The Fit Ref Podcast with Justin Slimm

Episode 58, Solo update episode

October 29, 2023 17:37 - 24 minutes - 42.4 MB

🎙️ Welcome back to another episode of The Fit Ref Podcast! 🏒 After a two-month hiatus, we dive into the whirlwind of activities that have kept me busy. From the nerve-wracking return to hockey officiating after a six-year break to running multiple marathons and even participating in an ultra-marathon team race, it's been a journey filled with ups and downs. 📊 Racing Stats: Half Marathon 1 in Canmore: 40th overall out of 671, time 1:43 Half Marathon 2: 30th overall out of 336, time 1:39 ...

Episode 57, The dangers of misinformation in nutrition

August 10, 2023 17:35 - 29 minutes - 27.4 MB

I'm Justin, your guide and certified nutrition coach, on this journey through the often confusing world of nutrition. In this episode, I delve into a concerning trend of misinformation in nutrition, especially spotlighting a recent video that's muddying the waters with fear-driven narratives. Together, we'll counteract those myths with solid, evidence-based truths, ensuring you're empowered with the knowledge you deserve. I recognize that discussions around nutrition can hit close to home f...

Episode 56, how to become the best official

July 30, 2023 14:23 - 49 minutes - 45.7 MB

Welcome back to the "Ref Fit Podcast with Justin Slimm," your comprehensive guide to fitness, nutrition, and life in the sporting world. Formerly known as the Calgary Fitness Podcast, this rebranded platform embarks on an exciting journey, exploring everything from refereeing and sports to family life, longevity, and hormones. Your host, Justin Slimm, is a former hockey referee with a passion for fitness. His unique blend of personal experience and expert insights offers valuable tips and i...

Episode 55, Jeff Osadec

February 06, 2022 18:07 - 54 minutes - 50.6 MB

Help the podcast out by supporting our friends at truLOCAL. To get three pounds of grass-fed, grass-finished ground beef added to your order, make sure you enter the code TRUSLIMMFITNESS at checkout when you purchase your first regular box. Find out all the details, and what truLOCAL has to offer and get started on eating better today! Today's episode is an update from Jeff Osadec, how baseball players should train, and what to look for to avoid over-training and injury.

Episode 54, Dan Hanoomansingh, Hockey Canada Officiating

October 27, 2021 22:12 - 51 minutes - 17.5 MB

In this episode of the podcast, I sit down with Dan Hanoomansingh with Hockey Canada about the upcoming hockey season. It's been a different year with the pandemic, so I wanted to get his take on how officiating will be different and how officials can thrive. If you're interested in becoming an on-ice official, please contact your local branch, or you can find more information, here: https://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/hockey-programs/officiating Help the podcast out by supporting our frien...

Episode 53, how to prepare for the upcoming season

September 05, 2021 19:57 - 57 minutes - 53.5 MB

In today's episode of the podcast, I am doing a Facebook live for our talented group of hockey officials in Alberta. We do these Facebook lives once per month, and I also want to get a greater reach out there and publish it for you! If you're enjoying the podcast, please make sure you leave a five star rating and written review so that we can grow this thing to reach more officials. Help the podcast out by supporting our friends at truLOCAL. To get three pounds of grass-fed, grass-finish...

Episode 52, solo Q&A

August 01, 2021 13:06 - 51 minutes - 47.6 MB

It's been a while! Things have been busy, but I'm happy to be behind the mic again to bring you some great information that may help you in your fitness and nutrition journey. Today's episode is from a recording of a Facebook Live I did with some Hockey Alberta officials. Help the podcast out by supporting our friends at truLOCAL. To get three pounds of grass-fed, grass-finished ground beef added to your order, make sure you enter the code TRUSLIMMFITNESS at checkout when you purchase yo...

Episode 51, Bob Wilkie, I Got Mind

April 21, 2021 15:09 - 41 minutes - 38.6 MB

Mental health is not a weakness. Let's just start there. It's not something that you need to hide, feel weak for, or even minimize your struggles. It's real, just as much as breaking your leg, having a cold, or not sleeping well is. Bob Wilkie has an amazing story. As a young athlete who was in the 1986 Swift Current Broncos bus crash, he has dealt with extensive trauma in his life. But instead of cowering to it and being a victim to it, he put himself through a healing journey once he r...

