Jim Gear

Jim Gear, 62, achieved his Bachelor of Science in Physical Education at the University of Guelph, followed by his Master of Human Kinetics degree from the University of Windsor.
“Many people spend their youth trying to accumulate wealth and then in their retirement, spend their wealth and time trying to get back to their health,” says Jim, who has made it his life’s mission to reverse this trend.  Jim notes that the challenge of Exercise Physiology over the next 10 years is to increase its capacity to communicate new and relevant research to the masses, and to dispel the plethora of myths that boggle the minds of those concerned with maintaining their health.

Jim’s passion for healthy living led him to teach high school for 11 years, mainly in the fields of physical education and science.  His credentials also led him to running an outdoor education center for 20 years.  Jim holds countless coaching and instructing certifications, including Level III status in White Water Canoeing, Flat Water Canoeing, Alpine Skiing and Cross Country Skiing.

To inspire people to life a healthy life, one must lead by example, and Jim does exactly that.  He credits Jackrabbitt Johansen (1875-1987) and Rolf Hauge as being two of his heroes.  Jim Skied with Jackrabbitt in the Canadian Ski marathon when Jackrabbitt was 107 years old; Rolph still races slalom, GS and Super G, and will race at Jim’s Masters Alpine Racing Camp this December where he will turn 90. Jim is constantly striving to be a similar inspiration to others.

A consistent philosophy in all of Jim’s life and lessons is that of balance.  He has brought this message and many other teachings to hundreds of workshops for The Council of Outdoor Educators of Ontario (as well as organized many of their annual conferences), The London Board of Education, and he plans to bring this philosophy to the healthisbeautynow.com. Symposiums. “Balance is a safety essential for an active lifestyle and an aging population,” says Jim.  In a culture where excess is the overriding trend, his message of balance and its role in healthy living could not be any more crucial.