Windsor’s first Fit Fest aims to inspire healthy living

By: Nicole Neuts

 

Windsor’s newest festival organized by local personal trainer hopes to inspire Essex county residents to make healthier lifestyle choices.

Amanda Garant organized the first Windsor Fit Fest coming up at the Serbian Centre on April 14 and 15. Inspired by her own weight loss of 150 lbs in spring 2015, Garant hopes to inspire others to get active and take the first step into a healthier lifestyle.

Windsor Fit Fest is a family event and children under the age of 12 are free. All proceeds from the event are donated to Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charity. Garant said it was important for her to partner with a charity that means something to her. Jumpstart helps children who want to play sports but whose parents are not able to afford the costs.

“If I had that level of support when I was younger, if I was nurtured a little bit more in that direction, it may have had a drastic change in my life,” said Garant.

Garant started blogging her journey online to give others the encouragement to better themselves. She wanted to take it to the next level and organize a festival dedicated to helping people achieve the first step by connecting other with the people and businesses. She started planning Windsor’s first Fit Fest a year ago.

“I thought, ‘wouldn’t it be really great to get all these other inspirational people who certainly had an impact on my journey all under one roof and give back to the community,’” said Garant.

Garant is not a professional event organizer, but said it was made easier by how eager people and businesses were quick to support her and the Fit Fest.

“It was very exciting reaching out to all these people and hearing their response…the energy that is still there surrounding this festival is very fantastic,” said Garant.

There will be 46 vendors attending the festival who range from physical fitness and mental health professionals to retailers to motivational speakers, doctors and registered dietitians.

“Every single aspect of health, whether you would like to eat better, sleep better, breathe better, any health improvement you are looking to have, this room is going to be chock full of people to help you live a better life,” said Garant.

The main sponsor of the event is Universal Fitness, a facility that promotes a functional body weight and HIIT style workouts. They are also bringing in Rob Fletcher, who is a celebrity fitness and self-defense expert.

Fletcher is the founder of America’s Next Great Trainer (ANGT), with 30 years in martial arts and fitness training. He was a member of the 1995 World Champion US kick boxing team and the 1996 North American kick boxing champion.

“Seeing the value and benefits of weight training, and how it made you feel inside and out,” said Fletcher. “I would say I became obsessed with training, cross training as it was known then with martial arts, kickboxing and strength training.”

His passion led him to open USA Karate and Fitness Center in Naples, FL in 1992. Now, through ANGT, he’s enjoying creating, and developing platforms for trainers, coaches, and instructors including radio, television and special events. From USA Karate and Fitness to ANGT (America’s Next Great Trainer), Fletcher said he never wavered from the mission to lead others to be the best they can be; to live ‘positive, healthy, fit, confident and strong.’

“A proud accomplishment is my book, America’s Next Great Trainer Transform Your Life. What inspires me now is seeing people change, and the impact that we have through America’s Next Great Trainer,” said Fletcher.

Fletcher looks forward to his appearance in Windsor and meeting some great people. Fletcher has chosen to use Windsor Fit Fest to announce the Canadian version of ANGT, along with taking submissions to be on the show. He’s also looking forward to teaching some free workouts to many of the attendees.

“I’m looking forward to collaborating, new friends, partnerships and collaborations. Amanda herself has quite the inspirational story which we featured in our most recent issue of Americas Next Great Trainer magazine,” Fletcher said.

Fletcher hopes Windsorites will be inspired, motivated and educated and informed during his visits. He also said he hopes the attendees will make connections that will advance their health journey.

“I think this a great opportunity to bring much more to Windsor in the very near future. It is awesome working with Amanda and Claudia, they have my 100 per cent support to continue to grow.”

Attendees can look forward to free work out demonstrations, including one from Fletcher, trying free products, and the chance the enter raffles and giveaways. Attendees will also be able to try martial arts and acro-yoga, along with a 50 foot rock climbing wall in the parking lot of the Serbian centre courtesy of Windsor Rock Gym.

Garant hopes attendees leave the festival motivated and are able to get acquainted with people and places they haven’t before.

Visit WindsorFitFest.com to pre-order tickets and learn more about the event. To learn more about ANGT and upcoming Canada’s Next Great Trainer, visit RobFletcherEnterpises.com or ANGT.tv. For appearances, contact Rob Fletcher at [email protected].