Nine months ago, at age 53, I was rightfully proud of my skills in my sport of choice - alpine ski racing. I had won dozen's of races at the master's level, and had numerous strong results competing in national level races against guys little more than 1/3 of my age. I was active in many other sports including windsurfing, cycling, squash, yoga, and hiking, and consistently trained with weights. Even so, I became aware that my abilities had reached a plateau, and I needed some big changes to improve further. I was extremely fit - or so I thought until I went to my first Siberian Sandbox class. I quickly discovered my main weaknesses - in my case core strength and integration between upper body, lower body and core. The classes use a continuously-changing mix of exercises performed at different speeds and durations using medicine balls, body weight, and boxing-inspired training techniques. Every class is very demanding and causes positive training adaptations - with negligible risk of injury. The first classes were hard and somewhat embarrassing when I compared myself to petite women in the class moving a medicine ball twice the weight the one I was using, and at twice the speed. I persevered under Sasha's encouraging whip and keen eye for form, rapidly increased overall fitness, particularly core strength. I had found the missing link, the key to moving forward along my athletic path.
Six months after beginning the program, my racing results significantly improved - I was better able to initial movements from my center of strength - my core - while my overall strength and endurance had also improved. Older and slower? No way!
As a busy professional - I run my own engineering firm - there is another huge advantage to Siberian Sandbox: time. I trained with Sasha only three 1 1/2 hour sessions per week pre-season, and only once per week in winter! Siberian Sandbox is easily the most time-efficient, complete and effective conditioning program I have ever experienced. I would wholeheartedly recommend it for all athletes, of any age, who want to improve power, speed, endurance and functional strength - fast!
Phil Beauregard
Alpine Ski Racer and Structural Engineer
Whistler, BC
I have been skiing professionally for a long time as a member of the Ukrainian National and Olympic Team. During my career I have competed in three Winter Olympics (1998 Nagano, Japan. 2002 Salt Lake City, USA. 2006 Torino, Italy) and numerous World Cups and World Championships.Throughout my training I was mainly concentrating on my technical skills. Though I have always felt that my physical abilities were holding me back. My conditioning training became very important to me the moment I switched to Skiercross competitions. This is when I decided to join Sasha's Siberian Sandbox program which is known for developing top condition and the strength in athletes in a very short period of time. After being in the program for 2 months I felt a great deal of improvement in every aspect of my training such as strength, speed, endurance and mental focus. Sasha is a great motivator and definitely has a passion for what he does. He makes hardest workouts fun (as much as sweating buckets could be). With great pleasure I would recommend Siberian Sandbox program to anyone who is looking to get in shape.
I can't wait to see how being in such great shape will improve my skiing!
Nickolai Skriabin
Member of the Ukrainian Olympic Ski Team
My sport is paddling big ocean canoes. Harnessing the energy of the ocean while trying to manage a 45 foot long canoe with my 5 other teammates takes a lot of strength. Doing all that and getting to the finish line first takes more then just strength; it takes an inner belief so tough that no one and nothing can deny you. Having raced nationally and internationally in various paddling disciplines for over 22 years I always knew how important cross training in the gym was to success. But I always found the gym boring and very difficult to get a sport specific workout. All that has changed now that I have found Sasha and his Siberian Sandbox workouts. It is fun; it is crazy; it is physically and mentally hard; it is exhilarating; it is so amazing I feel like I just discovered the missing ingredient to absolute success. The best part is I am in a room filled with athletes of all ages, sizes and levels with the same goals as me – to be their very best. It is my very own dry land training team and it is so inspiring. Add to that Sasha’s enthusiasm for everyone’s improvement along with his incredible depth of experience, wisdom and unending variety of exercises and you have the key to dominate your sport no matter what it is. That is what is so amazing about this workout; it is sport specific to absolutely every sport! I am so looking forward to this paddling season as I enter it in the best physical and metal shape I have ever been in.Thanks Sasha!