Episode 50, Scott Wildeman, on re-opening fitness facilities

March 22, 2021 13:58 - 48 minutes - 44.7 MB

Gyms, boutiques and fitness facilities in Alberta continue to hope for news on whether they can re-open safely and provide high-intensity training again to their clients. Meanwhile, the Fitness Industry Council of Canada is hoping that the federal government includes gym memberships as a tax deduction in the upcoming budget. This interview with Scott Wildeman, the president of the FIC, is packed full of information as studios look to navigate the current COVID-19 restrictions in Alberta,...

Episode 49, Elaine Kupser, IMPACT Magazine

March 17, 2021 11:34 - 38 minutes - 36.1 MB

Elaine and I had a chance to connect right before IMPACT put out its Top Fitness Instructors of 2021. IMPACT is a publication that puts out some of the best science-based fitness, nutrition and health information to help you on your journey. Obviously, this past year has been like no other, so I wanted to see how a magazine of this nature was able to deal with some real adversity to come out stronger on the other side. If you enjoyed this episode, consider getting a free digital subscripti...

Episode 48, Micaela Widmer, Skeleton coach

March 06, 2021 15:35 - 47 minutes - 44.2 MB

I had a good chat with Micaela Widmer, who is a former Canadian Skeleton athlete and now coaches the sport. But what really drew me to her was that she is an ambassador for KidSport, an organization that helps kids get involved in organized sport. To learn more about what she's up to, follow her on Instagram. Until March 10, truLOCAL is offering three pounds of ground beef PLUS two pieces of Alaskan sockeye salmon for free as long as you purchase a regular box. Enter the code HAPPYMARCH ...

Episode 47, Marco Carducci, Cavalry FC

February 25, 2021 12:31 - 41 minutes - 38.2 MB

In today's episode, we speak with Marco Carducci, who is the goaltender for Calvary FC in Calgary. He's also an ambassador with KidSport, which is an amazing organization that helps kids under 18 get into organized sport through the help of grants and volunteers. To learn more about what Marco is up to, follow him on Instagram. If you're a fan of the show, you know that I love supporting local. That's why I believe truLOCAL is the best place to get your frozen meats delivered right to yo...

Episode 46, Greg Quaile, truLOCAL

February 12, 2021 14:16 - 52 minutes - 48.8 MB

Greg Quaile is the Vice President and co-founder of truLOCAL, a Canadian company that helps you get high-quality meat delivered right to your door. It's a subscription-based service, the meat is frozen, and in my opinion, is some of the best product out there. Greg and his business partner, Marc, were on season 12 of Dragon's Den -- go check it out on Netflix now! Click here and enter the promo code TRUSLIMMFITNESS to receive 3 pounds of grass-fed, grass-finished ground beef when you pur...

Episode 45, canfitpro PRO TRAINER Tammy Slauenwhite

February 04, 2021 13:54 - 58 minutes - 54.2 MB

Today's episode is with Tammy Slauenwhite, who is a PRO TRAINER with CanFitPro. I really wanted to get her opinions on a lot of things like how to train through quarantine, why Transformation Tuesday doesn't show the whole story, and her background as a teacher. Head to this link and enter the code TRUSLIMMFITNESS at checkout (when you purchase a regular box) to get three pounds of grass-fed, grass-finished ground beef added to your order.

Episode 44, Harrison Smith does pullups for charity

January 23, 2021 17:37 - 37 minutes - 35.1 MB

Harrison Smith had a rough 2020, like a lot of us. He had some really negative stuff happen, but decided to flip the switch and turn it into something positive. He is going to attempt to do 1,000 pullups in a day for Big Brothers Big Sisters Calgary. To see more about his fundraiser, go here. --Thank you to our friends at truLOCAL for making this podcast possible. truLOCAL connects you to the source of your meats, by delivering frozen, local to your province meats. To get three pounds of...

Episode 43, Ron McPhee

January 21, 2021 15:51 - 53 minutes - 49.2 MB

A little over a year ago, I went to a conference for CanFitPro in Edmonton, Alberta. While there, I registered for a course called 'Becoming a rockstar coach' with Ron McPhee. He took the fitness out of it for a minute and reminded us all to be the best versions of ourselves, rather than the strongest, or the fittest. The stuck with me and it's why I wanted to have him on the podcast. His energy is infectious, he is relatable and is someone that still gets nominated as one of the top tra...

