My Story

My fitness journey began at the age of 12, where I ran my way to Athlete of the Year. As a kid I was able to run so fast I had no idea where it would take me - but here I am, and now I'm looking to lead others to the same healthy lifestyle I enjoy.  When I think back to that day of Track & Field, winning 10 first place ribbons, I imagined that this must be how Forrest Gump felt when he heard “run Forrest run”. 

Growing up, I had the pleasure of partaking in figure skating for a number of years, in addition to countless downhill skiing excursions. 

High school was a blast for me, being a member of both the track and field, and basketball team, where I amassed many fond memories. 

After high school there was a period where I flirted with the idea of becoming a couch potato, not really doing much activity. It was not until my children were growing up that I, under my children's influence, became re-involved in skating, cross country skiing, and swimming. I decided at that point to join a gym and I was really encouraged and inspired with the way strength training made me feel. 

Eventually my passion for fitness took over and I got my YMCA Personal Trainer Certification, as well as a Group Fitness Instructor certificate.  The following 2 years would see me also acquiring my Water Aquafit certification.  

It was about this time that my girlfriend brought me out of retirement and had me skating again at the age of 31, where I laced on a pair of figure skates for the first time in many moons.  I joined an adult competitive precision skating team that lasted for 10 years, and am forever thankful for the friendships and training I had the pleasure of garnering along the way. 

In 2002 I moved from Ottawa to Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, where I currently reside.  Here, I was hired as a Personal Trainer for Goodlife Fitness in 2006, and have now been with the company for over 11 years.  In 2009, I became the Fitness Manager of this gym facility.  What strikes me as most rewarding in this endeavor is continually getting to meet people who have goals they want to achieve, while employing my expertise to help them meet and exceed such feats. 

A major turning point in my fitness life was in 2011 when I met Kevin Darby and took DTS Assessment and Program Design.  I became a Level Certified Fascial Stretch Therapist, and was overwhelmed by the great results my clients were attaining. 

I then traveled to Arizona in 2012 and obtained my Level 2 FST Certification from Chris and Ann Frederick who designed Stretch-To-Win back in 1999.

I left Goodlife in 2018 to start my own business, Sandlen Stretch Therapy, specializing in fascial stretch therapy and personal training.

I am so happy when my clients tell me how impressed they are with the improvement in their range of motion, reduction in back pain, optimal posture, greater flexibility, sleeping sounder and the myriad of other positive comments.

Being a personal trainer is really about being a life changer or a coach.  I continue to build on my knowledge in the fitness industry by taking courses that provide me with up-to-date knowledge that I'm able to impart to my current and future clients.

Another passion I have is the role I take on as a PROTRAINER for Canfitpro.  I teach the Personal Training Specialist course, along with Health & Nutrition and Fascial Mobility Assessment courses.  I love teaching personal trainers who want to add utensils to their tool box.

Life is a journey and health is our greatest wealth.  Mental, emotional and physical well-being are all key factors to mastering our health and way of life.

MY QUALIFICATIONS:

• Fascial Stretch Therapist Level 3 Certified

• Level II Reiki Practitioner

• Canfitpro Protrainer/Teacher

• Canfitpro Personal Training Specialist

• Canfitpro Fitness Instructor

• DTS Conditioning Coach

• Neil Asher Fascial Release for Structural Balance

• Neil Asher Trigger Point Theory

• Neil Asher Treating Hip Pain & Dysfunction

• Precision Nutrition Coach

• Bellies Inc. Pre & Post Natal Coach

• DTS Education Assessment & Program Design Certified

• Kettlebell Coach

• Zumba Instructor

• Yoga & Pilates Instructor

• Boot Camp Team Coach

• BOSU Certified

• Resist-A-Ball Certified

• Kickboxing Instructor