Cheryl Skribe
Outrigger Canoe Paddler
Member: 2008 World Masters Championship &
World Record Holder Sprint Team
2004 World Long Distance Molokai Championship Team
Sasha is an outstanding coach. Over the course of the winter, my body has been transformed and I have gained the confidence that I lacked to be competitive with the best riders in the world. I came into the class knowing very little about Sandbox but Sasha has taken me under his wing and changed the way that I think about elite level competition. Sasha wants to see me reach my potential almost as bad as I do and for this I am so thankful...it is incredible to have that support. I was planning to do Siberian Sandbox for two months and then continuing on with my own program but four months later I am still going strong...I am working just as hard as day one and I keep getting stronger and stronger. I train with the normal class three times and week and do a private with the other athletes once a week. The normal and the private crew are a fantastic group of people; I love being surrounded by passionate, motivated and driven people! Day after day I am constantly amazed at the passion and genuine care that Sasha has for his clients; he genuinely wants to see each and every person in his class reach their full potential and he will get you there if you commit. Sasha does Siberian Sandbox because he loves it!'Sista, sista bullshit' will get you nowhere, if you want to get fit and learn to love to work hard, do Sandbox!
Katie Holden
Professional Mountain Biker
“After years of outdoor activity with
nagging injuries, Siberian Sandbox finally helped
to develop the core strength I need to live an
active lifestyle. I had limited time to devote
to strength training but the program is effective
as each session works through a different set
of exercises targeting the entire body. You work
hard and you see results! I’m going to
use the dvd’s to keep the strength I’ve
developed, until I get back to a Whistler class
again.”Diane Mombourquette, General Manager
Black Rock Oceanfront Resort
My Name is Norman Gautreau. I am a former
Pro Boxer -- retired Canadian
Welterweight Champion – inducted
to the Canadian Boxing Hall
Of Fame (1984 Toronto ON).
I fought as a pro from 1949-1960.
I’ve
had around 100 (more or less)
fights; and I’m
now spending my last years
as a Manager of the Griffing
Boxing Club in North Vancouver.
This is where I had the extreme
pleasure of meeting my friend
Sasha. Seeing him in action as a Trainer-Coach
and watching him do glove work-out (sparring)
with our members; and his ability to show them
their mistakes and improve on them, is amazing.
It’s been
many years since I’ve seen
a trainer of his calibre and
dedication in boxing. I’ve also notice
that Sasha is well instructed
in all forms of Martial Arts
as well. He has a school in
Whistler where he resides.
I had a New York trainer for 10 years (he had
3 World Champs); so I would very
much qualify him as a top notch
man in the business. ''Sasha,
I wish you had been around
in my days – I
MIGHT have been World Champ!” Regards & Good Luck, your friend
Norman Gautreau
When
I met Sasha, my life was forever
changed. He told it to me straight….”You
are excelling as a business person
yet you allow yourself to stay
in mediocre shape. How can you
expect people to believe you when
you don’t
believe in yourself?” It was a humbling
question but the answer was easy – he was
right. At that moment I decided
to commit to being the strongest
person I could be. I took time
off from y very busy job and completely
dedicated myself to his program.I trained extensively with Sasha, through some extremely difficult workouts. His program really works but it takes a strong desire to succeed. Dropping the weight and building the strength was actually the easy part. The harder part was dealing with the emotions when you first push yourself beyond what you think are your limits. Sasha helped me through some big hurdles and tough times, and I am proud to say I finished strong.
Now, I automatically work very hard in all of the areas of my life for the right reasons. I hold my head high, and am stronger now than I’ve ever been both physically and mentally. I look forward to challenges and don’t waste time doubting myself. Sasha doesn’t spend any time planning for failures and thanks to his dedication to MY success I don’t either.
