Growing up as a competitive dancer, and gymnast and taking part in Taekwondo, I was active every day of the week until I went to university. I grew up in a health-conscious household where my parents were both healthy and active. Food was just food, not good or bad. Bodies were just bodies, not fat or skinny. There were no comments about weight, mine or anyone else’s. No pressure to look a certain way.
As I got older, I realized that the most successful dancers weren’t short or chubby. In other words, they did not look like me. I felt insecure, but I didn’t care about how I was supposed to look because I enjoyed the activity and what it was teaching me. I never compared myself to others and refused to let it stop me from being the best athlete I could be.
With my father’s passing and my focus on my undergraduate degree, I began to wonder who I became when I neglected my health, nutrition, and physical activity when this was something I used to value most. I failed to create a growth mentality for my health and fitness. I had no drive or motivation, and I was not happy. I needed something that could upgrade my mindset, but change my body at the same time, so I decided to make a permanent lifestyle change.
I’ve always been the type of person to jump in with both feet when I want something, and I don’t stop until I get it. I’m not the same woman as I was before when it comes to taking care of my body. Taking control of my health and fitness had shown me how much potential I had to change things in my life. To become happier. To find meaning and purpose. To make a difference.
In the process of working on myself, I influenced family, friends, and people I saw at the gym to change their lifestyles.
Now working as a body transformation coach for “Lady The F Up”, I have the opportunity to assist my clients in amazing mind and body transformations. We are specialists in women’s fitness coaching and are dedicated to empowering women to be the best version of themselves. While changing their body composition is the primary focus, altering their mindset so that they can succeed in other areas of their life is what sets Lady The F Up apart from the rest of the fitness industry.
Age: 24
City, State/Province: Ontario
Country: Canada
Occupation: LadyTheFUp Online fitness coach
If you have 100 tokens in total and you could apply them to the following categories, how many would you apply to each?
Fitness level: 30
Health level: 70
Thoughts on HIIT, Powerlifting, TRX, Yoga, bodybuilding, and others? I promote any form of movement that one enjoys. This is because if your goal is to gain a better body composition you can’t do that by doing something you hate because you won’t adhere to it.
It depends on the client’s goal. If your goal is to become the strongest person in the room and enjoy lifting heavy weights, I would suggest you start powerlifting.
If you enjoy lifting heavy weights powerlifting may also be for you.
If you enjoy resistance training, hypertrophy training, cardio, and showing off your best, leanest physique then bodybuilding may be a good fit for you.
How did your passion for fitness start? And what was the biggest challenge you have faced on your journey? My passion for fitness began at a very young age when I did gymnastics and dance. The biggest challenge I faced was balancing fitness, family and school. I lot myself trying to be the best daughter and student. It’s when I learned the importance of prioritizing yourself.
Share your unique training/coaching methods? I am not a coach that only provides custom workout and nutrition plans. I communicate with my clients daily which nurtures real human connection. I ask sincere questions, give tough love when necessary and am a steady source of support to guide them through every obstacle to achieve their dream body in the most sustainable way possible.
Every client is different, and to sustain their results, they will require a different approach. I listen to what the client wants, but also realize that I have to give them what they need. I know how hard it is to quit fad dieting and find a sustainable approach to losing weight because I’ve been through it myself! I educate them on why what they’ve done in the past hasn’t been sustainable and provide solutions as to what their body truly needs. Often, it will be restoring their metabolism by prioritizing resistance training, pairing it with the right number of calories, and focusing on building the right habits to stay consistent. Consistency can only be preset once the approach is practical because then the habits will stay with them for the rest of their lives even once they’re finished working with me.
Training Plan: I promote resistance training in combination with cardio. It depends on the clients’ lifestyle and goals as to how many sessions they will be doing per week. Many people think that resistance training is the same thing but they aren’t!
The goal of strength training is to move as much weight as possible from A to B in any way possible using as many muscle groups or different muscles as possible. It is strictly about moving weight for the sake of moving weight.
The goal of resistance training is to load and fatigue specific muscles so that the specific muscle will grow and change the appearance of the body in line with your goals.
If your goal is to gain muscle and lose fat at a similar rate, you want to utilize resistance training to do so!
The majority of people in gyms around the world train like weight lifters BUT want the results that resistance training gives you.
The EXECUTION of the exercise you are performing will determine whether you will stimulate muscle growth or not.
Execution includes:
Form
Set up/bracing
Tempo (the speed at which you move the weight)
Sufficient loading
Control
Intensity (proximity to fatigue or failure)
I want my clients to have the best workout possible without sore joints and/or injuries.
Nutritional Plan: I teach clients to achieve their dream body with the correct form of consistency. Explaining that the consistent adaptations to their program will yield the results they are looking to achieve. Before working with me, people can be consistent in the wrong direction where they think they are following the necessary steps to achieve a goal but are steering them in the opposite direction. Take fad diets, for example, if you can’t sustain the diet for the rest of your life then that isn’t the correct approach to your goals. You need a detailed plan to ensure you’re doing the correct things to reach your goals, so your consistency doesn’t just go to waste.
I like teaching clients flexible dieting and macro counting because it is the most realistic way to achieve your goals. Having adequate carbohydrate, fat, and protein intake is important to look and feel your best.
Supplement Plan: It depends on the client and their lifestyle. A supplement protocol for a healthy woman would look different for pregnant, postpartum or younger clients. I will also need to know if there are any underlying medical conditions that need to be taken into consideration.
Do you prefer to take and recommend all-natural (no sugar, no artificial colours/flavours/sweeteners) supplements or supplements with artificial flavors and sweeteners? And Why? It really depends on the client but, I always say the more Whole Foods the better and the fewer chemicals you can consume will often yield a happier, healthier body and gut microbiome. Some artificial sweeteners like erythritol and aspartame can significantly impact your bloating and alter the taste receptors. However, if someone is used to drinking 10 Diet Cokes a day, I won’t cut it out completely, instead, I will minimize the quantity that they are consuming because it is still better than the 10 that they were having.
Please describe the importance of mental health? Mental health shapes one’s performance we often think of our mind and body as separate, but our mental health and physical health are interconnected. When we are mentally healthy, we enjoy our life and environment, and the people in it. We can be creative, learn, try new things, and take risks. We are better able to cope with difficult times in our personal and professional lives. Changes your outlook on life as well.
Take us through a typical day in your life for you? I typically wake up at 5 AM, make some tea and get started on some client work such as programming for new clients, working on nutrition plans, having breakfast and heading to the gym at 6:30 am. Once back from the gym around 8:30 I will reply to client check-ins.
Can you tell us about “LadyTheFUp”? LadyTheFUp is a company run by women, for women. While you work directly with one coach, you have the support of our ENTIRE coaching team and global online LadyTheFUp community that all want to see you succeed.
Our expert team of female coaches has worked with thousands of individuals in countless countries around the world to achieve their goals. The true value in what we do is in our coaching services! The relationship with your coach, communication, and the ability to ask questions, and gain insight and knowledge are priceless.
Each of our coaches has a unique specialty – binge eating, digestive health, hormones, post-partum, autoimmune diseases, etc. – and we work collectively as a team behind the scenes to ensure you are receiving the best experience based on your unique circumstances.
Whenever you need support, your coach can be contacted at ANY time outside of weekly check-ins. Our coaches work 365 days a year to support you whenever you need it, and you will always receive a reply within 24 hours.
We don’t believe in generic plans or quick fixes. For us, it’s all about what will work best for YOU. Your current lifestyle, likes and dislikes, digestive health, and prior exercise experience are all taken into account. No two clients will have the same plans or coaching approach because no two people are identical.
“Magda is an asset to the LadyTheFUp team! She has grown so much as a coach over the last years+ and she truly knows what’s required to support women through their transformation process not just externally, but internally too! She also sets herself apart with her unique social media content through funny yet relatable video – give her an Instagram follow if you haven’t already to see what I mean! ;)” – Coach Lexie
Our coaching is what sets us apart because “cookie-cutter” workout plans and nutrition plans can be purchased very easily from anyone. Following a generic program for 4-12 weeks may help get you results, but are often not sustainable or educational as to why you saw progress, or how to keep the progress you made when the plan is over.
The real value is not just in our programming but in our coaching. Every single person is unique and will require a different approach to both fitness and nutrition! Your coach designs your individual plan for YOU and YOUR BODY!
There’s more to being healthy and fit than just exercising a few times a week. To see the best progress possible, your daily nutrition needs to be aligned with your physical activity, which is not provided in an hour-long fitness class or personal training session. Even if you’re seeing a nutritionist or dietician on the side, most times the fitness trainer and nutritionist do not communicate, and the plans are not synergistic to your goals.
Our coaching services emphasize your daily actions and behaviours that will lead to your success, including day-to-day planning & preparation, organization, optimal sleep, and minimal mental/emotional stress.
There is no other women’s coaching company that is as adaptable as we are to your needs. We have found the right way to coach, program and keep you accountable.
We have a team of highly dedicated, knowledgeable and passionate coaches that work together to ensure each and every client has a successful, positive and valuable experience that lasts a lifetime, plus our online community of strong, empowering women is like no other.
LadyTheFUp Team: Debra Basch, Mal Mana, Rima Kamra, Lexie Ward, Magda Banas
What separates Status from other fitness magazines? I appreciate that Status supports people on their fitness journey.
If you could ask Status Fitness Magazine Editor-in-Chief Rodney Jang any industry question, what would that be? Where do you see this magazine in 5 years?
Magda and her team are an inspiration to many. Making a big difference by supporting people in improving their health and fitness lifestyles. Keep up the great work!
Status Fitness Magazine runs model searches across North America including the largest one at the Arnold Classic for the Status cover. As part of the Status family, you will receive a special participation invite. How excited are you about this opportunity? Very excited to learn more about the process and how it works. I’ve never been or have had the opportunity to be a part of any model search.
Describe your coaches and the impact they have on you? I became a coach because I’ve had coaches in many sports in the past that led me in the right direction to where I wanted and currently want to be mentally and physically.
