Spark of Inspiration
Member of the Month
April 2021:Tilda Carbone - January 2020
Inspirational. Dedicated. Motivated. Lady on a mission are some of the words I would use to describe Tilda. She shares her journey to wellness with everyone and encourages her fellow members to do the same. Her commitment to her health and her balancing act to juggle fitness, motherhood, family life and career is relatable, and her eagerness to succeed is inspiring to all. She brings her energy and her “Woo Hoo’s” to each and every class and has become a staple in our Laval classes. Always smiling, you’ll find Tilda in the front of the class giving it her all even during the days when she feels like giving up. A testament of strength and perseverance, Tilda is proof that we CAN do it given the right support system and attitude. It’s a pleasure to have Tilda in my class, I’m unbelievably proud of her and thank her for including me and KEFI Fit™ on her health and fitness journey.
Congratulations Tilda and keep up the amazing work! You’ve got a whole tribe rooting for you!
Dina Bastounis, KEFI Fit™
ke•fi
[keh-fee] | adjective
A Greek and Arabic word that is used to describe passion, fun, joy, mojo, zest, and love for life, bliss, euphoria, excitement and an overall positive state of mind and being. It is a cathartic expression of human emotion.
KEFI Fit™ is a journey that we want you to be a part of!
We aim to empower, motivate and include men and women from all walks of life and fitness levels. Our goal is to take you to the next level for a more complete lifestyle that includes fitness, nutrition, community and overall physical and mental wellbeing. KEFI Fit™ your way to a healthy and happy lifestyle by having FUN FOR A BETTER YOU™!
Dina's Journey
I often reflect on my life and experiences and look in the mirror with difficulty at times struggling to see the reflection that others see. I was obese most of my life and found comfort in food in the same way a baby finds comfort with a pacifier. I spent most of my childhood and adult life trying to fight it by trying out every program in the market. I failed. Every. Single. Time.
My weight was affecting my health, my life, my mobility, my career, my relationships, my self-esteem. My existence was defined by the number on the scale and the higher the number the less worthy I felt. As a result of my failing health – my physician recommended bariatric surgery.
Bariatric surgery is not a magic solution or a quick fix. It is a tool that assists one in maintaining their weight – it is a last resort which did save my life however it’s not a magic cure. I still struggle with my weight but I no longer allow it to determine my self worth. I work on maintaining my health every single day, knowing full well I’m one cheesecake away from reversing all of the work I’ve put in! The one lesson I’ve learned is that there is strength in numbers. Regardless as to what struggle each of us is facing whether it’s financial, emotional, physical, and psychological, social or medical the one common element that we all share is our ability to come together and love. So find something you love and simply do it. Use whatever tools are out there to help you, but simply do it.
There is something powerful and empowering when like minded women come together and If I’m able to keep myself in check it’s because of my members and if I am able to inspire others along the way, then I’ve done my job. People have the need to belong. KEFI Fit™ is a place where you can feel you BELONG and if you can forget all of the things that cause you stress for just 1 hour in our classes then we have served our purpose and this program has done what it’s set out to do.
INSPIRE. MOTIVATE. EMPOWER.
Dina Bastounis
Creator & Founder KEFI Fit™
YMCA F.I.T. Certified Fitness Instructor, Group Choreography
Program
KEFI Fit™ is a 1 hour aerobic dance program with simple choreography that anyone can follow. It is a predominately Greek themed exercise class with a sample of multicultural mix that sometimes Bollywood, Arabic and even disco! Variety is the spice of life for all ages – what better city to represent our cultural mosaic than that in Montreal and Canada. We combine traditional aerobic movements (jumping jacks, leg lifts, knee lifts etc.) and Greek dance steps which creates the perfect cardio combo: KEFI Fit™! Although we didn’t invent aerobics or the ZORBA dance, we’re bringing it back and making it FUN! People have been exercising to Greek music for decades and we’re thrilled to share our passion with you!
There is some strength training incorporated into the program by using lunges, boxing moves and arm exercises designed to work both your core as well as target some of the major muscle groups. The option of using resistance bands in available in KEFI Fit™ Toning class for a portion of the class. (contact us to find out which class) Please note that very basic arm exercises will be demonstrated during this segment that can be done with or without the use of resistance bands. The main theme throughout the class is DANCE!
We strive to create a workout class for EVERYONE. The beauty of KEFI Fit™ is that you decide what kind of class you want to have. There are some days when you feel like pushing yourself to the limit and others when you simply want to close your eyes and dance to the music you love. Either way – this class is for you.
KEFI Fit™ is a lifestyle. It is an outlet; it is a place where you are encouraged to simply BE. It is a sense of empowerment and wellbeing. A place where you can dance your stress away. A place where you can attain your fitness goals without the judgements or stigma or fear that often plagues us. A place where you can ask questions, talk about your day, share recipes and be a part of a strong network of inspiring people. A place where group hugs are part of the deal and laughing is a must. THIS is what KEFI Fit™ represents to me and hopefully to you.