Sara Shaak Film Commissioner
Okanagan Film Commission
My lower back and SI joint were bothering me
so much that I was thinking that I would have
to leave one of my two jobs. I did acupuncture,
massage, chiropractor and physiotherapy to help
but what I really needed was to strengthen my
back muscles. After only a few weeks of
the Siberian Sandbox medicine ball class, I was
astounded at how much stronger I felt. I
could do things that had caused me intense pain
only a month before. Not only did the class
strengthen my back, it challenged me mentally
and physically. The support was amazing
and I truly feel that I am a better version of
myself in every way. Sasha is an outstanding
individual with a knack for encouraging people
to push through their boundaries and come out
a winner.Joanne Russell
WAG Shelter Manager
When I started with Sasha’s program I
was in decent shape, but had hit a plateau. I
broke my neck skiing a few years ago, my spine
was stiff and my movement guarded, and I didn’t
seem to be making any progress with my flexibility.
The first few medicine ball workouts took me
to new limits, and it was obvious that I was
going to push through that plateau. That is exactly
what happened. The medicine ball workout got
at every area of my body, and delivered results
quickly. My core strength and my flexibility
have both increased dramatically. My posture
has markedly improved. Sasha’s training
methods are extremely methodical. Sasha is highly
professional, yet very approachable. His straightforward
manner inspires confidence. His classes are an
excellent use of time – full on for an
hour and a half. There are no gimmicks and no
market driven nonsense. Sasha’s classes
have a whole cross section of people. Where else
can you have the opportunity to be inspired by
working out alongside world class athletes, or
motivated by a group of ordinary people of all
shapes and sizes working hard for better fitness
and health? Anybody – whether a high performance
athlete, amateur athlete or couch potato – will
see quick results and long term benefits from
Sasha’s training methods.Nicholas Davies,
Lawyer, Whistler, BC
Sasha Gier and the Siberian Sandbox program
has changed the way I look
at competitive sports. As a
competitive athlete in both
Big Mtn. Free skiing and XC
mtn biking I spent a great
deal of my time in the gym on the mountain and
on my bike. I found the hardest part of training
was my CORE STRENGTH That is when the Medicine
Ball comes in, I never could have imagined my
core could be as strong as it is now and it is
all thanks to Sasha and his program. Sasha provides
a program to push you to your personal limits
but has knowledge and experience to see when
you have reached them. Sasha also has played
a huge part in my recovery process from major
knee surgery, I was back to full activities by
7 weeks a month ahead of the specialists assessment.
Sasha Does not provide a get fit quick class
he provides a environment for success with proven
methods and professional coaching. I would not
hesitate for a second in recommending Sasha and
his program to any athlete. The success I will
have in the future is because of the overall
strength and conditioning I have received by
Sasha and his program. Thank you Sasha.Duncan Mackenzie
I broke and dislocated my back almost 3 years
ago as a result of being caught in an avalanche.
Despite all possible outcomes, I am fortunate
to be walking, running, skiing, and biking again. I
am back at work full time as a professional patroller. It
has been a long, slow road,
and when I heard about Sasha's class, I knew
I was ready for the challenge.In order to minimize my pain, it is crucial that I keep strong. The Sandbox has increased my strength and endurance to a level I didn't know would be possible with my physical limitations. I attribute this to the intensity, functional exercises, variety, fun, and mostly to the fact that Sasha believed in me. He is an incredible motivator and sincerely passionate about his class and seeing results in his participants.
After working out with Sasha, my work and play have become easier and I am living with less pain. I even recently learned to surf despite the fact that I didn't think I would ever do it with a fused back! It takes a lot of personal stamina and mental strength to do the program, but it is worth every minute.
Kira Cailes
Professional Ski Patroller
Sasha's
Siberian Sandbox workouts are really a great
way to get in overall shape! As a competitive
athlete my whole life, I was
looking for a different, good way to get into
shape for my next ski season. I have done a variety
of training regimes and programs in the past,
but none have given such quick results as the
Siberian Sandbox. Sasha Gier's exercises focus
on overall body strength, which is important
whether you are an athlete or someone just looking
to get into great shape. The use of different
medicine ball weights makes the program friendly
for all levels of fitness and all ages.If you are looking to get that six pack, tone up your butt, or shed a good amount of weight, this is the right program for you! I would definitely recommend this program to anyone who is dedicated and committed to getting in shape.