They helped me understand the importance of providing daily external accountability, so I didn’t revert to my old habits, helped me prioritize what is important to me, and what is draining my daily energy. They were continually assessing my progress to ensure I was progressing toward my goals. They would change my program accordingly so I never hit a plateau. They would explain to me how and what to eat for my goal, and they even taught me how to stay on track while eating out at a restaurant so I never have to miss out on social events.
The most efficient way to get from where you are now to where you want to be is to have a coach guiding you on the right path, adjusting and adapting your program no matter the situation to ensure you are continually improving. I want to be that coach for any woman who chooses they want to become the best version of themselves.
Can you share with us your goals for fitness and life? My goals are simple. Just to be able to live a fulfilled and successful life.
Things people don’t know about you?
I’m afraid of butterflies
My father passed away when I was 19, 2 weeks before my first bikini competition.
I’ve never been drunk or have done recreational drugs.
I have a black belt in Taekwondo.
5 most important attributes you see in a person?
Their self-discipline.
Loyalty.
Passion.
Humour.
Desire to improve.
Who inspires you? And why? I take inspiration from people who are above me in the online coaching business such as Amer Kamra and Rima Kamra. Both are brilliant coaches that I often go to for guidance.
What is your number one tip for people on their fitness journey? Enjoy the process and develop self-discipline.
Self-discipline is the ability to push yourself forward, stay motivated, and take action, regardless of how you’re feeling, physically or emotionally. You’re showing it when you intentionally choose to pursue something better for yourself, and you do it in spite of factors such as distractions. It helps you to stick with and achieve tough goals that you set for yourself. Self-discipline also enables you to keep going through to great success, despite what others might see as insurmountable odds.
What does success look like for you? Doing meaningful or fulfilling work that both meets my professional goals and provides income to support my desired lifestyle. Oftentimes, people get caught up in “climbing the ladder”, “taking the next step”, or trying to fit the mould of what society or the media portrays as “success”. That leaves people spinning their wheels, grinding it out, trying to reach that corner office that’s going to end up making them miserable. It also means there are plenty of people out there who have given up on their passions, dreams, or goals in order to “succeed”. It can be very easy to get caught up in that, but we need to remember that we will only be truly happy when we are doing the work that we feel we were meant to do.
What is your favourite quote to live by? Take the risk or lose the chance!
This is very personal to me because before I became an online fitness coach, I was actually going to pursue physiotherapy to please my parents. When I was offered the opportunity to work as a LadyTheFUp Coach, I took the chance and turned down physiotherapy school.
Congratulations on the winners of Hannah Dawson’s FitClub “She is Persistent” Challenge!
Overall Winner: ERIN MALLOY
Age: 40
Health and Fitness Goals: Strength: Mentally and physically stronger than I was yesterday.
Why did you decide to register for Hannah’s program? I started training with Hannah to fill a void by immersing in self-care which saw me through some of the lowest and darkest days in the last 2 years. Her holistic approach to health and fitness transformed my mental health into a growth mindset.
How has the experience been for you? Life-changing. Training with Hannah has metamorphosed all areas of my life. With the continued support of my coach, Hannah and my partner, Mark, I am stronger and happier than ever.
What does persistence “She is Persistent” mean to you? I love this quote by James N. Watkins, ‘A river cuts through rock not because of its power, but because of its persistence”.
What did you do to focus on during this challenge? I focused on progress, not perfection. As a recovering perfectionist, fear of failure and self-imposed standards can be debilitating. “Success is not the absence of failure; it’s the persistence through failure.” —Aisha Tyler
What did you learn about this past month? I practiced “The 5 Second Rule” by Mel Robbins and learned the power of daily gratitude at sunrise. With Hannah’s “Macros to Muscle” course, I learned about my relationship with nutrition and how to track macros using the MyFitnessPal app.
What challenges did you face this past month regarding your persistence? In this challenge, I increased my caloric intake to a 5% build for more flexible eating during the summer holidays. When the scale increased for the first time in 9 weeks—the week of my 40th in a bikini—I was challenged to continue to trust the process. My self-confidence and self-validation were impervious to numbers on the scale and cake.
Any words of advice you would give to others considering a “Persistent” program approach? Progress not perfection. Give yourself grace. 80/20 rule: have your cake and eat it too!
What does it mean to you to earn the recognition of the “She is Persistent” award spotlight? I share this recognition with every FCB persisting on her own personal journey of emotional, mental, physical and spiritual health.
What has it been like working with Hannah and the Fitclub community? Empowered women empower women. We are stronger together!
Spotlight Winner: KATHY PEARSON
Age: 64
Health and Fitness goals: My fitness goals are to eat smart and train smart. Be the best version of myself. Spiritually, Mentally and Physically.
Why did you decide to register for Hannah’s program? I decided to register for Hannah’s program because of Covid. I no longer wanted to train at my gym. I was aware of Hannah’s success rate from family and friends.so I signed up and have never considered training with any other coach. Hannah provides me with everything I need above and beyond.
How has the experience been for you? The experience for me is one-word STELLAR.
What does persistent “She is persistent” mean to you? Persistent to me is, never giving up, starting over and over again, and having to constantly work on my mindset. I guess persistent is Just Do It.
What did you do to focus on during this challenge? I challenged my mindset continually through the challenge. I refused to listen to the negative mind chatter.
What did you learn about yourself this past month? Something clicked this past month. I learnt to accept my limitations, to adapt, modify and be okay with moving forward no matter how it looked or mentally affected me. My mindset is my number one barrier to prolonging my goals.
What challenges did you face this past month regarding your persistence? Battling my mindset.
Any words of advice you would give to others considering a “persistent” program approach? This is my advice to myself.
Get on with it and just do it.
More isn’t always better
Be okay with limitations
What does it mean to you to earn the recognition of the ” She is Persistent” award spotlight? The recognition says to me, You can do it, You will do it, and You can be everything you want to be if you Just Do It.
What has it been like working with Hannah and the Fit club community? Oh my gosh, where to begin? Hannah and the FBC community are like family, sisterhood, and a great support team. Doesn’t matter whether it’s struggles or victories we hold each other up. Hannah always has our backs and always has a cheer for us, pep talk and lots of solutions. Joining FBC family was the best investment I made for myself.
Spotlight Winner: JALISA TENNYSON
Age: 26
Health and Fitness Goals: Fat loss + Tone
Why did you decide to register for Hannah’s program? I wanted to prove to myself that I can lose the extra pounds and I wanted to show myself that I could commit and push myself to stay consistent even when “I feel” like I’m too tired to push forward. I also wanted to see the results and felt like I couldn’t do that without a coach anymore!
How has the experience been for you? Amazing! Hannah is so caring and wants to help with anything and everything. She’s a friend to chat with, a coach to help you keep pushing forward, someone to tell you “these things are normal, keep going”, etc.
What does persistent “She is persistent” mean to you? To me, this means pushing through or jumping right over that obstacle, not stopping right in front of it, if that makes sense. Even when you have those thoughts of doubt or exhaustion or just want to quit, you get back up and keep pushing forward. Trusting the process and not what you see right away.
What did you do to focus on during this challenge? I eliminated all my excuses. If I was going to be away and didn’t have all my weights I would modify my workouts or do body workout days those days. I would bring weights with me or bands. Food wise I would prep food beforehand or choose specific places to eat when away from my home. I also always logged my food into MFP.
What did you learn about yourself this past month? I learned so much! That I can stay consistent. So that I can eat clean and make better choices when travelling. That I can eat soul foods and not feel guilty about them or feel as though they will make me backtrack on my goals. That I can listen to my body and stop working out when injured or feeling physically strained and it will not delay my goals. It’s okay to listen to my body.
What challenges did you face this past month regarding your persistence? Definitely, my knee injury took me out for a week. I felt so defeated when I found out I needed to just rest it and not do any workouts only physio movements. Hannah helped me so much during this time by reminding me that if I don’t rest now what is a week of resting could turn into a month or worse. She also reminded me that I’m not going “go backwards” on my goals if I keep my nutrition on track during this time of rest.
Any words of advice you would give to others considering a “persistent’ program approach? To push through when you feel like giving up because the workouts are tough. Also, listen to your body if it needs rest because what could take a couple of days or a couple of weeks could turn into a couple of months or more.
What does it mean to you to earn the recognition of the “She is Persistent” award spotlight? It means a lot for sure! To be noticed for all the hard work you put in week after week and times you wanted to just give in and not workout or overeat on things you shouldn’t but don’t make me feel so amazing!
What has it been like working with Hannah and the Fitclub community? It’s been so awesome!! I feel like I’m part of another fam.
Congratulations on the winners of Hannah Dawson’s FitClub “She is Fit” Challenge!
Overall Winner: ANGELA THOMAS
Age: 42
Health and Fitness Goals: Started as solely weight/fat loss. Now my goal is to build muscle and get stronger.
Why did you decide to register for Hannah’s program? I heard of Hannah’s program through a friend. I wanted to lose weight. I was working out every day and not seeing results. I wanted to break the cycle of constant dieting and my weight going up and down.
How has the experience been for you? It has really changed my life. I feel so much more comfortable in my own skin. I don’t think about my weight and how I look constantly.
What does being fit (“She is FIT”) mean to you? Being fit in my mind and my body. It means challenging myself every day.
What did you do to focus on during this FIT challenge? This month, I focused on getting stronger and pushing myself past what I thought I could do.
What did you learn about yourself this past month? Not just to look at the numbers on the scale to track my progress but to also track my progress in how much I am able to lift and the inches lost.
What challenges did you face this past month while focusing on your”Fitness”? I had plateaued with my weight loss. Hannah coached me in increasing my calories. This felt against everything I had previously done. I followed her advice and was able to move forward.
Any words of advice you would give to others considering a “FIT’ program approach? Patience. It takes time. Focus on the progress you make in all areas, not just weight loss.
What does it mean to you to earn recognition in the “She is FIT” award spotlight? It is an honour. Amazing to get this recognition.