KEFI Fit™ Kids
Community Give Back Program
KEFI Fit™ KIDS is a program created for kids that allows them to get exercise in a fun creative structured environment. Classes emphasize and incorporate songs and dance tunes that they identify with.
The KEFI Fit™ KIDS program is based on the spirit of “keeping it local”. We pride ourselves on supporting local schools, organizations, business and communities. In this case we donate a portion of our profits back to the education facility ( school) that implements and incorporates KEFI Fit™ KIDS into their extra curricular program.
IDEAL FOR:
Boys and girls 6-12 that get a chance to socialize with friends and jam into a cool mood with their favourite cultural and modern music. Ask about our daycare program (18 months – 5 years).
HOW IT WORKS:
A 30 minute program with great energy packed kid friendly routines. Cultural exploration elements into a class structure environment.
BENEFITS:
Helps develop a healthy lifestyle and incorporates fitness with putting kids into a great mood. Will help with respect, team work, confidence, self esteem, memory, creativity, coordination, balance and cultural awareness.
For more information send us an e- mail to: info@kefifit.ca , titled “KIDS”. Ask about our KEFI KIDS birthday parties and special event packages and let us bring the fun and the fitness to your next get together.
Community
KEFI Fit™ has strong ties with various local communities (Greek, Armenian, Lebanese, Syrian and more). This is what makes us unique and unites us all. Music doesn’t need a language. If you are interested in hosting a fundraising event and would like KEFI Fit™ to be a part of your efforts send us an email along with a brief description of your charitable cause and we’ll do our best to work with you and make your event a memorable one.
Corporate classes are also available for your place of business, school, and daycare or weight loss group. This is a fun way to incorporate exercise into your establishment and break up the monotony of the day! Your employees and members will thank you! To implement corporate classes into your place of business or for fundraising opportunities please contact Dina directly at dina@kefifit.ca
For all corporate sponsorship opportunities please contact info@publissimo.ca
Schedule
VIRTUAL CLASSES via ZOOM (Voula and Maria)
- Monday, March 8 @ 6:30 p.m. EST (voulamariakefifit@gmail.com)
- Wednesday, March 10 @ 6:30 p.m. EST (voulamariakefifit@gmail.com)
- Monday, March 15 @ 6:30 p.m. EST (voulamariakefifit@gmail.com)
- Wednesday, March 17 @6:30 p.m. EST (voulamariakefifit@gmail.com)
Membership
Our goal is to make exercise fun, affordable and accessible to everyone. Our program is available at various community centers, gyms and dance studios therefore our prices reflect the location of our classes.
Prices are subject to change depending on venue, city and member participation at any time.
Laval Fees: $12 Drop in rate
Park Extension Fees – $12 Drop in rate
South Shore Fees: $12 Drop in rate
West Island Fees: $12 Drop in rate
Virtual Classes: $10 per class (24 hour playback link included)
Please refer to your instructor or send us an email at info@kefifit.ca for further information.
Healthy Mediterranean
Cooking Suggestions
Brought to you by
3 Greek Sisters
KEFI Fit™ is proud to showcase Canada’s very own 3 Greek Sisters cookbook ideas to our members. Their first cookbook, ‘Three Sisters Around the Greek Table’ received a Gourmand World Cookbook Award and New York Book Festival, Best Cookbook of the Year Award. It is a national best seller. We asked our local Canadian talent for their help in providing heathy Mediterranean recipes and for a few surprise visits for our members!
For more great recipes subscribe to www.3greeksisters.com.
Recipes
Food does not have to be a 4 letter word. Most of us have a love/hate relationship with food. There are countless of weight loss programs out there, high protein, low carb, weekend carb cheat days – but only a little bit, liquid diets, cleansing, juicing, detoxing. EVERYTHING works! The science is very simple. Consume less calories, burn more calories ET voila! However, what works for one may not work for another. | Our philosophy is simple. Enjoy the food you eat. Savour it and find balance in everything. Focus more on the Quality VS the Quantity and find your KEFI – even in the kitchen. The Mediterranean lifestyle is what our ancestors have sworn by for centuries and what better combination of foods to enjoy than feta cheese, olive oil, Kalamata olives, tomatoes, oregano and topped with some basil? |
Here are some of our favourite Mediterranean inspired dishes:
Submit your own recipe by emailing it to dina@kefifit.ca
It will be reviewed before being posted on the website.
NOW FEATURING - VIRTUAL CLASSES
Do you want to work out from the comfort of your own home, or perhaps add an extra class into your week? Now you can! Join us weekly for our online virtual classes via Zoom and get moving with us! Check out the schedule for details and reserve your spot now!
The Team
Contact Us
For further information please contact us at info@kefifit.ca or give us a call at 514.962.8276.
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