Anastasia Skryabina
Member of the Ukrainian National Ski Team
I am writing this letter as
a reference for Whistler’s “Siberian
Sandbox” program. Last January, I had the
pleasure of meeting Sasha. When I first met him,
I smiled and thought “this guy is crazy!” Filled
with confidence, energy and excitement about
his program, he convinced me within our first
meeting that he could help me lose weight and
tone my body. And after a grueling three month
of nightly workouts in my tiny basement suite,
he did. I lost close to 25 pounds and went from
a size 14 to size 12. Now, looking back at those
evenings of clumsily trying to learn how to skip
rope, embarrassing lunges and very tired muscles,
I realized that the weight loss and drop in size
wasn’t what meant the most to me. It’s
the confidence I found within
myself, and the friendship I formed with this
wonderful person.Although he has experts to help you learn how to eat properly, work out safely and teach you strength training techniques that firm up your body, this program is not just about becoming as physically fit as you can be, it’s about becoming the best person you can be.
I would recommend this program to everyone – even if you don’t need to shed 25 pounds. The “Siberian Sandbox” program teaches you how to live a healthy lifestyle. It helps you find the balance we all search for, and it’s about total physical and mental well being. Sasha never gave up on me. By believing in me, he helped me believe in myself. And for this, I am truly thankful.
Jennifer Simms Spa Director
Four Seasons Resort Whistler, British Columbia
As someone who believed in the "I'll get fit by doing it", It came
as a bit of a letdown that as I got older I didn't get the same amount of days on the board, bike and surfboard that I used to, the "I'll get fit by doing it" wasn't really working anymore. To
top it off I was getting wrecked in the lamest ways because I
wasn't in the shape I used to be.
Marilyn at Whistler Physio recommended Siberian Sandbox or
"Siberian Deathmatch" as I call it. I'm just not into gyms and
the whole gym thing, maybe it's a hold over from growing up ski
racing.... I was so surprised how fun it was to kick your own ass
and get in shape with Sasha and his crew's help and guidance. I
had the best winter in years last year and the best season in the
Whistler Bike Park due to my core (and the rest of me) being
stronger than it had been in years. Backaches disappeared, posture
improved, and you learn to pay attention to what you eat because
even though Sasha doesn't mention nutrition in his classes, you
soon learn what is going to make you able to work harder in
class. Do the Siberian Deathmatch, you will look forward to
class, be pissed off at yourself if you miss one class, you'll lose weight, gain power, cardio strength, core strength and get a
great stash of Russian jokes.
To quote "Step Right Up" by Tom Waits...
"That's right, it filets, it chops, it dices, slices,
Never stops, lasts a lifetime, mows your lawn
And it mows your lawn and it picks up the kids from school
It gets rid of unwanted facial hair, it gets rid of embarrassing
age spots,
It delivers a pizza, and it lengthens, and it strengthens"
Ken Achenbach
Canadian Snowboard Pioneer
Snowboard Hall of Fame Member
Owner Powder Mountain Catskiing
Owner The Camp of Champions Summer Snowboard, Ski and Mountain Bike Camp
As an international family involved in many sports and with busy lives, we have had a lot of exposure to a wide range of athletic pursuits in addition to wellness and healthy lifestyle programmes. Sasha has been able to deliver an added dimension. My wife, elder son and I are all now enthusiastic converts to Sasha's medicine ball and boxing conditioning techniques. My life as a busy executive has led me to work in many countries and during my career, I have tried various trainers and cross training methods. However in my search for the optimum programme, nothing has come close to the efficiency and effectiveness of Siberian Sandbox.In short,
Sasha + medicine ball= more strength + less injuries + great shape + less time commitment + improved outlook
I wholeheartedly commend Sasha to anyone wanting to make a difference to their health, fitness and physique.