What has it been like working with Hannah and the Fitclub community? It is encouraging to see others progress. It is a great support system. Hannah is knowledgeable and available for advice and questions.
Spotlight Winner: LORA NELSON
Age: 51
Health and Fitness Goals: Get in better shape. Tone, sculpt and build muscle.
Why did you decide to register for Hannah’s program? My friend was loving the program and told me to do it! I also wanted my body to serve me better in the future.
How has the experience been for you? Absolutely fantastic!
What does being fit (“She is FIT”) mean to you? Evolving as a human and loving all the imperfections as perfect. Mind, soul and body are connected and work well together. Each one affects the other, so treat them well.
What did you do to focus on during this FIT challenge? Consistency, trying to focus on what muscle is being used during each exercise.
What did you learn about yourself this past month? If I miss a workout I try not to beat myself up.
What challenges did you face this past month while focusing on your”Fitness”? My motivation was trying to fly out the window. What brought me back were videos from Hannah Dawson, her wonderful words of motivation and determination. She really is a wonderful coach with tons of knowledge to help you focus and bring you back to the reasons why you want to work out.
Any words of advice you would give to others considering a “FIT” program approach? Keep it up, be consistent. Make sure to schedule workouts, if you don’t make time, you will not find the time. Everyone can say ” I don’t have time”. If it is important, you will make time!
What does it mean to you to earth recognition of the “She is FIT” award spotlight? I am very honoured to earn a spot in Status magazine. I am very proud of my work and progress.
What has it been like working with Hannah and the Fitclub community? Such a lovely bunch of women helping and supporting each other in a healthy journey. Hannah is a fabulous person and coach who cares deeply for her fit club babes.
Spotlight Winner: JENNIFER YASEYKO
Age: 44
Health and Fitness Goals: My health and fitness goals are to create a consistent routine to get my body moving daily. To become stronger in my own body but also to show my 3 boys that a healthy, active lifestyle is important!
Why did you decide to register with Hannah program? I registered for Hannah’s program because I was tired of feeling bad for myself and needed something to change. I had very low confidence and felt very inactive and unmotivated. My girlfriend (Fitclub Ambassador Julie) posted in her story about a new challenge that Hannah was starting so I inquired and it was the best fitness decision of my life!
How has the experience been for you? The experience has been honestly life-changing. I feel more confident and in charge of my health and fitness. Working out doesn’t feel like a chore but is now something that I consciously choose for myself.
What does FIT (“She is Fit”) mean to you? Being “FIT” to me means that I can keep up with a healthy active lifestyle. I can go hiking and biking with enjoyment instead of anxiety. I feel physically stronger than I ever have before and it feels amazing.
What did you do to focus on during this challenge? This challenge I have focused mainly on being consistent. Complete the workouts and be prepared. In the past, I have given up on so many challenges or workout plans that I needed to complete something to prove to myself that I could do it. I could complete the task that I presented to myself. I did complete it, and it feels so gratifying to know that I can do it.
What challenges did you face this past month when it came to your Discipline”? The biggest challenge that I face monthly is being prepared. With a busy schedule (like all busy parents out there), I often struggle to find the balance and energy to fully prepare myself for the week. Often, I tell myself “Just spend another half hour prepping and you’ll save yourself stress and anxiety through the week. It will be worth it!” and it always is.
Any words of advice you would give to others considering a “FIT’ program approach? My advice to anyone who is thinking of joining the Fitclub is to absolutely do it! You can do all of the workouts from home with minimal equipment, the support from Hannah and the community is unmatched by any other program out there. The weekly mindset coaching is motivational and inspirational and truthfully what other programs are missing. Hannah coaches that with the right mindset, you can do anything you put your focus on 🙂 The most important thing I have learned through this journey is that it IS just that…..a journey. This is not an overnight thing, it’s a process, not perfection. I’ve learned that I can have a bad day, but then I dust myself off and move past it. One bad day doesn’t mean that you have to start over, It just means that you pick yourself up, and keep moving forward.
What has it been like working with Hannah and the Fitclub community? Working with Hannah and the Fitclub community is like nothing I’ve ever experienced. The mindset training provided by Hannah and her coaching style is unmatched. The support from all the women that are having the same daily, weekly struggles to stay motivated or to find the time to work out is comforting. To know that you’re not alone and have a community to lean on is both empowering and motivating, to say the least.
Congratulations on the winners of Hannah Dawson’s FitClub “She is Disciplined” Challenge!
Overall Winner: REBECCA SALMON
Age: 27
Health and Fitness Goals:
Shedding Fat – especially around my abdomen/hips & thighs.
Increase Endurance – after having my girls and taking a break from working out, my endurance drastically decreased.
Build confidence – my body has changed so much since having children, but so has my confidence.
Why did you decide to register for Hannah’s program? I grew up watching people around me feel self-conscious. I didn’t want my girls to grow up feeling this way. (Monkey see, monkey do). I wanted to not only start a program to create healthy habits now, but rather to build a healthy lifestyle. Hannah’s program has me constantly learning.
How has the experience been for you? It’s been amazing! I’ve tried other plans in the past, however, this one like allows you to have waffles for breakfast & ice cream!! & still, lose weight! This doesn’t feel like a diet, just a new look at the foods you eat & how to slightly adjust them to fit into your Macros. You don’t need to give up things you love.
What does disciplined (“She is Disciplined”) mean to you? It means “She can take control,” I stopped letting my emotions intervene with my goals. I allowed myself to take time and do something for myself. After having children, your every day now revolves around them, and although I wouldn’t change being a mother for anything, I felt like that was my new title. I was no longer Becca … I became “Isla and Madi’s mom” I was no longer doing things for myself, or making time for myself. This program has allowed me to regain focus on who I am and who I want to be, not only for my girls but also for me.
What did you do to focus on during this challenge? Hannah’s Facebook group keeps you accountable. There are weekly challenges and mindset coaching every Friday. Everyone is rooting for each other and the group is very positive. I focused a lot on my meal preparations and my focus during a workout.
What did you learn about yourself this past month? That I can be disciplined. That my nutrition will enhance my results & that I can beat temptation.
What challenges did you face this past month when it came to your Discipline”? I faced a lot of “I cant’s” without giving things a try. I had to step out of my comfort zone and I had to put a lot of trust in myself and into what I could accomplish.
Any words of advice you would give to others considering a “Disciplined’ program approach? Definitely try it!! The workouts are dedicated “me time” & your meals are great for the whole family! You’ll learn a new way of looking at foods & you’ll notice an increase in your strength just in a few weeks.
What does it mean to you to earn the recognition of the “She is Disciplined” award spotlight? I feel proud! I was surprised! You become part of a Fit Club group that Hannah has on Facebook, and I’ve seen other results! It’s amazing to see the work people are putting in and the results that everyone is getting. There are so many deserving people for this award & I feel so lucky to have been chosen.
What has it been like working with Hannah and the Fitclub community? It’s been great to work with Hannah & the Fit club community. It’s a very positive environment. If I have any questions, I can reach out to Hannah or an ambassador and my question is answered fast. I’m grateful to be a part of the FCB community.
SPOTLIGHT WINNER: KATRINA FALLER
Age: 36
Health and Fitness Goals: Health – looking to get consistent with my fitness routine to help improve my mental health.
Why did you decide to register for Hannah’s program? I saw a post where someone was struggling with their mental health and fitness goals, there were a few members mentioning this program and the wide range of material and resources available. It sounded like the help I needed to make the change I was looking for/needed.
How has the experience been for you? Amazing, Hannah encourages weekly check-ins and is very responsive to your questions and gives feedback on your check-in. It is a very realistic program and able to be flexible for your lifestyle.
What does disciplined (“She is Disciplined”) mean to you? I have always thought working out required motivation. I was wrong. To drive the change you need to be disciplined and make a commitment to yourself and your health. You will never find the motivation but you can make the commitment to yourself.
What did you do to focus on during this challenge? I was just starting the program, so for me, I picked one area I wanted to be disciplined in and made a plan each week on how I would achieve that.
What did you learn about yourself this past month? That I am stronger than I thought I was. My mind kept telling me ‘”no you can’t do that, it’s too heavy” and when I pushed through telling myself “yes I can”, it was amazing what I was able to accomplish.
What challenges did you face this past month when it came to your Discipline”? I am recovering from a severe ankle injury, so my biggest challenge was trusting my ankle again. I had the “OK” from my doctor to start working out and pushing myself but I still had to challenge my mind to trust my ankle, it sounds weird but it was a big challenge.
Any words of advice you would give to others considering a “Disciplined’ program approach? Just do it and make the commitment to yourself!
What does it mean to you to earn the recognition of the “She is Disciplined” award spotlight? It means a lot, I didn’t think I would ever be one to get in the spotlight for something like this!
What has it been like working with Hannah and the Fitclub community? Amazing, it is great to have so many resources and knowledge available to you.
SPOTLIGHT WINNER: JANELLE DEWARLE
Age: 44
Health and Fitness Goals: To build muscle, become leaner, and maintain healthy activities like running/hiking/biking.
Why did you decide to register for Hannah’s program? I was looking for an all-inclusive program that explained body recomposition in mindset, nutrition and exercise. This was the 1st program that put all of the pieces together to give specific guidance in all 3 areas.
How has the experience been for you? So good! I appreciate how Hannah shares so honestly about her experiences in learning the best ways to body recomp. She shares her mistakes and triumphs. Most importantly, she gives accurate, research-based fitness advice. She makes it a safe place to ask questions, share doubts/difficulties, and learn how to grow in each area.
What does disciplined (“She is Disciplined”) mean to you? It means consistently doing the things you said you were going to do to get you closer to your goals. It means doing the small habits even when you don’t feel like it.
What did you do to focus on during this challenge? I focused on tracking my macros/calories in MFP, exercising 5-6 times per week with progressive overload, and doing the weekly challenges in the Fit Club Babes.
