The SS&A Team is a tight-knit team and we often find ourselves out for a pub night, doing the stairs at Wreck Beach, playing squash at lunchtime or doing some other activities together. Here are three activities that we’d like to highlight:
CLUB ROW: Founded in Vancouver, Club Row is the world’s first and only rhythm based rowing class. We row to a beat in a full-body workout unlike any other. The instructors go over the rowing machine technique and lead a short warm up. After the warm-up, the lights are turned down low and the music is turned up high for a 30 minute intense workout. Club Row is ego free, friendly, and fun. All fitness levels are welcome. If you are interested in trying a class but feel intimidated remember the room is dark so no one can see you! The rowing machine can be a bit tricky to master at first but after a few classes you will be a pro. About a year ago Hala asked me if I wanted to try rowing. She said it was like a spin class but on row machines and I thought well I don’t like spin but this was a great chance to try something new and different, and work on my health and fitness goals. There is a group of us (11 current and former A/ES Advisors) who go pretty consistently now, and not only is Club Row a great workout but it is also a lot of fun to go with your friends / colleagues! If you want to join us, chat with Jordan! (Written by Jordan)
SOUP CLUB: A group of us in the SS&A Team used to regularly get together and swap one litre of soup with each other – this photo is taken from our first soup swap in back January 2014. It has been a great way to be social and get to know each other a little better, share something made with love, and stock our soup stores with a variety of soup made by someone else. Many years have passed since the first swap, many members of the original group have moved on and/or have new commitments, but the spirit and desire to swap and eat good soup lives on! As a result, we have taken a more ad-hoc approach to swapping our satisfying soups. This year’s swap was on December 2nd; we had curried butternut squash soup, broccoli, tomato soup with chickpea croutons, a veggie stew and a blast! (Written by Colleen & Fran)
PLANKING: On any random afternoon, you may come across a small or large group of our staff who will be sprawled on the ground doing some sort of planking exercise, with the goal of holding the pose for 2 minutes. Paul Poole and a former colleague, Joanna Ludlow, were the initiators of this office activity. ES Advisors care about service excellence but also prioritize core strengthening, muscle definition and stress reduction!