Episode 42, Catriona Le May Doan, chef de mission for Team Canada for the 2022 Winter Olympics

December 30, 2020 14:04 - 43 minutes - 39.8 MB

Today is an exciting episode, as we've got Catriona Le May Doan. She is a former athlete and now the chef de mission for Team Canada for the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. In this episode, you will hear how serving as a mentor for the athletes in the next Winter Games is a full-circle moment for her, how advocating for local sport has changed in a pandemic and how she continues to be a voice for up-and-coming female athletes. Please take time to subscribe to the podcast, share it with ...

Episode 41, Rob Kerr, Calgary Hitmen

December 23, 2020 14:04 - 1 hour - 56.3 MB

In this episode of the Calgary Fitness Podcast, I speak with Rob Kerr with the Calgary Hitmen. I wanted to connect with him and talk about how the team did something very cool with Teddy Bear Lane. If you're not familiar with the team's tradition of the Teddy Bear Toss, this was a really cool undertaking in order to still collect more than 18,000 teddy bears to provide to local charities and organizations. In this episode, you'll also hear Rob's passion for youth sport and leadership. I am...

Episode 40, Sanjay Sachdev, Father, Athlete, Cancer Survivor

December 16, 2020 12:33 - 54 minutes - 50.5 MB

Sanjay Sachdev has an amazing story. As someone who was in the prime of his racing career, he received word that he had an aggressive form of testicular cancer. Instead of letting that defeat him, he decided to use it as an opportunity to fight and brought his bike into the cancer ward. He used it as a way to inspire others and that, to me, is one of the greatest acts of service I have ever seen. If you know someone who is dealing with unimaginable circumstances, please share this podcast ...

Episode 39, Sanjay Sachdev, Father, Athlete, Cancer Survivor

December 16, 2020 12:33 - 54 minutes - 50.5 MB

Sanjay Sachdev has an amazing story. As someone who was in the prime of his racing career, he received word that he had an aggressive form of testicular cancer. Instead of letting that defeat him, he decided to use it as an opportunity to fight and brought his bike into the cancer ward. He used it as a way to inspire others and that, to me, is one of the greatest acts of service I have ever seen. If you know someone who is dealing with unimaginable circumstances, please share this podcast ...

Episode 39, Naomi Keane, Oranj Fitness

December 09, 2020 16:08 - 48 minutes - 45.1 MB

Naomi is the owner of two separate Oranj Fitness locations. One in Airdrie and the other in Kensington. Her inspiring attitude, how she's dealt with adversity and how COVID-19 has changed her really opened my eyes to the hard work that small business owners do every single day. Remember that these people are your neighbours, your cousins and your friends. This episode was recorded back in October, so before the latest round of restrictions. Please follow Oranj Fitness on social media or chec...

Episode 38, Scott Wildeman, Sr. VP Fitness and Operations at GYMVMT

December 02, 2020 12:27 - 56 minutes - 52.7 MB

Scott is the Senior. VP of Fitness and Operations at GYMVMT, formerly World Health or World Health Club. There are a number of locations right across Alberta, which also include HERGYMMVMT as well. Scott started his career as a personal trainer with the organization 20 years ago and worked his way up the ranks to where he is today. I appreciate his willingness to open up about the business, his role with the Fitness Industry Council of Canada, and how exercise and movement can be part of t...

Episode 37, Christen Harvey, head of CanFitPro's PRO TRAINERS

November 25, 2020 13:15 - 55 minutes - 51.5 MB

Christen Harvey was an absolute joy to have on the podcast. She is the head of the CanFitPro PRO TRAINERS for the PTS and Group fitness division. We spoke about so much in this episode, including how she even got into fitness (it was by mistake), who to trust on social media and what it's like to raise a young girl in the age of Instagram influencers. Are you looking to get local, high-end meats delivered right to your door from farmers in your area? Check out this link and when you purcha...

Episode 36, Duff Gibson, Dark Horse Athletic

November 18, 2020 14:59 - 58 minutes - 54.5 MB

Duff Gibson is a former Gold-medal Olympian and current advocate for youth sport and physical literacy. In this episode, we dove into his training for the 2006 Games in Turin, how mental health is so important and why physical activity from a young age can set you up for success in life. His section on having a growth mindset, especially during times of COVID-19, really blew my mind because it can be hard to navigate these tough times. If you want to see what Duff is up to, check out htt...