Colin Geddes
I am a 41 year old mother of 2 teenage children and a Hotel General Manager. I was always fit and active and happy with the shape I was in; until I started to achieve my family and professional goals and of course ran out of time for "me". I added pounds and started to become lethargic and less energetic. I was not happy with the way I looked or felt which of course started to eat away at my self confidence. I tried to squeeze in a run here and there, purchased videos, at home fitness equipment, pills, diets, you name it - I tried it. All without success. A friend started a training program with Sasha and was achieving amazing results; both physically and emotionally. She put us in touch and in our first meeting Sasha called it like he saw it. I was not happy with myself; I lacked confidence; I could look a lot better and feel a lot better... what I was needed was personal commitment. He was right. He told me what I have known for years. I started Sasha's program and was amazed at what I was accomplishing. I was and continue to keep up with well trained, focused and successful athletes in one of the toughest, most challenging programs there is. 4 years later I am still looking great (from a size 10 back to a 5), feeling great and nothing can hold me back. I look and feel like I am in my 20's all over again. I am maintaining my size, am always physically active and full of energy and quite frankly loving myself again. I make time for me and for Siberian Sandbox and am achieving my "personal", family and professional goals. Sasha is the key. He is honest and driven to help you succeed, then he is there to make sure that you remain committed. Thank you Sasha!t!
Camille Keep
GM - Whistler Village Inn & Suites
In the off season since I have been 13 years old Sasha has been my go to guy. I have tried numerous training regimes with different trainers and nothing has compared to the workout I get with Sasha. Your tank if completely empty at the end of each session and the way you feel after is unreal and the strength you gain after the first week is instantly noticeable. Sasha has been a key component in succeeding in my hockey career and the main part is that he will most certainly not let you slack off during his sessions. If you ever get a chance to work out with Sasha I highly recommend it!
Konrad Sander
WHL hockey player
Siberian Sandbox Class is the hardest class that I have ever worked out in - but the results are worth it! When I first started the class, I was really out of shape compared to most of the people that were there. With Sasha and Gabe's drive to help you push through the hard work, anyone can do it.I am an alpine ski racer so to be able to charge down the slopes you need to be strong and with this class I was able to fight to the finish line. Every class is different so you never get bored of it. The people are outgoing and supportive and Sasha's jokes always make it fun!
If anyone wants to get in shape I would fully recommend taking this class. It made me strong and I had a good time doing it.
Mackenzie Patterson
Alpine Ski Racer
The Siberian Sandbox program is by far the most successful, to the point, workout I have ever done. There is no other programs even closely comparable that can deliver the results as quickly as this. In just a few short months Sasha can take you to a fitness level that is only shared by a small group of elite athletes. Prior to getting involved with Siberian Sandbox I was training mainly with weights and thought I was in good shape. Looks and numbers can be deceiving. Sasha proved to me that using a medicine ball, just fractions of the weight I was use to using in the gym, could propel me to where I always wanted to be physically and mentally that no other exercise program could. I look forward to all challenges Sasha And Siberian Sandbox have for me in the future.Steve Delane
Skeleton Development Athlete
Having trained with Sasha Gier this past summer I found his sessions to be extremely beneficial in maintaining my level of athleticism. As a recruited university soccer player it is my responsibility to start my season in top shape. Sasha has provided me the opportunity to stay at a CIS competitive level. His sessions are challenging and enjoyable; Sasha also has the ability to encourage and inspire his athletes. He has taught me that hard work and dedication is the recipe for success, which is what has pushed me through my athletic and academic career at UBC. Sasha is quite happy to tailor his sessions to accomodate a variety of athletes and physical goals. I am looking forward to future sessions with Sasha as I am continuing my soccer life at UBC.