What did you learn about yourself this past month? I learned that I really am disciplined! I have built these little habits into my everyday life and it comes pretty naturally now. I love the freedom that comes with being disciplined. I feel better mentally and physically when I am disciplined.
What challenges did you face this past month when it came to your Discipline”? The challenge I faced was getting to bed early so I could get enough sleep to work out in the morning before work.
Any words of advice you would give to others considering a “Discplined’ program approach? Set small goals so you can achieve them and build “wins”. Once you become consistent in those, add more. When we feel successful, we can keep building from there. I love this quote, “It’s a slow process, but quitting won’t speed it up.”
What does it mean to you to earn the recognition of the “She is Disciplined” award spotlight? It is so encouraging and it motivates me to keep going. When I start doubting my progress, I can remember to focus on my wins with the daily disciplines I’m doing.
What has it been like working with Hannah and the Fitclub community? It’s been an amazing experience. I have gained new friendships, support, encouragement and great tips from like-minded women. Hannah is an amazing coach and friend. I truly appreciate her wisdom, her faith and her heart for women to find freedom in their mental, spiritual, emotional and physical health.
SPOTLIGHT WINNER: AMANDA SCHEEL
Health and Fitness Goals: At first, it was to lose the 20-30 lbs I gained in Covid. Though that ultimately would be amazing the goal has expanded to building muscle, feeling strong, having better mental health and modelling a balanced active lifestyle for my kids!
Why did you decide to register for Hannah’s program? I registered honestly out of desperation for some fitness accountability. Gyms had closed and the childcare was suspended and though I enjoyed working out and lifting weights I was sporadic.
How has the experience been for you? Initially, it was ok. I started and stopped on repeat and honestly, that’s usually my pattern. Good starter, poor finisher! But in June I thought I should either cancel my subscription or go all in. So I decided to go in.
What does disciplined (“She is Disciplined”) mean to you? I think for me it means finding a daily rhythm for the important things. In June/July I started working out in the same place in my home at roughly the same time each day and I really tried to block off this time for me. Once I worked out in the morning I really found that helped keep my nutrition (though not always perfect) and water intake in check.
What did you do to focus on during this challenge? For me, I just didn’t know if I could work out consistently. I focused on trusting the process of working out and tracking my food. I tried to increase my weights and push myself a little further – sometimes that meant just completing the workout and not finishing early.
What did you learn about yourself this past month? I think for me I learned I was stronger than I thought. Incorporating fitness more consistently helped my mental health so much and I enjoyed doing something for myself. Better this so much mental energy was put into thinking about working out or how I needed to change and instead I shifted my mindset to looking for positive changes aside from what the scale said.
What challenges did you face this past month when it came to your Discipline? I think the biggest challenge was on the days I missed working out. I tried to not be hard on myself but just to accept that I was working or life was busy and to start the next day without guilt.
Any words of advice you would give to others considering a “Disciplined’ program approach? I would say try and pick a place and time that you can work out every day. I was sporadic with this before and often I would carry my weights around the house following where my kids were. Now I just stay in one place – the basement. Also, engagement with the Fit Club Babes online community was huge. Posting pictures and seeing others really motivated me to keep going!
What does it mean to you to earn the recognition of the “She is Disciplined” award spotlight? I was thrilled. I am still so early in this fitness journey but I’m excited to see how my body and my mind will change as I keep trusting Hannah’s knowledge and direction!
What has it been like working with Hannah and the Fitclub community? It’s been great. Being a mostly stay-at-home mom I find the program is flexible and Hannah is an excellent resource. I can trust her knowledge and her support and quick responses are much appreciated! I haven’t met many of the ladies but each and everyone one of them inspires me when they post and share their thoughts and experiences!
Congratulations to all the winners of TinyTFitness’ 8 Week Transformation Challenge!
Overall Winner: MARY AHWAZI
Age: 42
Health and Fitness Goals: To be at my best and reach my possible peak
Why did you decide to register with TINYTFITNESS? I saw great reviews on her and she motivates me to be my best and most consistent on a daily basis.
What is it like working with Tara? Simply amazing. She is very attentive.
How has the experience been for you? I became good to myself and realized that hard work will reach your goals.
Please tell us about yourself? I am someone that needs motivation and needs to be around positive people. This made me change my mindset on things. Health is very much the only thing everyone should aim for.
In your opinion, is weight loss more of a fitness issue or a health issue and why? I think it’s a health issue. We need to focus on what we eat and what we must do to remain healthy. Our lifestyles are what determines us.
What were the biggest challenges you have faced during your journey? To be consistent.
Please describe the importance of mental health? Focus and determination to reach our goals. To remain healthy and to realize that time is not our friend, so every day is a challenge rather than just settling to waiting for the next day. We act and we will succeed to remain strong and healthy.
Training Plan: To train daily and exercise our bodies and minds.
Nutrition Plan: Eat healthily and understand that 70 percent is food and nutrition and 30 percent is working out.
Why do you like Bioedge? Bioedge for me was a game changer. It helped me overall to feel better on the inside and gave me the added push on my workouts.
Which one is your favourite and why? My favourite is I believe everyone’s first choice, Natural Whey and Casein Blend! Great taste and I really needed to showcase it in my pictures. Bioedge was introduced to me by my trainer Tara, and I can’t thank her enough for doing so.
What does it mean to you to be published in Status Fitness Magazine and share your story? It’s nice and great to be part of a big influential family such as Status Fitness. It’s an accomplishment.
5 things people don’t know about you?
I’m very reserved.
I love everything about airplanes.
I love driving fast.
I sing in the shower.
I dream of having my own personal assistant.
If you could inspire one person, who would that be? Every woman who thinks it’s not possible to do more for herself and to have self-love.
Who inspires you? And why? My husband who never gives up on what he believes and he is my number one fan who encourages me every day to do more and feel better about myself.
What is your number one tip for people on their fitness journey? Be consistence and have patience. It will work.
What does success mean to you? Looking good and feeling great about myself.
What is your favourite quote to live by? Today matters, because tomorrow is a mystery.
Overall Winner: KATRINA PIETRONIRO
Age: 35
Health and Fitness Goals: To be healthy and in shape fit muscular.
Why did you decide to register with TINYTFITNESS? Tara is not just an inspiration, she is a true friend, an advice giver, and a role model.
What is it like working with Tara? You just know that you are in good hands and you always hear her voice in your head. One more. You got this!
How has the experience been for you? Truly life-changing!
Please tell us about yourself? I’m a new mom, and sole caretaker of my beautiful 4-month-old baby girl, Eva Skye. I’m full of energy, always smiling, and always ready for any challenge. When I decide I want to accomplish something I will go for it and do it well! I love to learn new things. I think it’s part of my calling to motivate and guide others as well.
In your opinion, is weight loss more of a fitness issue or a health issue and why? Weight loss is definitely a mix of both, I think it is important to live a healthy and active lifestyle to achieve realistic goals. You have to not only eat right but keep active in order to lose weight properly.
What were the biggest challenges you have faced during your journey? I would have to say that raising my newborn daughter alone was really weighing on me because I felt guilty if I had to miss training to rest. It was hard waking up even though I was tired to work out at 6 am 3 times a week and do yoga on Sundays.
Please describe the importance of mental health? I struggle a lot with this issue because I have been in an abusive relationship, It’s still pretty fresh so I am also presently working on myself and choosing me has been the best thing I could do for myself and my daughter.
Training Plan: High intensity 30 mins workouts 3 times a week yoga 1 day a week.
Nutrition Plan: 3 meals and 2 snacks daily. 13/1400 calories a day.
Why do you like Bioedge? What I love so much about Bioedge is their commitment to helping others, they offer such a wide variety of products to improve your health and fitness lifestyle depending on your wants and needs. I love that they use all-natural ingredients! You are what you eat!
Which one is your favourite and why? I have two favourite go-to products, hydration amino and protein powder!!! I use these products daily on a regular in my yogurts, snacks and shakes!
What does it mean to you to be published in Status Fitness Magazine and share your story? It is truly an honour to have been chosen to participate in this wonderful experience. I am extremely proud. I am grateful and appreciate the opportunity.
Things people don’t know about you? I am a spirit guide. I read people and tarot cards.
If you could inspire one person, who would that be? If I could inspire one person, it would be any woman who is struggling with choosing herself and taking care of herself! I would love to be able to help women find themselves.
Who inspires you? And why? Every woman in the TinyT community has been inspiring me constantly throughout my journey, I’ve seen women almost double my age lose over 20 lbs and look completely different healthy in under 6 months just so amazing!
What is your number one tip for people on their fitness journey? Just do it, even if you don’t always feel like it, do it anyway!
What does success mean to you? Success to me is happiness. Enjoy and love what you do.
What is your favourite quote to live by? Never say you can’t, you’re only limiting yourself.
Spotlight Winner: CHARLYNN BOURGOIN
Age: 52
Health and Fitness Goals: I want to age stronger, and more toned to be a healthy grandmother and play with my grandchildren for as long as possible.
Why did you decide to register with TINYTFITNESS? On my birthday in October 2020, I saw a picture of myself and decided at that moment that I was going to take charge of myself and not let myself go any further. After seeing Janick Tessier on social media, I decided that I too wanted to get more muscular. At the beginning of December of the same year, I began my transformation with TinyT.
What is it like working with Tara? Tara is a good listener. She plans our training, and our food plans according to our tastes and are often a very busy schedule. The fact that it is a community of women is very supportive, we often all live the same realities and we are there to help each other. In addition, Tiny guides us to become as independent as possible so that our approach becomes a long-term way of life.
How has the experience been for you? This experience leads me to develop self-esteem and self-confidence. I’m learning to love my body not just for looks but for everything it can do. I am impressed myself to be able to lift so much weight.
Please tell us about yourself? At the age of 48, I left everything to start a food company. I knew absolutely nothing about entrepreneurship. I learned “on the job” I’ve always loved serving people and this ready-to-cook meal business allows me to help families in their daily lives to have less mental burden on their shoulders. After 4 years, I have 9 employees in my charge and I am very happy to serve my community. I really thrive in my role as a small business owner.
