About
Why We Exist
The inception of Body Alive is the result of a culmination of decades of unrelated events that eventually blended together to form a ‘well-being’ cocktail. This mix of skills, life experiences
Laura’s story
I had been involved in physical activity and competitive sport from as far back as memory serves. I can vividly remember, at age 4, throwing a tantrum when being forced to graduate to real figure skates with toe picks, during a public skating session with my family at the local arena. Whether it was bike riding, track and field
My university years provided a continued opportunity to compete in figure skating and to be immersed in all things health-related – anatomy, physiology, training methodologies, psychology, nutrition, biomechanics, dance, etc.
As a young
As the adult years progressed, so too did the stress and long hours in the corporate world. This was likely the first time
Enter the 4th decade…
I suffered serious injuries from a couple of incidents: ski crash at Mont Tremblant, followed a few months later by a head-on collision while cycling. Shortly after my mishaps, a good friend lost control while training for a bike race. Her unfortunate crash resulted in quadriplegia. Clarity soon followed, with the shocking realization that life is precious and unpredictable, and should be both respected and lived.
Also during this
With my personal aversion for unnecessary medical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic interventions, and the need to remain fit, active and independent, the question needed to be solved: How was I going to live a better, healthier, more rewarding life,
Location
Click here for address, directions and parking information.
Take a virtual tour of our studio
Mission
Vision
Values
The following values are the light posts that serve to guide the attitudes and
Objective Empathy:
We are mindful and accepting that everyone walks a different path and holds a different set of priorities. At Body Alive, we meet our clients where they are
Creativity:
Whether for
Quality Service:
We understand that people have numerous
Evolving Proficiency:
We are competent
Natural approach:
While there are increasing opportunities for quick fix interventions within health, wellness
Owner & Founder – Laura Hunter
- York University: Specialized Honours – Kinesiology
- York University: Post-grad Certificate – Sport Administration
- York University: Certificate in Health Coaching
- Canadian College of Massage & Hydrotherapy: Registered Massage Therapist
- CANFITPRO: Fitness Instructor Specialist (FIS) – completion Winter 2019
- Fletcher® Pilates: Licensed Provider – towelwork, floorwork, barrework
- Piloxing®: Piloxing Barre Instructor Certificate
After nearly two decades of balancing a busy massage therapy practice with a high-stress marketing-communications, and operations career, Laura elected to throw in the ‘corporate’ towel and re-locate north of Toronto to pursue her passion and practice wellness on a full-time basis.
As an honours kinesiology graduate and former athlete, Laura brings practical knowledge to her classes, sessions and treatments. She has honed her massage therapy skills in both clinical and private settings; enjoying her time at multi-disciplinary clinics within Toronto – Cleveland Clinic (formerly Sports Medicine Specialists), and Bayview Natural Health Clinic.
Laura was chosen as the massage therapist for a number of professional and amateur athletes, and has had the pleasure of working as team therapist for: Smuckers Stars on Ice – American tour, Canada’s Cup Challenge, Targa Newfoundland (private), Subaru Rally team – various members, and several NHL players.
In order to provide a more rounded offering to her future clients, Laura achieved certification and proficiency in a variety of wellness disciplines that complement Massage Therapy. Laura is a certified Fletcher® Pilates instructor, a certified Piloxing® Barre instructor, has obtained her Health Coaching certificate, and is trained as a group Fitness Instructor Specialist.
The above mentioned modalities were chosen for their specific benefits:
Fletcher® Pilates
- core strengthening
- low back rehabilitation
- posture and alignment
- breathwork and breathing techniques
- body awareness
- shoulder girdle strength and rehabilitation
creativity
Piloxing® Barre
- cardiovascular conditioning
- increasing metabolism
- strengthening
- ballet barre requirement
- fusion of boxing, dance and Pilates
- fun, high energy group fitness option
Health Coaching
- evidence-based practice
- assisting with behavior change
- motivating
- an essential, currently missing piece of the wellness puzzle
While Body Alive is currently in the infancy stage, Laura continues to develop the business to incorporate additional programs to assist clients in taking control of their health and the aging process. The over-arching goal – to live an active, vibrant life, filled with fabulous experiences…to look good and feel great.