exhibitors.  It was an incredible experience I feel so honoured to have been part of.

We live in an incredibly giving community.  A community with heart. And that was shown on Saturday in such a big way.   So many people coming together for such a great cause.  So much heart. So much compassion.  So much joy out of such sadness.

Noelle’s Gift was created out of such immense heartbreak and loss.  To stand in the same room with her family and friends, knowing that so much good was coming out of the darkness, was so incredible. Beyond words.

They were there. Doing the workouts with all of us.  I can relate to great loss. I know the pain of losing someone close to you. It is not easy.  It can be hard to overcome. But to see such tragedy turned into something so good is incredible beyond words.

I have so much admiration for this group. For doing something so positive for people in our community.  Simply amazing.  Such strength. I wish I could hug you all. Maybe someday.

Even kids from area schools helped to decorate the arena with sunflowers. It was incredible.

The workouts were fun and challenging.  Top notch fitness professionals took us through a variety of workout programs.

The day for me started with Body Groove with Heather Winia. A chance to move to the music. No judgement. No wrong moves.  A chance to free ourselves from the self doubt, insecurity and lack of confidence. To learn how movement helps with daily challenges and stress.

Metabolic Mayhem was a complete surprise.  With Scott Rawcliffe. Fun with fitness? Who knew.  I was so hesitant at first. There were games. Like toss the balloon.  None of us could control our laughter. It was every childhood birthday part I ever went to. Amazing. Fun. An incredible workout.

I took in a “Mental Toughness” workshop with Amanda Bowman (winner of top trainer with Dr. Oz).  We learned about the “Wheel of Life”. Dividing our life into eight sections, and making goals to improve in each. Love being pushed to be better and expect more.

The day ended STRONG -with Strong by Zumba with Amanda Grant. Amanda is one of the fiercest women I’ve had the chance to work with. Her smile. Her energy. Her positivity is amazing. To have been given the chance to workout with her, in one of the most challenging workout programs I’ve ever done, was an experience I’ll never forget.

Such an impressive collection of experts in one room. Teaching us to be our best selves, accept ourselves, love ourselves, be our own individual and embrace that.

Different exhibitors were on hand to discuss different areas of expertise – from travel, to supplements, to workouts.

The level of excitement was off the charts.

I’ve never been to something like that where everyone just smiled and cheered you on and high-fived you as you got through a tough exercise routine. It was incredible.

I have shied away from the even in the past few years because I was bit too afraid. You hear the words “fitness” and if you aren’t feeling quite up to par in your own health and fitness, you tend to avoid anything like that.  At least I do.

This year, I had a new found confidence with my new fitness family.  This is what you need to do sometimes. Surround yourself with positive, uplifting and encouraging individuals who will help you and push you to be your best self. If you ever want to join us – come join us for a class at The Studio here in Sarnia. Zumba, Pound, Strong by Zumba, Yoga – and even more. A class for everybody.

“Noelle’s Gift was founded in loving memory of Noelle Paquette to ensure every student in Lambton-Kent has the resources they need to grow up great. By supporting Noelle’s Gift you will be helping to reduce inequities by providing kids with the daily necessities that many do not have.”

I never knew Noelle.  But I do know her story.  And to be part of something as special as this is such a wonderful way to honour and continue to love and pay tribute to a person that wanted to make a difference in her world. Her community. To be part of an event like this, is like sharing your heart with all who loved her and I think that’s pretty special.

Categorised in: Afternoons

This post was written by Carrie Buchanan