In terms of physical activity, I have always done a lot of sports. Alpine skiing, figure skating, aerobic dancing and I have done several half-marathons. To mark my 50th birthday, I even did a full marathon. So I always did cardio sports because I deeply hated doing bodybuilding and lifting weights. Even today, I find myself happy to go down to my gym and love this sport. It’s new for me.
What were the biggest challenges you have faced during your journey? Definitely the hardest thing for me is eating enough. On my busy days, I do not always see the time passing and I sometimes forget to eat. Planning my snacks is very important, it allows me to just take the dish already prepared and go to work.
Please describe the importance of mental health? Having a business and employees in 2022 isn’t always easy. When I count my reps, I don’t think about my job or my employees. I am learning to live in the present moment. Mentally, I am stronger and I feel less stress. I know that I am capable of anything, that nothing can stop me.
Training Plan: I train 3 times a week with the training plan made by TinyT and once in the virtual group. I walk twice a week with a friend. We walk about 5 kilometres.
Nutrition Plan: Depending on the training day or not, I eat between 5 and 6 meals a day. Between 1500 and 1700 calories. Believe me, I’m never hungry!
Why do you like Bioedge? My wonderful trainer TinyT Fitness introduced me to Bioedge products. I tried several products like this before finding this one. It is by far the best product in terms of taste and above all, I have no digestive problems like the others I used before. I love that they are vegan, non-GMO and made with natural products. I love them!!
Which one is your favourite and why? I love Vanilla Protein. I like its delicate taste and it satisfies my appetite. I use it before and after my workouts, for my snacks during the day and even if I have a little craving in the evening. But my favourite is the Fruit Punch Aminos product. Being a former jogger, I have tried several products with electrolytes but none taste as good and refresh and quench my thirst as Bioegde’s Aminos.
What does it mean to you to be published in Status Fitness Magazine and share your story? It’s unreal. I very often looked at magazines like this with my boyfriend, but I never thought I would appear in this kind of magazine. It’s so motivating, it makes me want to continue and believe that anything is possible and that nothing can stop me.
5 things people don’t know about you?
I hate the smell of chocolate.
I won’t go into chocolate shops.
Impossible for me to go to the cinema… I sleep.
I secretly dream of taking a bath in crisps, I love crisps. As a joke, I say that without another life I was a princess… I love princesses.
Disney is my favourite place in the world.
If you could inspire one person, who would that be? If I can inspire someone who thinks it’s not possible for them, I’d be very proud. We are all capable of doing it; it is a question of believing in it and above all of making sure to adapt our schedule to this way of life.
Who inspires you? And why? Definitely my daughter Justine. Ever since she was little, she has set goals and achieved them regardless of the obstacles in front of her. She works in mental health and she takes care of her health by doing CrossFit. She is a young woman of 26 who is determined. I greatly admire it. In our TinyT community, Janick Tessier is a role model. 50 years old, career woman and mother of 4 children, she amazes me!!
What does success mean to you? Success is long-term. It’s not fair to arrive at a weight on the scale, it’s to feel beautiful and good about myself. It is to succeed in my days at work or in my daily activities without asking myself the question if I will succeed or not.
What is your favourite quote to live by? The human body is a super machine. Just take care of it by feeding it the right way and we’ll be amazed at what it can do!
Spotlight Winner: ANNE-MARIE LAROCQUE
Age: 35
Health and fitness goal? I have trouble with my thyroid gland but as a part of that, I’m healthy. My fitness goal is to get as in shape as I was when I was 18 and I want to run a 10k this summer.
What is it like working with Tara? Working with Tara is like working with my best friend. She is always motivating you and telling you how good you are. She wants the best from you and she gives you the power and strength to attend it. If you follow your plan you will succeed. She’s the best coach I ever had and I feel lucky to have met her.
How has the experience been for you? I was ready to change and ready to succeed. I had trouble at first then it became part of my routine. The only obstacle was my cravings for sugar at night!!!! But now with all tricks that Tara gave me, I can manage my cravings by eating an apple or drinking a bubbly. This experience was the best thing that could have happened and I’m super happy that I’ve made that choice to be on Tara’s fire team.
Please tell us about yourself: Ok well, I am a mother of two beautiful children. Rosaly is 9 1⁄2 and Olivier is 2 1⁄2. I’m married to a wonderful husband Jonathan for 8 years but we are in a relationship for 11 years. We live in Chute-a-Blondeau! A peaceful little village near Hawkesbury. We have a dog and some beautiful horses! I work as a Specialize Educator in l’Orignal school called (École Saint-Jean Baptiste). I lost my mother to cancer 8 years ago and since then I’ve developed anxiety. Taking care of myself, eating well and stopping drinking alcohol made my days better.
In your opinion, is weight loss more of a fitness issue or a health issue and why? For me, I always said 80% health and 20% fitness. So if you eat good stuff you will have better results and if you can do some exercise well, you have the jackpot!
What were the biggest challenges you have faced during your journey? My biggest challenge was to stop drinking alcohol! I started my plan with Tara in April 2021 and summer was almost there so besides the pool; I had to bring lots of drinks to control my cravings but after 2 or 3 months alcohol wasn’t my biggest issue.
Please describe the importance of mental health? If you don’t have good mental health, it’s hard to fix and accomplish an objective so the importance is to get everything written then you’ll be on the right path to start something new.
Training Plan: I’ve been doing 2 or 3 days of 30 min cardio/exercises and 10 min every 2 days of abs. When I have the chance I run 5k.
Nutrition Plan: On a non-training day, I eat 2023 calories and on a training day, I eat 2303 calories!
What does it mean to you to be published in Status Fitness Magazine and share your story? If they choose me, I will be so amazed. I have never been chosen for anything that important in my whole life. I think if they chose me, it’s because I will have achieved my goal. They won’t be regretting it.
5 things people don’t know about you? I am scared of spiders even though I could get naked if one jumped on me! I love to sing in my car out loud! I could change my cloth fifteen times before doing something special. I never put some makeup on my face and I don’t know how! I have trouble taking choices for anything.
If I could inspire one person, who would that be? Well since I’ve started I have inspired a lot of women but if I could inspire someone else, I would say, Sophie, one of my co-workers.
Who inspires you? And why? Isabelle Parisien inspired me with her achievements and her good vibe. She had only good things to say about Tara and she told me that I should try. It took me a while to decide then I said why not and that was the best decision I’ve made in 2021.
What is your number one tip for people on their fitness journey? Stay positive!!!
What does success mean to you? Success for me is having the courage, the determination and the power of becoming the person that I always thought I was without forgetting the joy that life gives us.
What is your favourite quote to live by? Everything happens for a reason!
Spotlight Winner: LISSA ALLAIRE
Age: 43
Health and Fitness Goals: I want to become the very best version of myself (physically and mentally). I want to see what my body can do. I love challenging myself because the body is an amazingly complex machine and when we put our minds to it, we can accomplish pretty much anything. Also, as a mother, I want to stay healthy so I can live a long life and watch my kids grow up!
Why did you decide to register with TINYTFITNESS? I decided to register with TinyTFitness because after giving birth to my 2nd child (and at 40 years old), I was having difficulties being consistent and accountable to my nutrition and training. I was lost and needed someone to guide me in the right direction.
What is it like working with Tara? It’s an amazing experience. She has taught me so much in a short amount of time. My transformation has been incredible. I found “ME” again. I learned that to be able to help others and be there for them, I had to take care of myself beforehand.
How has the experience been for you? It’s been an incredible journey. I wake up every morning at 4 AM to work out at 5:30. I’m motivated and determined to become the best version of myself. I am proud of what I have already accomplished in the last few months and I will continue for the rest of my life. Tara has brought back that spark that was missing in my life.
Please tell us about yourself: I’m 43 years old. I’m a grade 3 teacher and a mother. I have 2 lovely girls (3 years old and 7 years old). I used to be a marathon runner until about 15 years ago when I found my love for cross-fitting. I work out at 5:30 every morning and people think I’m nuts for doing this! However, exercising is my happy pill and I love it.
Why do you like Bioedge? I’m very particular in what goes into my body and the reason I love Bioedge is because they use quality ingredients in their products and they are completely natural and sugar-free. They also taste amazing and I can definitely see a difference in my energy levels, my overall health and my training. Bioedge is part of my daily routine. They are the best products I ever used!
Which one is your favourite and why? It is very difficult to decide which Bioedge product I prefer. However, I would say the Gut Health has helped me enormously with my bloating. I have a very sensitive stomach and I frequently have stomachaches. Since I’ve been using this product, my issues have been resolved, and the bloating is completely gone. Every morning, I’m always excited to start my day with my Gut Health. The taste is incredible and I cannot go a day without it!
In your opinion, is weight loss more of a fitness issue or a health issue and why? I think weight loss is more of a health issue because you can’t “out-exercise” a bad diet. For example, I would eat massive amounts of sugar, carbs and processed foods then I would feel guilty and train for hours at the gym. I wasn’t losing any weight, and I felt tired all the time. I had an unhealthy relationship with food. However, when I started acknowledging the importance of having healthy eating habits AND a great training program, only then did I start seeing results and feeling better.
What were the biggest challenges you faced during your journey? My biggest challenge throughout my journey would have to be the gatherings at restaurants.
Please describe the importance of mental health? Exercise and good nutrition have great importance on mental health. As someone that suffers from severe anxiety, having a routine and being consistent with my training and nutrition helps me feel better and stay on track throughout my journey.
Training Plan: I’m a cross fitter and I also do weight training 3 to 4 times a week. I used to do a lot of cardio in my younger years as a marathon runner, but not anymore. I might do a spin class once in a while.
Nutrition Plan: Well, they say that “abs are made in the kitchen” and that is definitely true. How you fuel your body is very important. If you want to be at the top of your game, you need to give your body the proper nutrition it needs in order to excel. In the past, I used to eat pretty much anything I wanted, not paying attention to portions, sugars, etc. Tara showed me the importance of counting macros and the importance of eating enough proteins (which has always been one of my struggles). Her plans are simple and easy to understand. They are a game changer for sure. They make the process so much easier.