Kelly Cook
University of British Columbia
Sasha's Siberian Sandbox is a great way to test your physical and mental abilities. I havenÂ’'t felt this strong and mentally tough since I was a competitive skier on the Canadian Alpine Ski Team. After being a skier, focusing mainly on the lower body and core, it feels great to finally have a well rounded upper and lower body. What makes Sasha's program so special, is his unique full body exercises, and the relatively low impact they have on the body. Furthermore, his classes can be enjoyed by anyone from a professional athlete to someone just looking to lose some unwanted pounds. In only a matter of weeks, I feel healthier and in better shape than I have in several years. I definitely recommend this class to anyone. Thanks Sasha for whipping me back into shape and providing us with a fun environment to work hard in. Scott Hume
Canadian Alpine Ski Team Member (2000/01 and 2002/03)
University of Nevada, Reno (Student/ NCAA Athlete / NCAA Coach)
Sasha and I have worked together on and off whenever I have been in Whistler for the past 4 years. from the time I was a competitive hockey to my post career life. After training with different trainers and organizations over the past 15 years he is the one trainer that was truly able to motivate me and keep me wanting more. Sasha has the ability to adapt programs to deal with any past or present injuries that might otherwise have kept me on the couch. If you are thinking about using Sasha to get or stay in shape it will truly be a life changing decision.
Matt Gibbons
NCAA Division Hockey "Michigan Tech Hyskies"
When I first started the Siberian Sandbox Program
with Sasha I was wearing a
size 10 and beginning to grow into a size 11.
I was becoming more and more unhappy with the
way that I looked. I was exercising at home with
videos, walking and running with friends and
attending various aerobic classes. My eating
habits were not at their best.I came to realize that whatever I would do was not getting me closer to any of the results I was after. I did not want to continue to get bigger and made the decision to make a change in my life. Sasha told me about his Siberian Sandbox program and I thought I would be a good candidate. He assured me that he would see me through to the results and even went on to guarantee his work. Sasha said that as long I Kept my end, which was being committed to the work outs and proper eating, then he would promise to keep his end by showing me the results and giving me the body I have always wanted. I have sweated, grunted and groaned through many a sessions with the medicine ball. I have come to have a love/hate relationship with squats, but I am so pleased with all my results. Sasha was always there with both his loud commands and follow up phone calls. I am not only in the best shape both in a physical and cardio way, but emotionally I have gained so much. I have dropped plenty of inches and I am now wearing size 6 and sharing pants with my 16 year old daughter. My muscle tone is very noticeable and I am very strong. I had a friend say to me “half of you is missing since we went camping last summer”
I can say without a doubt that this program has not only gave me the confidence to wear clothes that I thought that I never would but to also feel so great on the inside as well. I have no regrets and have nothing but good things to look forward to in the future.
Miriam Jackson
Vancouver, British Columbia
The Siberian Sandbox Program is hands down
the most productive, bang for
the buck workout I have ever
seen. The continuous medicine
ball workout hits the whole
body especially core with a
100% low impact workout that
is rivaled by no other. Get
ready to push your physical
and mental barriers to levels
previously unimaginable and
results that speak for themselves.
Sasha Gier comes from a Russian
military background that commands
a certain respect from his students. To say Sasha
is motivational would be an understatement.
To perform to his level and
expectations is something that goes without saying.
In short Sasha can motivate you to levels otherwise
unattainable.Ross Rebagliati
1998 Olympic Champion (Snowboarding)
I have been kickboxing with Sasha for over
6 years now. As a runner, I
find kickboxing a great cross training for endurance
and strength, giving me a strong upper body and
core and greater aerobic capacity. I run desert
ultramarathons and to date have done the Sahara
Race in Egypt, the Desafio al Desierto in Argentina
and the Atacama Crossing in Chile. I am currently
training for the Libyan Challenge in March 2007.
