Medical exercise specialist and The Core Exercise Studio owner Mia Sutherland has been chosen as an ambassador for Montreal clothing company Lole Athletic Wear.Ambassadors are partnerships with inspiring instructors, personal trainers and women who are professionals in their respective disciplines around the world. Established in 2002, Lole is a clothing brand inspired by well-being and whose primary mission is to promote wellness for women while inspiring them to get up and move.They have been able to penetrate the active wear market through the Lole and Friends, and Lole Meet-up Programs. These are methods used to connect women and encourage them to enjoy outdoor activity while promoting community growth and the use of urban green spaces.Along with her many post-rehab programs and her successful Happy Back and Transformation Projects, Sutherland began teaching early morning Playground Fitness programs for adults in the Valley this past June. This was a way for Sutherland to get out of her studio and show her clients some of the quiet, beautiful green spaces hidden around the Valley.These classes incorporate walking or running with a bevy of body-weight and core stabilization exercises that Jane Fonda and Suzanne Somers would be proud of.Locally, Lole is carried at Lotus Wear in the Superstore mall.  Owners Lee and Keith Erikson opened their store in the Comox Valley in December 2009 and since have made a lot of changes.  They have made it their mission to work with Canadian companies that promote healthy living and support community events.  “Supporting our community any way possible is a great way to give back”, Lee says. “It’s so nice to be associated with Lole because they stand for everything positive.”Erikson feels honored to be carrying a line of clothing which is produced in a socially and environmentally-conscious way and who are on the heels of Vancouver’s largest yoga inspired clothing company because of their innovative designs, vibrant colours and beautiful fabrics.Sutherland and Erikson have teamed up to offer the first Lole-inspired free community Meet-up Program this Friday at 7 p.m. at Vanier Track.This is for all levels with the emphasis on fun and the intention to introduce women to another innovative and enjoyable way to exercise with their peers. The format will be similar to Sutherland’s Playground Fitness program but all levels will be welcome.For complete details, contact Sutherland through her website at www.happyback.ca.— Mia Sutherland

Comox Valley Record