What does it mean to you to be published in Status Fitness Magazine and share your story? To be published in Status Fitness Magazine would mean the world to me. I would be so proud. It would be an amazing experience and I would be so grateful. As a 43-year-old mother, I would love to inspire other moms to start their fitness journey. After having kids, we tend to forget ourselves in this crazy and hectic world. However, it’s really important to take the time and take care of ourselves. You’re not only a mother, but you’re also YOU…and YOU need to make yourself a priority too!
5 things people don’t know about you?
I’m afraid of the dark.
I sing and dance in the shower.
I’m grossed out by anything that lives in water (fish, seafood, etc.)
I have a geographic tongue (which is really rare).
I’m a teacher but speaking in front of adults makes me panic.
If you could inspire one person, who would that be? My daughters. I want them to be happy, healthy and strong. I want them to become strong independent women who will always persevere no matter what.
Who inspires you? And why? This might sound weird but… me! I had a really wild past, and I had to make the decision to change my ways in order to become a better person. I had low self-esteem as a child and I got myself in some trouble. One morning, I woke up, and I was tired of my lifestyle, so I decided to do something about it. No one is ever going to do it for you. You need to believe in yourself, believe that you are worth it!
What is your number one tip for people on their fitness journey? There will be bumps in the road but that’s all part of the journey. You just need to keep showing up and believe in the process. It takes an average of 66 days for a new behaviour to become automatic. Allow yourself some grace but NEVER quit.
What does success mean to you? Success is a big word… and it is subjective. For me success is when my alarm goes on at 4 AM, it’s not even a debate anymore, I’m getting up and I’m going to the gym. It’s also making better food choices (when tempted… Success is never quitting, no matter what obstacle comes your way. It’s being proud of your accomplishments, big or small. My biggest success is being happy and doing things that make me happy!
What is your favourite quote to live by? “Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game”.
I love seeing a community of people supporting each other to create the best version of each other. With TinyT leading the way we saw a fun event that inspired each other. Knowing this, we are thrilled to cover the event and feature each of these amazing people. They are all an inspiration and the world needs to experience them. Congratulations everyone.
Spotlight Winner: JESSICA NORMAND
Age: 30
Health and Fitness Goals: My health and fitness goals are that I would like to be leaner and toned. My lower body is my biggest target now, although I do love round shoulders! Who knows, maybe one day I will compete? Never thought those words would come out of my mouth.
Why did you decide to register with TINYTFITNESS? I decided to register with TinyT because I saw my mom as a role model and she inspired me. She started with her 6 months before I did and really encouraged me to do so. And no regrets ever since, whatsoever.
What is it like working with Tara? Tara is always there for me, her services are top-notch and very professional. I love that she explains everything in detail, she really wants us to learn about nutrition and training, but also how to respect our bodies and rest.
How has the experience been for you? My experience has been amazing, I’ve been with her for over 2 years now.
Please tell us about yourself. I started with Tara when I was 27, overweight, unhealthy and unhappy with myself. The nutrition side of it all was a real eye-opener for me. She taught me so much, that at first, I didn’t know what macros were. It’s been a really amazing journey on which I lost 30 lbs and I am still working on my fitness goals.
In your opinion, is weight loss more of a fitness issue or a health issue and why? In my opinion, weight loss is more of a health issue because people can go to the gym and work out, but also be very unhealthy as per their eating habits.
What were the biggest challenges you faced during your journey? My challenges throughout my journey with Tara would have to be the numerous gatherings with family members at restaurants, etc.
Please describe the importance of mental health? Mental health is very important to me, I have seen so many people battle with depression and anxiety and although I’ve never had to deal with this, my mom is a great example. She was in a depression when she started with Tara and the training (along with so many other things) helped her get back on track.
Training Plan: Before I met Tara, I was going to the gym, training with whatever machine was there and available, doing mostly cardio. I didn’t know how to train properly. The importance of a training plan is tremendous. It’s a science, every is calculated down to the number of repetitions and sets. Every muscle is thought of in a strategic sequence. If you are like the person I was before, do not be mean, but it might be a waste of your time.
Why do you like Bioedge? I love Bioedge because there are no chemicals; they are the only company out there that uses natural products.
Which one is your favourite and why? My favourite product from Bioedge is chocolate plant-based protein. With this protein, I don’t feel bloated at all and if I had to describe the texture, it would have to be cloudy. When I drink it, it feels like a cloud. It’s simply amazing.
Nutrition Plan: A nutrition plan is the most important part of a weight loss journey. The expression abs are made in the kitchen is the truth! Most women do not eat enough protein, healthy fats and complex carbs. It’s important to remember that eating less is not healthier and will not make you lose weight. Your body is like a car, you need to add gas, do some oil changes, some maintenance to keep driving and get places. It also helps me gain lean muscle mass. Well, Tara’s nutrition plans are easy to follow and simple. You should try it!
What does it mean to you to be published in Status Fitness Magazine and share your story? To be published in Status Fitness Magazine would mean the world to me. It would mean that I’ve reached one of my goals. That I can be the inspiration other women need to start their fitness journey. That was sincerely something I never thought I would be able to achieve.
5 things people don’t know about you? These are the five things people don’t know about me.
I love beach volleyball; it is my all-time favourite sport!
I am a nature lover, and, as a child, I was the total opposite.
I prefer 100% warm weather, I just can’t with the cold…I know, I’m in the wrong country for that.
My ultimate weakness would have to be crunchy peanut butter, weird I know.
Going grocery shopping is one of my favourite activities.
If you could inspire one person, who would that be? If I could inspire 1 person to be healthy, fit and happy it would have to be my younger sister.
Who inspires you? And why? My mom was the one that inspired me to join Tinytfitness. She started her journey with her and after seeing her amazing results in such a short period of time, I decided to join and see what would happen for me. Now, I would have to say that the women in the community are each and every one of them an inspiration.
What is your number one tip for people on their fitness journey? When life gets hard and you feel like quitting everything (quitting the nutrition plan or not doing your training) remember that you are stronger than that. Go outside and take a walk, call a friend, or do something else to distract your mind. Your mind can play games, but you are the one that determines who wins.
What does success mean to you? To me, success is when I give it my all. When you tell yourself you’re going to do something, do it. If you don’t, then to me it’s a lack of respect towards yourself. Success does not have to be when you achieve something or when you achieve a goal. It can be anything, small or big! Being happy and healthy is the most important thing to me and that is my greatest success yet!
What is your favourite quote to live by? From day one this journey brought me to a beautiful quote that I now live by: “Only the strong survive!”
Spotlight Winner: FRANCE GIROUX
Age: 33
Health and Fitness Goals: I and my friend always told ourselves that we would be milf. I was always an active little girl, was sporty in school and did my workout at home. After my first child, I continued to do my workout at home, but it was after my second child that I had more difficulties fitting my workout goals into my busy schedule. Since I started to choose my own lectures, I always picked a self-health book. Either nutrition or behaviour was always my favourite topic to learn and grow from. I always want to be a better version of myself. I haven’t found the time to restart reading since my children, but I now listen to audible. That works for now. I try to enjoy every moment that I have to enjoy the present moment with my family while I’m home. We always go play outside, in the forest, which also provides me with happiness. For me, Health and Fitness are a lifestyle and not just for a month or a year. I’m not saying that I’m perfect and I don’t get distracted, but I always get back on it and re-focus.
Why did you decide to register with TINYTFITNESS? Because I have 15lbs that were hard to lose after having my second child. Also, I didn’t want to take the anti-depression pills that my doctor prescribed to me. I’m a ‘’natural’’ girl and I wanted to try a more natural way to get better from my burnout. I was overwhelmed and needed to take time for myself again. At the time that I started with Tara, my kids were 3 and 4 and I recently lost my father-in-law. Tara immediately offered me a protocol to re-learn to take time for myself. Have Epsom salt baths, practice yoga every Sunday and of course a meal plan to lower my cortisol.
What is it like working with Tara? Tara is an intense coach because she wants you to have great results. I really like that about her, because I needed that kind of discipline to respect my goals. She’s a good listener and knows how to challenge people to achieve their goals. I trust her 100% and love that she likes to educate and remind us of her theories. That’s how I learn, I need reminders because when you also change a mindset you need to constantly get reminded. 🙂 Tara is also very vulnerable and authentic and she shares her stories and her ‘’prise de conscience’’. She’s an angel!
How has the experience been for you? My experience was very positive, I lost 15 in 2 months. I re-learned how to take time for myself as a busy mom of two. Preparing my meal preps actually taught me that it was easier that way. Instead of preparing my lunches every night. I always thought that it was too much work, but when you know what to eat, have the ingredients and just make bigger quantities. Life is easier!!
Please tell us about yourself: I’m married to an amazing husband Eric and have been 15 years with him. I’m a teacher and a boss mom from ZyiaActive, mom of two active little ones, Georgia 5.5 years old and Eliot 4 years old, a sister and soon an aunty. I’m blessed because I’m surrounded by amazing friends and family. I live in the country in the forest, love plants, crystals, yoga, volleyball
In your opinion, is weight loss more of a fitness issue or a health issue and why? A health issue. I am proof that weight loss is all about good nutrition, yoga and resting your body. Since April 2021, I’ve been following my meal plan and lost 15 pounds and kept it off for a year. My body was lean and we could see my muscle even though I didn’t do hard training. I’m an active person so I do other things that help my muscle stay healthy. I’ve been maintaining my goals with my meal plan only and yoga once a week.
What were the biggest challenges you faced during your journey? My biggest challenges were when I was eating at someone else’s house on weekends and I didn’t have any meal preps or when I was tired. I usually do my meal preps on Sunday for my work week and then have leftovers on Saturday. Also, for me, my biggest addiction was CANDY! I learned that if I don’t have them inside my house that’s what works best for me. Now I love Dattes! Just got to know when to stop eating them.
