Cathy Genge (right) passes the ball to Lauren Boutilier.

Jane Doucet

Genge (middle) with Boutilier, Sean Brennan and one of their whiteboard workouts.

Jane Doucet

Backyard boot camp

A job in pharmaceutical sales meant Costco member Cathy Genge of Halifax, Nova Scotia, was often on the road. "The biggest challenge was finding time to exercise," she says. Working from home during the pandemic gave the mom of three young children a golden opportunity to improve her health.

In April, Genge and her neighbour Lauren Boutilier started running before work while their husbands minded their kids. After the two complained about body aches, Lauren’s husband, Sean Brennan, suggested strength training. He created weekly all-season backyard "whiteboard workouts" for them that include jumping jacks and push-ups.

The friends still work out together. “I love starting my day this way because it gives me mental clarity and energy,” says Genge.
—Jane Doucet