In addition to kickboxing, I have recently joined
Sasha's medicine ball classes once a week - a
great total body workout! Sasha continues to
keep the classes challenging and I always feel
good at the end of each session knowing I have
worked hard and I leave the class a little stronger
than the previous week.Tess Geddes, Ultra marathon runner
Whistler, BC
The "Siberian Sandbox" training program
is the best workout I have
done. I have been in ski racing
my entire life, and am currently coaching the
Canadian Women's Development Ski Team. Through
my experience with the development level all
the way to the elite in the world, I feel that
all athletes will greatly benefit from this workout
program. If you're a competitive athlete, recreational,
or just looking to get in shape this is the program
for you. It will push you not only to your physical
peak, but mental too, you will
be in the best shape of your life. Thanks for
everything Sasha.Ryan Jazic
Coach Canadian Women's Development Team
Sasha Gier has a unique talent for inspiring
his athletes to push themselves
physically to the limit while
keeping a light atmosphere with his sense of
humour. Before my training with Sasha I came
from a background of enjoying outdoor sports
with no competitive background in boxing or kickboxing.
During my time with the Pemberton Kickboxing
Club and Sasha Gier I acquired the skills to
compete on a national level and obtained 4 kickboxing
title belts including a #1 ranking in Canada.
Sasha used a blend of focus mitts for boxing,
sparring with fellow athletes and a good old
fashioned workout regime that was properly critiqued
to obtain maximum potential. Not only did Sasha
teach me to become confident with my skills in
the ring but I was able to carry the determination
and drive learned from training over into my
professional life.Kelly Pogson
2001 Canadian Golden Gloves Kickboxing Champion 2002 Canadian Golden Gloves Kickboxing Champion 2002 Canadian Kickboxing Champion 2002 Western -Canadian Kickboxing Champion
I am writing this letter
regarding Mr. Sasha Gier. I
have known of Sasha for many
years growing up in the Whistler Valley; however
I was not lucky enough to have met him until
this past September. Since I met Sasha I have
lost 40 pounds, feel better than I have felt
in 10 years, and have greater confidence today
than I have ever experienced in everything I
do from business to athletics. Sasha not only
has the great technical skill of a professional
coach he is also a good person who TRULY cares
about the individual he is training and HONESTLY
wants to improve that persons well being. I grew
up a competitive ski racer making the National
team at 18 years old; Sasha trians me like I
am going to be a champion boxer and makes me
feel as though I am going to be one. He has a
way of making you want to train, and creates
lots of fun out of very hard work. I would recommend
Sasha to anyone and everyone who is lucky enough
to have the chance to train with Sasha. I have
confidence in saying that I fully support his
program and am walking proof of the results.Joey Gibbons
Vice-president Gibbons Hospitality Group
I believe Sasha’s program and ideas on
mental attitude, nutrition and fitness integrated
into one program are unique, effective, and deserve
recognition. I have known Sasha for the past
six month as he has been my personal boxing/fitness
trainer and now friend. I have completed the “Siberian
Sandbox Program” this winter. The program
not only taught me a new skill, kickboxing, but
got me into the best shape of my life. I‘ve
always kept fit, but this took it one step further
with amazingly quick results. I noticed a major
improvement in body toning, strength, posture
and cardio, plus I learned to kick box with I
really enjoy. He knows each client’s goals
are different so the exercises
and nutrition programs are individualized to
our specific needs. At all times I found Sasha
to be professional, courteous, enjoyable and
extremely dedicated to helping me. He is very
knowledgeable, approachable, respectful and easy
to talk to. Sasha maintains a close communication
with you always checking in daily to see how
you are feeling after workouts. In closing I
can enthusiastically recommend this program if
you are dedicated, want quick results, and a
positive change in your lifestyle.Karen Barratt
Business owner Whistler,BC.
I
have always thought of myself
as a "fit" person. I maintain
a very active lifestyle through
work and my recreational endeavors
so, I was a little skeptical
when I first showed up for a
Sandbox class. What strength,
fitness, and endurance could
this medicine ball workout offer
me that I didn't already have?
Humbling! My intentions
were to complete his two month
workout just in time for my season
on hill. As the weeks progressed,
I could not believe the strength
I developed in my core. This
was first noticeable in my line
of work. I am a professional
ski patroller by trade. On my
first day, I skied with the same
stength and ability as I usually
acquire by mid season!
