To Be ‘In Your Element’-Functional Fitness

Kelli McRoberts | Feb 02, 2022

To be in your element, you are considered “in a natural or comfortable situation or environment” and when you enter this training facility in Sydenham, Ontario, it is just that!

Welcome to Elements Fitness & Wellness located at 2529 Freeman Road only a short drive from Kingston. This facility was a life goal of owner Karley Taylor (nee Heyman) who has resided in the area all her life. When she was younger, she was always passionate about sports and was hand picked to participate in the Quest for Gold program that provides funding to Ontario athletes with the hopes of them one day representing Canada in the Olympics.

In her own words she exclaimed that for many years “she ate, slept, and breathed sports and more specifically Rugby”. Once accepted into Queen’s University for Sociology, she continued her training and education and was the recipient of the Alfie Pierce award that was established in honour of “an accomplished black athlete and lacrosse player who dedicated his loyalty and services to the Queen's Community for approximately sixty years,” as noted on the Queen’s website. The award is given annually to a “male and female student (both Varsity Clubs & Varsity Teams) who has contributed the most to inter-university athletics in their first year at Queen’s.” She was also selected to be part of the Ontario University Athletics All Star team for rugby which of itself is a great honour.

The story takes a bit of a twist as Karley was injured during a match which resulted in a severe concussion that left her struggling with everyday tasks and a loss of basic abilities including speech and vision. During her recovery she managed to complete her degree and envisioned a fresh new business model for a fitness centre that would bring community members together, and perhaps, entice others from ‘the city’ to head north for an exceptional training experience.

For the next 5 years the 2800 sq foot heated facility continued to grow and drew members from the surrounding area with an ever-increasing schedule of activities for all ages. Once COVID hit and lockdowns and restrictions had to be taken into consideration, Elements Fitness and Wellness had to re-think their strategy, and layout; and it began to adapt with offering sessions outdoors while increasing social distancing aspects to their equipment stations. This shift was a blessing in disguise as it was the catalyst for change. Equipment can now be easily moved to increase spacing, and some can be re-located outside offering a safe area to train with the added benefit of fresh air and beautiful countryside.

The location itself is on family land and her parents (Brad & Tanya) help to run the facility which also offers locally grown organic produce. This peaceful setting provides a fantastic backdrop for those flipping tires outside or others enjoying the scenic views of fields and open spaces, tranquility being the underlying theme during weight bearing sessions. Members can choose a variety of classes including Strength & Conditioning, Summit 60+ Functional Fitness, or Babe Fit for those that are pregnant and post natal looking to keep active.

COVID was also key in the implementation of online booking and members can register in advance and then show up with the hours allowing for early risers (5 a.m.) to after-shift worker’s (10 p.m.). Another difference is that this location offers monthly and weekly memberships with a variety of programs including Kids Summer Camp (returning in 2022), Youth programs, Open Gym, Team Building for sports teams and individual training. Yoga classes are also offered, and Elements Fitness and Wellness is continuing to expand their staff supporting the local economy and workforce. Their motto is “building bodies, building relationships, building communities”.

Karley noted that “it is a place to grow and celebrate our bodies”, and she mentioned that for the most part, “the instructors empower others in a safe and comfortable space”.

So, if you’re looking to be ‘in your element’ or have been considering getting in shape, then head on over to Elements Fitness and Wellness where bodies are built as uniquely as we are!

For more information on hours and classes offered check out their website at elementsfitnessandwellness.com.