Please describe the importance of mental health? I learned the hard way because I waited until my body was physically talking to me before taking time for myself. I did everything for my family at first, but now I know and my family knows that I need MY TIME first then I can be a better version of myself. WE ARE RESPONSIBLE for OUR HEALTH. I need to bring myself up and nobody can do that for me. I can’t depend on my husband or my kids for my happiness. I took conscience of that and brought myself back up with good nutrition, no alcohol, supplements, yoga, and therapy, allowing me to take time for myself without feeling guilty. I’m important! TinyTfitness’s slogan says it all: ‘’Transformation through conscience choice’’. Amen to that!
Training Plan: During the first year with TinyTfitness, I only did yoga every week. I didn’t have to overwhelm my schedule as a busy mom and with my career.
Nutrition Plan: Now that I know my MACROS, I have a more flexible meal plan. I use the exchange of food lists to have flexibility. The key is to always have them ready to eat to stay focused!
Why do you like Bioedge? I love Bioedge products because they offer organic and complete supplements. Also, they taste amazing!!! You don’t have the aftertaste of sweeteners.
Which one is your favourite and why? My favourite product is the Vanilla Whey Isolate Protein. As a busy mom and carried woman, having a protein shake is so easy and tastes like a treat. Even my kids my snack. 🙂 Being a model for my kids and creating good habits at a young age is my priority.
What does it mean to you to be published in Status Fitness Magazine and share your story? OMG, I never imagine this in my life. I’m more of a reserved person in Media life. But I love to share and inspire my immediate people tho. Love learning and explaining what I learned because I know that’s how it stays in my head. I believe a lot of new moms will be able to be in my shoes. New moms what’s best for the kids is been the model for them. Showing them what to eat, smelling food, and having their hands dirty because they experience in the kitchen I believe is key. My son Eliot always helps me in the kitchen. Squeezing the lemon or mixing the plain yogurt for how fresh sauce. My daughter Georgia goes to senior kindergarten and she asks me “Mom my friends have a granola bar or little candy, I want that in my lunch too’’. I tell her that, I prepare her lunch with fresh produce every night and I love her. Those snacks are not healthy, she knows the difference between healthy snacks vs junk at the age of 5. When she does eat those kinds of treats, sometimes she doesn’t feel very good and I explain to her that her body is talking to her and that’s why she shouldn’t have them.
5 things people don’t know about you?
I never dyed my hair.
I’ve been with my husband for more than half my life. 15 years.
I used to straighten my hair every day back in high school using a flat iron. Thanks, sister!
I love going camping.
I love dancing.
If you could inspire one person, who would that be? If I can inspire one person to live a healthy life, it would be all the new moms out there. Listen to your intuition, do your research, and have one or more consultations. Don’t take the easy way out. Work hard, ask questions, educate yourself and surround yourself with people that will help you grow. Do all of that to raise healthy kids and to feed them also with whole food. Not the pre-packaged food for the lunches. Make them participate in the kitchen and smell all kinds of food. They say kids are like sponges so we need to educate and be a good model for them from the day they are born. Namaste!
Who inspires you? And why? My intuition. My kids! Since I’m a mom. I did a lot of research and I wanted to be a good example for my kids. Offering them good food for them to grow healthy and have their brains develop at their full potential. We, as parents, are the first educators to our children and need to be good models. When I was living a burnout, I knew I had to work on myself and by eating properly to have energy, REST, supplement, and practice yoga to enjoy the present moment, simply BREATH, and make conscious choices for me. Offering myself some time to be! I know that I’m different and I don’t mind being different. I don’t need to follow whatever society wants us to follow. I just want to be ME and by following my intuition that’s what I’m doing. Of course with the help of Tara’s expertise! And much more.
What is your number one tip for people on their fitness journey? Listen to your body and use a holistic way to heal it. God gave us everything we need on the earth, we just need to listen carefully to our needs, understand and then heal.
What does success mean to you? You succeed if you live a HAPPY LIFE.
What is your favourite quote to live by? Merci Seigneur! Everything happens for a reason! Respire!
Spotlight Winner: NATALINA BERTOLDI
Age: 50
Health and Fitness Goals: Grow old gracefully and full of strength.
Why did you decide to register with TINYTFITNESS? I saw my colleague’s results (Manon Cloutier) and I was very impressed. Working with Tara is a great experience! She is no-nonsense and keeps me on track. She disciplines and corrects with love.
Please tell us about yourself? I have a very diverse background. I’ve tried and done many things. I’ve always admired men and women who are fit and always wanted that for me. I’ve been in the gym since the age of 16 and I have had a few trainers. I am now on a wonderful journey and married to a wonderful man who is supporting this side of me 100%. I am loving the learning and soaking it all up as if I was in class and Tara is my teacher.
In your opinion, is weight loss more of a fitness issue or a health issue and why? I think that issues with weight are a health issue because more and more people are not feeding themselves with whole nutritious food. Fast food and boxed food got the better of many, unfortunately.
If you have 100 tokens in total and you could apply them to the following categories, how many would you apply to each? I would apply 80 tokens to health and 20 to fitness.
Please describe the importance of mental health? When I think of mental health and fitness I think of having the strength to persevere with patience and not being so hard on myself.
Take us through a typical day in your life for you? A typical day for me is working an evening shift, 6:30 pm to 1:15 am. I work out and eat a bit before my shift. On my days off, I try to tidy my home before my shift. Once a week is meal prep day, which makes my life a lot easier.
How did your passion for fitness start? And what was the biggest challenge you faced on your journey? I began my journey at 165lbs and lost 30lbs in 3 months with only a food plan. I was not at the gym because they were closed so I worked out at home with a plan I already had. I then continued on a 6-month plan with a food and gym plan and I was very satisfied. I finally signed up for 1 year and I am still going strong. I have had issues with premenopause symptoms but have gotten them under control so far. I have won 2 in-house challenges with Tara which I’m proud of.
Tara, for me, is a source of inspiration. She demonstrates that everything is possible no matter the obstacle. She is a great role model who leads by example! She practices what she preaches. She is a giver of her knowledge and of her time, sometimes too much. She is my friend and mentor!
My biggest challenges have been the hormonal changes and cravings that come with it! I have to totally avoid nut butter as much as possible! And I’m not exaggerating when I say that!
Training Plan: I train 3 days per week, 1 hour 15min each session. No cardio but supersets instead.
Nutrition Plan: I’m under 2000 cal per day for the moment.
Supplement Plan: My meal plan is pretty diverse. I use Bioedge supplements, vegan protein, gut health and hydration amino. I have a love affair with gut health.
Why do you like Bioedge? There are many reasons, but I’ll speak of 2:
Bioedge is a Canadian company which uses quality products that are 100% natural. I don’t feel a high/low sensation because of excess sugar or caffeine.
The products taste good. For example, their whey protein isolate and vegan isolate don’t taste like a glass of sugary juice because there are no artificial sweeteners. My smoothies come out creamy and fluffy with Bioedge ISO. I like both. The vegan ISO is great for people with tummy issues because it is easy to digest.
Which one is your favourite and why? My favourite product hands down are Gut Health. Please understand that this is a very sensitive subject for me. Imagine being on a 14-day all-inclusive vacation and not having a bowel movement for six days. That is me. Another time when I was a child my mother rushed me to the ER because I had not had a bowel movement in almost two weeks. I’ve always suffered from this problem for as long as I can remember, but now with a combination of Gut Health and a wholefood diet, I can say that it is no longer an issue.
I’ve tried so many different types of remedies to no avail. It seems that Gut Health was exactly what the doctor ordered because I do not experience bloating, flatulence, cramps, sudden urges or diarrhea after consumption. On the contrary, it has given me a sense of normalcy. Never underestimate the importance of regular bowel movements. As of right now, my mood has improved my skin glows and I no longer have a belly from being backed up. I eliminate it every day!
I am very happy to have had these products introduced to me. I tell everybody about Bioedge and I will continue to do so because I trust their efficacy.
What does it mean to you to be published in Status Fitness Magazine and share your story? Being published in Status Fitness Magazine means being recognized for all the hard work and sacrifices for my journey. This was never even something I thought was attainable!
5 most important attributes you see in a person? Their determination, their positivity, their ability to be sensitive to diverse situations, someone who is non-judgemental, someone whose spirit laughs out loud.
If you could inspire one person, who would that be? And why? I want to inspire young women so that they will be prepared for womanhood. I want them to age healthy, gracefully and strong both mentally and physically!
What is your number one tip for people on their fitness journey? My number one tip is so simple!!! Enjoy the ride and live it to the fullest!
What does success look like for you? Success for me is when I have a positive impact on myself. When I become my number 1 fan!
What is your favourite quote to live by? My favourite quote is a bible verse. I am more than a conqueror in Christ in whom I draw my strength!
Spotlight Winner: BRIGITTE LACROIX
Age: 48
Health and Fitness Goals: Build muscle mass and improve energy level
Why did you decide to register with TINYTFITNESS? I met Tara in the summer of 2021 while organizing an event about resilience in my organization. I decided to register with TinyTFitness because I was inspired by Tara herself and because of her virtual studio program. I did not know that such a program could exist and fell in love with the concept and training schedule that fit perfectly well into my busy schedule.
What is it like working with Tara? Working with Tara is extremely motivating! Tara always pushes us to reach our full potential. She often incorporates fun small challenges on top of our regular training routines that keep us stimulated all the time. Working with Tara is not just about working our body but also our mind. We learn tips on how to change our mindset, an aspect I have learned is necessary when we want to improve our performance whether it be in training or in our career.
How has the experience been for you? This has been a life-changing experience for me. Being able to manage to take care of myself physically and mentally while being able to assume my family responsibilities and not having to sacrifice my career.
Please tell us about yourself: I have been with my spouse for almost 29 years now and we have two lovely children: Philippe 9 and Jasmine 7. I am a commercial banker working in a predominantly male sector. I am active with different women’s organizations to help other women break the glass ceiling that is unfortunately still present in the finance industry. I sit on a board of directors and I am also involved in my community to support the young generation by mentoring and participating in different events for graduates and undergraduate students.
