 Rustic Mama Retreats, June 2018
Susan Pomfret Love It Fitness |
November 2018
This chapter of my story finds me owning and operating a small fitness studio in Campbellford. Love It Fitness was born in 2014, shortly after my husband and I relocated from Oakville and unpacked the moving truck. I’ve been a certified fitness pro since 1992 and have always loved doing what I do. I obtained my Zumba license a couple of years before we moved here on the premise that Zumba classes would be the mainstay of the studio I planned to open. And so they are, although I also lead some traditional fitness and incorporate my fitness background into everything I teach.
I’ve been fortunate enough to have walked the walk in several different fields. I grew up in a west Toronto suburb and started my career with trust company marketing. Not quite ready to settle down, I headed off to northern Ontario where I spent a couple of years as a reporter/photographer with the community newspaper, The Temiskaming Speaker, based in New Liskeard. I jumped back into the finance world on my return to Toronto, signing on with a fledgling trust company as a mortgage underwriter. The Commercial Mortgage Manager and I partnered on a number of projects, an arrangement which had lasting ramifications since we married in 1989. I had departed Counsel Trust by then to take on a senior commercial underwriting role with a major insurance company and I remained there until we had our first child in 1990.
My plan was to be a stay-at-home mom for five years, knowing that I did not want to return to the demanding hours of a finance career or the commute from Oakville to Toronto with two small children at home. I had been a dedicated fitness enthusiast since my teens, so I obtained my first certification to teach group fitness after the birth of our second son. The path was set. I completed the Humber College Fitness Leadership program at night and acquired multiple certifications in the field including personal training and fitness assessment. I taught all kinds of classes in all kinds of places. My business background was rather unique in the fitness industry at the time and it led me to management in short order. I worked for a couple of private sector clubs before accepting a position with the Town of Oakville to develop and manage recreational programming in a newly-constructed community centre. It was a wonderful, challenging opportunity and I enjoyed my tenure there for 13 years prior to our retirement and relocation. Many former staff members remain valued friends.
I’ve been fortunate enough to have walked the walk in several different fields. I grew up in a west Toronto suburb and started my career with trust company marketing. Not quite ready to settle down, I headed off to northern Ontario where I spent a couple of years as a reporter/photographer with the community newspaper, The Temiskaming Speaker, based in New Liskeard. I jumped back into the finance world on my return to Toronto, signing on with a fledgling trust company as a mortgage underwriter. The Commercial Mortgage Manager and I partnered on a number of projects, an arrangement which had lasting ramifications since we married in 1989. I had departed Counsel Trust by then to take on a senior commercial underwriting role with a major insurance company and I remained there until we had our first child in 1990.
My plan was to be a stay-at-home mom for five years, knowing that I did not want to return to the demanding hours of a finance career or the commute from Oakville to Toronto with two small children at home. I had been a dedicated fitness enthusiast since my teens, so I obtained my first certification to teach group fitness after the birth of our second son. The path was set. I completed the Humber College Fitness Leadership program at night and acquired multiple certifications in the field including personal training and fitness assessment. I taught all kinds of classes in all kinds of places. My business background was rather unique in the fitness industry at the time and it led me to management in short order. I worked for a couple of private sector clubs before accepting a position with the Town of Oakville to develop and manage recreational programming in a newly-constructed community centre. It was a wonderful, challenging opportunity and I enjoyed my tenure there for 13 years prior to our retirement and relocation. Many former staff members remain valued friends.
With CKOL founder David Lockwood and The Good Brothers, Bethany
Launching Love It wasn’t my only focus during my first few years in Trent Hills. I joined CKOL, the community radio station, shortly after I rented my studio space and started delivering a weekly on-air program, Sound Waves with Susan. This expanded to multiple shows weekly as well as ongoing marketing and administrative initiatives on behalf of the station. I left CKOL in September 2017 with a host of incredible experiences I would not otherwise have had.
There have been many memorable moments through Love It as well. It was my privilege to teach Zumba Kids as a component of physical education for a month at Kent Public School in Campbellford in 2015. My crews have rocked numerous local events including the Trent Hills Canada Day celebrations in 2016.
There have been many memorable moments through Love It as well. It was my privilege to teach Zumba Kids as a component of physical education for a month at Kent Public School in Campbellford in 2015. My crews have rocked numerous local events including the Trent Hills Canada Day celebrations in 2016.
4th Anniversary, 2018, St. Andrews Church
Love It Fitness celebrated its 4th anniversary in September 2018. We moved last fall from the original location at the Campbellford Orange Lodge to the West School, an historic schoolhouse located on County Road 30 in Campbellford. I teach both morning and evening classes catering to all ages and fitness levels. Some of my members have been with me since my first year here, many more have jumped aboard since our relocation. I still love what I do. Fitness empowered long before empowerment became a buzzword. There is nothing more rewarding than sharing the joy of movement and music while giving others the tools to improve their quality of life. Zumba is the most energizing, empowering workout I've ever taught and I love the camaraderie in every one of my classes. My members have become my friends.
I've met some truly amazing women and I fully expect that I will meet many more.
This site brings their stories, voices and accomplishments to you.
I am proud to offer a platform for the words of talented, interesting and intelligent women.
I have a vision. Let's see if we can bring it to life.
This site brings their stories, voices and accomplishments to you.
I am proud to offer a platform for the words of talented, interesting and intelligent women.
I have a vision. Let's see if we can bring it to life.