Episode 35, Trevor Irwin, LIV North

November 12, 2020 11:55 - 48 minutes - 44.5 MB

Trevor is the sales manager of Apple Fitness, which is owned by LIV North. During this time of COVID, a lot of people are having a hard time getting the equipment they need because of a backlog of orders. I wanted to ask how this was impacting Trevor's world. He also provides tips on how to look for the best at-home gym if you're stuck working out from home.

Episode 34, Calvin Zaryski, High Performance Endurance Coach

November 04, 2020 15:52 - 57 minutes - 53.2 MB

Calvin Zaryski is a high-performance endurance coach with nearly 30 years of experience training athletes in marathons, ultra-marathons, triathlon and even helped people climb Mount Everest! You will learn so much during the podcast, including details on where to start if you're looking to get into endurance sport, how recovery plays an incredible role and why it takes time to train for an event. This science-based interview will bring you so much value! To get more information about C...

Episode 33, Badlands Training Centre

October 28, 2020 14:55 - 41 minutes - 38.3 MB

I had the opportunity to speak with Dallas Deman, Pam Deman, Brendon Hamilton & Tom Wilde with the Badlands Training Centre in Medicine Hat about their upcoming opening. To hear what their intent is and how they want to help each individual client was so incredible to witness. The audio in this podcast drops out a couple of times but does come back. For more information about what they're up to, check out: https://www.badlandsview.com/badlands-training-centre

Episode 32, Emily Johnson, StrongerU Senior Fitness

October 21, 2020 12:36 - 34 minutes - 31.5 MB

We cannot control time. We are going to age. Your parents and grandparents may be in an exercise routine, or maybe they're not. Emily Johnson with StrongerU Senior Fitness helps us understand what it means to be fit into our 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s (and beyond!). What we spoke about: - How to move as you age - Why ageism needs to end - How to help encourage a parent or loved one to move their body You can find out more information about Emily and the team at https://www.strongerusenio...

Episode 31, Eric and Chris Martinez, Fitness Business Coaches

October 14, 2020 15:56 - 39 minutes - 36.1 MB

Eric and Chris Martinez are twins from Texas (recently moved there) who are best-selling authors, speakers and hosts of "The Dynamic Lifestyle" podcast. They have also written a new book called "Rise of the Fit Pros" hoping to help other fitness coaches grow. In this episode, we spoke about: 3:13 -- How the death of their father three days before Christmas, and how that changed them forever. 4:44 -- How to take your pain and grow 6:01 -- Why relationships matter 7:55 -- 'We were al...

Karyn Silenzi, Fitness Instructor Specialist, CanFitPro

October 08, 2020 15:04 - 46 minutes - 43.2 MB

Karyn is a Fitness Instructor Specialist with CanFitPro. She is also an ICG Master Trainer and a wealth of knowledge. Her 28 years in the fitness industry really shows through as she gave a lot of information about how to get the most out of her clients, what to look for in a group class, and how to measure success. For more information about Karyn, you can go to her website: https://calgaryfitnessinstructortraining.com/ or check her out on Instagram @sportgirl40

Karyn Silenzi, CanFitPro PRO TRAINER, Fitness Instructor Specialist

October 08, 2020 15:04 - 46 minutes - 43.2 MB

Karyn is a CanFitPro PRO TRAINER, Fitness Instructor Specialist. She is also an ICG Master Trainer and a wealth of knowledge. Her 28 years in the fitness industry really shows through as she gave a lot of information about how to get the most out of her clients, what to look for in a group class, and how to measure success. For more information about Karyn, you can go to her website: https://calgaryfitnessinstructortraining.com/ or check her out on Instagram @sportgirl40

Episode 29, Listener Q&A

October 03, 2020 19:50 - 33 minutes - 31.4 MB

I decided to take the time to answer questions from you! These solo episodes are a good way to show what has worked for me and my clients in the past. If what you're doing is working, then by all means, continue. I am so proud of you for achieving your goals! Keep it up!

