Lift Off For Lupus

My body hates itself. My red and white blood cells are in constant battle. Every day I have to prove to myself that I am worth it, that I can make it and that I can push through this. I have to constantly keep reminding myself that life is 20% what happens to you and 80% how you deal with it.

When I was first diagnosed with lupus I went through all of the five stages of grief…

1. Denial “I feel fine”, “This can’t be happening”

2. Anger “Why me”

3. Bargaining “I’ll go back and be healthier and sleep more”

4. Depression “I am going to die”

5. Acceptance “Lets host a fundraiser”

When I finally reached step five, ‘acceptance’, I approached Ape with the idea of hosting an event. I have participated in many walk/runs, sleep-a-thons, famines and other cliche fundraisers. If I were to put OUR business name on an event, it needed to be unique, personal and fitness related. So together we came up with the idea to host a deadlift competition, “Lift Off For Lupus”. Each lifter paid a $20.00 entry fee and for every pound they lifted they had to donate $0.5. We encouraged the crowd to toss dolla-bills on the platform to contribute to their totals.

Neil a.k.a Mr Social Media blew it up. I know I say this all the time but Neil is my rock. He is the only person who can tell me to push on or pull back (without suffering a blow to the head). He is the most loving supportive boyfriend a girl could ask for. He took my idea and made it a reality. Before I knew it we had over 12 lifters, a live D.J, a photographer and many interested spectators. He even got in contact with the owner of Adrenaline Personal Training Studios, the top power lifting gym in Regina.They produce extremely strong athletes, so strong in fact they had to bring extra weight plates. Extra weight = extra-ordinary donations.

Through entry fees and donations we raised over $2000!

Neil and I would like to thank the following people:

Steve, Derek and Tyler of Adrenaline Personal Training Studios

Chantal and Justin at GymStar Apparel Canada

Tun and Simon at Popeyes Regina

Tyler Prill our d.j extraordinaire

All of the group strength training participants who attended the free circuit class.

With love from the Trench kitchen,

xoErika♥

Drew Barss

June 17, 2021

My experience at Trench has been nothing but positive. I purchased a drop in session in November of 2020 in hopes of touring local gyms in the city. Trench was the first and last gym on my "tour". The facility, the equipment, the staff and community, everything about Trench was what I was looking for. As a shift worker, 24/7 access is an added bonus. I just completed my 12 week Nutrition and Fitness consulting program with Neil, His Knowledge and professionalism were evident through the process, but what stands out most from my experience is his personable approach. I was able to drop nearly 40lbs in 12 weeks. I would recommend this program, as well as Trench Fitness to anyone looking to not only loose weight but make lifestyle changes.

Brendan Hebert

September 7, 2021

I selfishly want to give this place a bad review so that it doesn’t get any busier BUT I CAN’T. I have worked out at probably 5-7 different gyms in the city and this is by far the best atmosphere, space, equipment, and clientele. Neil and the rest of his team treat everybody with respect and support. I’d recommend this gym to any level of fitness!

noyes20b

September 2, 2021

I do not have enough great words to express how amazing this gym is. It is a very welcoming environment and was not intimidating for myself as a beginner plus size woman. They have an excellent nutrition & exercise program that has helped me become the healthiest, strongest and most confident version of myself. Highly recommend a personal trainer even if for a short time to learn some exercises with the various equipment and to ensure correct form. Highly professional location staffed with approachable, knowledgeable experts in the field.