Quick answers to common questions!

A list of questions regarding ayurveda,  fitness, weightloss, personal training, and other related topics. More questions will be added in the future.

What is “AYURVEDA”?                                                                                                                                                 Ayurveda defines health as a balance between mind, body and environment.    Ayurvedic medicine (Ayurveda) is an ancient holistic, whole body healing system.  It was developed more than 3,000 years ago in India.  It’s based on the belief that health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between the mind, body and spirit.  YOGA AND AYURVEDA are two interrelated branches of the same great tree of vedic knowledge that encompasses all of human life and the entire universe.  Yoga and Ayurveda are two systems that work together to put the body/mind back into balance and heal dis-ease.  

What is involved in a wellness consult and is it covered by health insurance?                                    Please contact consultant for a free 15 minute appointment to discuss options available.  Some private insurance companies will cover the cost for annual fitness/nutrition assessments.

What is a “dosha” ?                                                                                                                                                        Doshas are the three energies (VATA, PITTA, KAPHA) that define every person’s makeup. Doshas define a mind/body type complete with physical, emotional and mental characteristics.  A  dosha test involves a comprehensive questionaire or interview in person to determine  ones combination of the three energies.  An inbalance of a person’s particular dosha causes “dis- ease  in the body.

Do you offer ayurvedic lifestyle sessions?                                                                                                            Yes I do.  Lifestyle sessions which can include recipes and learning to cook with the 6 tastes, nutritional balance, yoga, decluttering mind, body and soul. 

Are supplements recommended to everyone?                                                                                                   As a certified ayurvedic supplement consultant I can advise you as to which ayurvedic supplements you need and how to take it.  As individuals with different needs, a proper assessment will ensure you are getting what you need.  Over supplementation can have adverse affects.  I work with different integrated health professionals so occasionally I recommend delaying the start of ayurvedic supplements till a different course of treatment has been completed.

What supplements do you carry?                                                                                                                              ISBF carries an exclusive line of Canadian company supplements:  Sewanti  Ayurvedic Supplements, WithinUs Tru Marine Collagen and Pranin Pure Food.  We also have our own line of essential oils.  Premium quality sourced from the country of origin,  non gmo and organic-theraputic grade.  

ISBF also is a distributor for a vegan based company offering a wide variety of supplements from PURIUM.

Do you offer one on one personal training?                                                                                                        Yes I do. First I would meet with you (no charge) to discuss your current fitness level and your goals. I usually recommend newcomers to have a fitness and or a nutritional assessment before starting personal training sessions.

Why is a fitness assessment necessary?
For someone with a medical concern, injury, new to exercising, performance oriented goals or someone with weight loss goals a fitness assessment will measure your current level of fitness and help measure your future progress. A fitness assessment will help us to design the correct program for your current level to achieve your desired goals.

What’s the time commitment to “get fit”?
The beauty of hiring a fitness consultant is that you will be assessed and offered an individualized program that will work for you and your schedule. Your goals, fitness level, time, availability, restrictions, preferences all need to be considered in setting up a successful program but I assure you ISBF has the expertise and know how to help you. The Canadian Activity Guide (similar to US) states that you should accumulate 60 minutes of physical activity every day to stay healthy or improve health.
To improve flexibility workout 4-7 times per week
To improve strength workout 2-4 times per week
To improve endurance workout 4-7 times per week

Do you offer group classes?
Yes we offer both group and private classes.
If you are interested in group classes  in yoga, barre, pilates or personal training please contact us. We need a minimum of 10 people to sign up for group classes.

Is boot camp the fastest and best way to lose weight?
No,it’s not the fastest way to lose weight. Studies have shown that if you have a poor diet and adjust to a new cleaner diet you will drop the weight faster (even if you are not exercising). If you want to lose weight we recommend that you start with a nutritional assessment (from ISBF) to discuss and refine your nutrition. Calories in calories out….You are what you eat…..

I am not a fan of most group boot camp classes. You need to have a certified boot camp instructor (ISBF has certified Boot Camp instructors from Staff Sergeant Ken Weichert/Start Fitness)

Don’t get me wrong, if taught correctly boot camp is quiet successful at building endurance and strength. It is important that you are “fit enough” to start and that you have proper alignment to prevent future injuries. I incorporate boot camp into many of my personal training sessions.

I am not a fan of boot camp, I was always sore and finally gave up because of an injury. What can you offer me?
ISBF would recommend a fitness assessment to reveal your physical strengths and weaknesses. Our one on one personal training sessions will incorporate a proper warm up, aerobics, strength and cool down with flexibility exercises. We will design an individualized program that will progress every 2-4 weeks as you improve.
Our strength is incorporating various skills from kick boxing, Pilates, weight training, boot camp, yoga into a fun routine for you.

What weight loss programs do you offer?
*10 day cleanses (Purium program)
*Nutritional weight loss programs (clean eating)
*Ayurvedic dosha balanced nutrition
*12 week Yogalean transformation program (Beth Shaw)

Call us for a free 30 minute nutritional assessment and we will let you know what would work best for you.

Do you offer the 12 week YOGALEAN transformation program on-line?
YES we do. You can start anytime. We start with sending you a detailed questionnaire and ParQ form and follow up with an on-line consultation.

Where can I buy the Yogalean book or dvds I need to follow for the Yogalean program?
ISBF has a on-line store that sells all the products you will need for the Yogalean program. As a member of ISBF you are entitled to great discounts on all products that we sell and that includes the yogaLean book, Dvds, CDs, Purium products.

How much does it cost to become an ISBF member and what do I get?
The annual fee to become an ISBF member is $25. You can register on-line by filling out the contact form and requesting membership. You will receive important updates…. don’t worry we won’t bombard you with newsletters. You will be entitled to 10-25% discount off classes, clinic, all products sold including YogaFit, Essentially Lu, Sevanti Ayurvedic Supplements and Purium Products.

Is the 10 day PURIUM cleanse mandatory for the 12 week Yogalean Transformation program?
It is strongly recommended that you participate in a cleanse and the Purium 10 day program is very gentle and effective….It’s known to reset your metabolism and jump start the program. There are other options that you could discuss with the consultant. Some are less expensive and some can be shorter in duration but either way a cleanse is recommended.