Episode 28, Amy Johnston, Fitness coach

September 30, 2020 14:40 - 35 minutes - 33 MB

Amy and I worked together for years at a fitness studio in Calgary. I appreciated her energy, her connection with people and her ability to keep smiling. She now helps women of all ages achieve their goals through her online platform (a lot of people aren't ready to go back to a gym just yet). We spoke about so much, but what really spoke to me is her attention to detail and her ability to help so many people change their lives. For more information, follow Amy on social media @amyjohnstonfi...

Episode 27, Stevie Ogrodniczuk, health coach

September 23, 2020 15:00 - 49 minutes - 45.5 MB

Stevie Ogrodniczuk and I go way back, coaching fitness classes together. I believe her message is one that needs to be shared, as she focuses on overall wellness, instead of just weights and reps. Please make sure you follow Stevie on Instagram at @keep.moving.stevie

Episode 26, Amber Romaniuk

July 20, 2020 20:20 - 49 minutes - 46.3 MB

Amber and I go way back. Like, almost 15 years when we went to broadcasting school together. I have been admiring her journey over the past few years watching her as an emotional eating, digestive and hormone expert. We spoke about a lot in this episode, including why social media could be making you feel shame, how you can reclaim your control and why slowing down can actually make a difference.

Episode 25, Dr. Leigh Vanderloo, ParticipACTION

June 17, 2020 15:47 - 29 minutes - 27.2 MB

ParticiPACTION has released a study saying children in this country are not active enough. In fact, they gave children and teens a D+ for overall physical activity. However, I wanted to go a little deeper to find out whether or not the pandemic had anything to play in the results. You can read about the results here: https://www.citynews1130.com/2020/06/17/participaction-kids-physical-activity-coronavirus/

Episode 24, Josh Dech, Aftermath Fitness

June 08, 2020 12:37 - 46 minutes - 42.6 MB

Josh is a former paramedic, who transitioned to the world of fitness in 2014. He understood the mechanics of the human body but wanted to help more people. Josh is a very smart man, who focuses less on the aesthetic part of fitness, and more about helping people with chronic pain and understanding about how it's more than just how you look -- it's about how you feel. To be honest, there wasn't an answer he gave that I was completely blown away by. His in-depth knowledge of the human body as...

Episode 23, Julie Hodge

June 03, 2020 13:07 - 44 minutes - 40.9 MB

Julie is a longtime friend of mine and fellow fitness professional. This Okotoks mom has helped a lot of people achieve their fitness goals, but more recently has launched a new venture to help kids understand the value of moving their bodies. If you're in south Calgary, or the Foothills, check out Kids Play Adventures Inc. on Facebook and Instagram or at www.kidsplayadventures.ca.

Episode 22, Geoff Starling

May 29, 2020 12:44 - 1 hour - 55.7 MB

Geoff is the owner of Every Body Stronger, a fitness company in Calgary that focuses on getting stronger, healthier and prepared for longevity. Geoff and I had an amazing conversation about how strength, energy levels and restfulness are amazing indicators of health, not just a number on a scale. Please remember that while losing weight can be great, if it's not done with the right mindset and intention, you're missing the point. A lower number on a scale doesn't mean anything if it comes ...

Episode 21, Luke O’Geil

May 25, 2020 15:50 - 58 minutes - 54.4 MB

Luke O’Geil is with the Calgary Gymnastics Centre and has been a coach for the past seven years. We spoke about more than just what he does with tumbling and jumping, but also about training and mindset.

Episode 20, Jeff Hope-Ross

May 18, 2020 20:42 - 28 minutes - 26.2 MB

Jeff has trained some of the top NHL athletes to come through Calgary. He and I had a lot in common, as my history in hockey is long and extensive. You can really hear his passion for training when he speaks about how to stay in hockey shape during COVID-19.

Episode 19, Kristen Snead

May 15, 2020 21:21 - 34 minutes - 31.9 MB

Kristen and I have worked together side by side as trainers and what I notice is her unbelievable passion for helping people. And as a mother, she is trying to navigate this new world just as much as you and I.

Episode 18, Mark Laidlaw

May 13, 2020 16:41 - 42 minutes - 39 MB

Mark Laidlaw is the head coach of the University of Calgary Dinos rowing team. The COVID-19 pandemic has put the teams' season on hold and he is staying busy with his full-time job. But he has several tips and advice on how to row a little better. If it's on the water or on a machine, it doesn't matter.

The Fit Ref Podcast with Justin Slimm

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