Nine months later, I am
still excited to go to Sasha's
workouts. This is partly to do
with his motivation and his passion
for all his students to acheive
their fitness goals. Sasha can
see the potential in all his
participants. He always offers
excting new excercises so there
is never a dull moment!
Penny Cameron
Professional Ski Patroller
Mountain Bike Coach
It
is with a great deal of
enthusiasm that I write
this letter of recommendation
for Sasha as a personal
boxing trainer. Having
recently completed my sessions
with Sasha, I was impressed
with his professionalism and
ability to energize his clients
to work hard while keeping
it enjoyable. Sasha's coaching
was more than just about
fitness but also developing
the mental focus and concentration
required to achieve the
various levels of boxing
skills. His teaching style
is motivational, supportive
and not without a little
humor.
I would highly recommend Sasha
as a personal trainer /
coach to any individuals
interested in an invigorating
and innovative program
that has immediate results.
Bill Barratt
Administrator Resort Municipality of Whistler
We met Sasha while walking back from our morning scull session on Alta Lake. He referred to us as 'the boat people' and asked whether we thought we were in 'OK' shape. Since we had been rowing on the lake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, 5-7 mornings a week for the past 6 months, and otherwise led fairly active lifestyles for the over 50 crowd.. we were confident in agreeing that we considered ourselves to be in 'decent' shape. Sasha challenged us to come and try his Siberian Sandbox evening class. For our first class he handed us each a 6 lb medicine ball and put us through a series of exercises. An hour later, beat red, perspiring profusely and exhausted we had the first opportunity to take in the rest of the group and noticed that most were wielding around 15 lb balls without breaking a sweat. We signed up for the eight week program.By the third week we had both progressed to the heavier weighted medicine balls and found the results that we had achieved to be amazing. The increase in strength in all major muscle groups was quickly evident in everything we did, especially skiing. Normally, at the beginning of a ski season it takes a few weeks to gain the ski legs and stamina for the steeps and the top to bottom runs. After 6 weeks of the Sasha Workouts and during the first week of the ski season we both felt as though we had been skiing for months. Old nagging injuries seem to vanish, new muscles appeared, and a sense of general well being ensued.
The Siberian Sandbox Workouts are 1 1/2 hours long although that would seem like an eternity for any hardcore exercise regime, Sasha's classes go by relatively quickly due to the variety of 2-4 minute exercises interspersed with 1-2 minutes of rest accompanied by Sasha's entertaining banter. Sasha gets to know every one of his students even before they sign up and his dedication and sincere caring for each and everyone's various idiosyncrasies continues throughout the duration of the program.
The fact that the classes are almost always full to capacity, often with new people from all walks of life and athletic ability as well as many long term devotees without any advertising and all through 'word of mouth' speaks for itself about the program. It's hard, it's fun and it really works. We look forward to the thaw to try out our new and improved 'Siberian Sandbox' muscles in the rowing shells. Perhaps we'll pull some water skiers around the Lake.
Jane Frazee & Ritchie King
Real Estate Agents, Whistler
Over the past three years three of
my children ( all in their twenties
), my wife and I have taken the 48 hour Siberian
Sandbox workout program from Sasha Gier. We have
also continued with private workouts and worked
out on our own, using Sasha’s new CD format. In each case
the results were amazing. Sasha’s workouts,
although strenuous, are varied
and exciting. You see results very quickly. If
losing weight is what you after, I can attest
that one of my sons, who had been a competitive
athlete, lost 30 pounds in two months. In my case,
my strength and flexibility improved dramatically.
I felt in the best shape since playing varsity
football at U.B.C over forty years ago. Sasha
himself is a very dynamic individual who has outstanding
credentials. He keeps things interesting, while
motivating you to go beyond where you thought
it was impossible to go. In short, I recommend
Sasha Gier and his program to anyone looking to
improve their fitness and overall health.
Richard P. Gibbons, Chairman
The Gibbons Hospitality
Group of Companies