The fitness perks that come with living in Vancouver are many, with its natural beauty providing a perfect setting for outdoor adventures and exercise. And there are as many yoga studios and personal trainers as millimetres of annual rainfall, which is saying a lot. As a result, Vancouver as a whole is fitter than average. But for many there still remains a gap between where they are fitness-wise and where they want to be, perhaps because their goals and definition of fit don't seem to gel with the fitness options in the city. This is where Enhanced Performance, a body-positive, motivating, accessible alternative to the traditional gym or personal training regime, comes in.
"The existing one-on-one model of training is expensive and unrealistic for most people," says Enhanced Performance co-owner Cian Lanigan. He and partner Lynne Laporte have combined their sports and exercise science degrees, life-long dedication to sports and athletics, and individual expertise to provide an alternative.
Lynne has a background in coaching and training people for triathlons and leading rehab-based fitness. Cian, brings his experience competing as a national cycling champion in Ireland and working with other elite level athletes. Together, they have developed a one-of-a-kind, seven-level fitness program where the goal is to "be the best version of yourself possible."
The pair describes it as training for an enhanced life as opposed to working out. "We want to take that negative connotation of 'work' out of it," Cian adds. They talk enthusiastically about building a positive atmosphere to reach your fitness goals, whether that means living pain-free every day, winning the gold medal in your next race, or anything in between.