In your opinion, is weight loss more of a fitness issue or a health issue and why? I think it’s both. I consider myself lucky as I never had to struggle with my weight although I always paid attention to what I was eating. My parents however both suffered from obesity, especially my mother starting at a very young age. I can’t count the number of diets she followed throughout her life. Every time she succeeded to lose weight she would gain back. On the other side, my father not being obese never had a healthy lifestyle. He had his first heart attack when I was young and then became more sedentary and overweight. Through their experiences, I saw that it became a vicious circle for both of them, being overweight would prevent them from being active. The less they were active, the more weight they would gain.
Why do you like Bioedge? I like Bioedge because they are natural supplements and this is something I started paying attention to in recent years. When you get older, you realize how important it is to take care of yourself, maintain a healthy body and maximize your energy level. Natural supplements combined with a healthy food diet help me build my muscle mass, improve my health and manage stress. I wish I would have learned all that when I was younger, understanding that what we put in our bodies has a direct impact on our health. This is something I have been teaching my kids since they were young.
Which one is your favourite and why? I am particularly fond of Bioedge isolate proteins. Not only they are 100% natural, but they are also easy and quick to prepare especially when you have a busy lifestyle. On top of it, the taste is amazing! Every day I look forward to having my protein shake which is part of my meal plan.
What were the biggest challenges you faced during your journey? Definitely go to bed earlier so that I get my 8 hours of sleep every day. This is particularly difficult when I need to get up at 5:30 am to train. Work, family and the different things that I am involved in making it more difficult to go to bed early. When I don’t get my 8 hours of sleep, I sense the impact on my energy level and my performance.
Please describe the importance of mental health? In my opinion, mental is a top priority. Otherwise, it becomes difficult to cope with all the challenges life is throwing at you. For me, training is part of mental health as it helps me focus on something else than work or family responsibilities. It also improves my confidence level by seeing what I accomplish outside of work. I am also very pleased to see the physical changes in my body. I must admit that it is difficult to age (mentally and physically) especially having younger children around to compare to.
Training Plan: I am training with TinyTFitness virtual studio 4 times per week: 3 HIT (30 minutes) and 1 yoga class (45 minutes).
Nutrition Plan: Provided by TinyTFitness and adjusted on my training program, goals and my body metrics. It includes morning and afternoon snacks.
What does it mean to you to be published in Status Fitness Magazine and share your story? It is a real honour. I never thought I would have such an opportunity in my life, especially in a fitness magazine. My interest in fitness really started a few years ago when I entered the pre-menopause phase. Given that I had my children later in life and started to see and feel the impact of ageing, I wanted to do something to invest in myself and ensure that I remain healthy and full of energy for my kids.
5 things people don’t know about you?
I used to draw and paint until I was a young adult and was pretty good at it. I then put it aside to invest time in my studies and my career. Maybe it’s something I’ll do again when I retire.
I hated physical education classes during all my school years. I never was a sports person and found all sports pretty boring. I have to admit that I was not very good at it either.
My husband and I love cooking. On Saturdays, we plan a gourmet menu then would cook together and invite friends or family over. This is the day of the week we have our permissive meal.
Although I am 5’7’’, I have always been self-conscious about my height. On my father’s side of the family, I am the shortest. I remember when I was a kid that at every family gathering there would be all those discussions about height and comparing us all children together. That would traumatize me, especially when I was not gaining any height while the others would. That really played out mentally on my self-confidence.
I started my driving lessons when I was 16 but waited a year before taking the driving road test. All my friends had failed the driving test. I wanted to make sure that I had enough practice to get my first shot, which I did.
If you could inspire one person, who would that be? Definitely my mother. She is still alive, 75 years old and not taking care of herself anymore. This saddens me a lot. She gained a lot of weight in the past 3 years, broke a vertebra falling off a ladder and had one of her kidney removed last summer after being diagnosed with kidney cancer. She always had an unhealthy sleeping routine and I see now it is really affecting her. She has a passion for golf and used to play a minimum of 5 times a week and walk the 18 holes. This year, she is planning to play a maximum of 2 games per week with a cart. She says she no longer has the energy to do more. I find it really sad especially knowing that this is her passion.
Who inspires you? And why? My coach Tara Copsgrove-Pompetti is a real source of inspiration to me. She is a young woman full of energy and determination. Her earlier years seem to have been difficult, but she never gave up on her dreams and goals no matter what people around her were saying. She is a very authentic and empathetic person and is a true model of resilience and a source of inspiration that I admire.
What is your number one tip for people on their fitness journey? You need to work on your confidence and believe in yourself so that you can build the resilience needed to face the obstacles that will come your way at one point or another in your life. I also encourage people to seek support and surround themselves with positive people that share the same objectives. I feel privileged because TinyT Fitness has built a community of women where we can exchange together and encourage each other. It is nice to be in touch with other women that share the same goals and get support when needed.
What does success mean to you? My definition of success is to live a life where I can develop and surpass myself and where I can feel useful, appreciated and recognized at my own value. All this while being able to maintain a balance between my personal, work and family life.
What is your favourite quote to live by? Alone we go faster but together we go much further.
Spotlight Winner: ISABELLE PARISIEN
Age: 35
Health and Fitness goals: My health and fitness goals are to build a strong body so I can have a strong mind. This mindset reminds me to be a better version of myself every day, to be happy and proud of myself. I wanna be able to push my limits and become the best version I can be.
Why did you decide to register with TinyTFitness? After working out on my own for years and trying to keep a healthy diet, I decided that working with a professional coach would be the best thing for me. My co-worker had already been working with Tara for about a year and her success was incredible! Every day, she would explain to me something she’d learned with Tara and she would share her snacks with me. I wouldn’t believe how she could eat so much food and still lose weight! What was I doing wrong? In fact, a lot more than I would have thought. Weight loss and getting in shape are way more than nutrition and working out. It is about changing your mindset and living in harmony. Thank you, Tara, for the beautiful life lesson.
What is it like working with Tara? Working with tiny is like being supported by a friend. I always say that she is tough love and for me, that’s what I constantly need. She will always tell you the truth, whether you like it or not because great success is important for her. Tara has a passion for what she does and because of her, I’ve found mine. Working with Tara is evolving at our own pace with no judgment.
How has the experience been for you? I have been with Tara for about a year and a half now. Although I had to change a lot of things, joining the team was the best decision of my life. At first, it wasn’t easy but as soon as I felt the positive effects of those changes, it rapidly became my new lifestyle. For the first three months, I was so engaged, that I would strictly follow all my protocols even though my friends told me I could cheat a little. Those months are crucial to building a solid foundation. After that, you just have to persevere and keep challenging yourself. Stay focused, learn and never quit.
Please tell us about yourself: I am a 35-year-old teacher and I am passionate about fashion and fitness. Over a year ago, right before I joined TinyTFitness, I became a representative for Zyia activewear, a company focused on women’s empowerment.
My entire life, I’ve been curious about healthy eating and fitness. I read, watched and tried different things, always knowing that there was a healthier way to live. Although I was never really athletic, I tried a bunch of things from team sports to individual activities. Right after, I learned how to walk, my parents taught me how to ski. That’s probably one of the best gifts they ever gave me. Even though I didn’t know it at the time, it taught me to be perseverant. After a knee injury, I quit for a couple of years. That’s when I tried different sports… until I realized that it was not for me, I was more of a solo rider. I like to do things at my own pace, without being compared or feeling any pressure, which is one thing I’ve learned in the last year or so: I do not work at my best when I am stressed.
Being a hyperactive person, I never thought I would be able to practice yoga. Now, I couldn’t live without it. Not only did it help me with calming my brain and relax, but it also helped me to release all the tension I have in my body. I realized that I had been dealing with anxiety for a long time in my life and it helped me to find the right tools to help me cope.
Since I was a little girl, I always wanted to help people. At first, I wanted to be a veterinarian because of my love for animals. I always felt a connection with nature and other living species. After graduating from college to become a special education technician, I worked for youth protection for a couple of years while studying to become a teacher. I am now finishing my 9th year as an elementary school teacher and I wouldn’t dream of doing anything else. If I could inspire one child in my life, I would be able to say that my mission on earth was accomplished.
In your opinion, is weight loss more of a fitness issue or a health issue and why? I wouldn’t say it’s either or. I’d say that whatever your goal is, the key to success is living in harmony. It is way more than working out and eating healthy. For me, it all starts with an open mindset. You can’t expect amazing results if you don’t go all in. The mind has a lot to do with great success. I think that changing your way of thinking helps you see life from a different perspective. happy mind, happy life.
Why do you like Bioedge? I choose Bioedge because their products are 100% natural and they taste AMAZING! It is important for me to know what I put in my body, especially because I always struggled with digestive problems. Changing my eating habits helped, but I continued to have an upset stomach and acid reflux. I completely cut all artificial sugars from my diet and I feel way better now. I am glad I found a product made for me and for my needs!
Which one is your favourite and why? I love every Bioedge product! It is hard to decide which one is my favourite because I love them all! Their plant base ISO Protein is definitely the best for me because it is 100% natural and it helps me very much with my digestive issues.
But… I got to say that my favourite product is the Hydration Aminos! I had to completely eliminate coffee from my diet. This hydrating drink gives me the little boost I need in the morning and in the afternoon. It helps me maintain energy during my workouts and helps with my recovery. The fact that it contains essential aminos acids, vitamins and a bunch of natural ingredients essential for healthy brain functions makes it a necessary product for me. It’s just a plus that the taste is amazing!
What were the biggest challenges you faced during your journey? During this beautiful journey with Tara, I went through one of the toughest moments of my life. The work I have put into myself and everything I’ve learned in the past year with Tara helped me get through this challenge with strength, understanding and compassion. Of course, life wasn’t always rainbows and sunshine and I had a lot of ups and downs but I think that the one thing that kept me going was that beautiful transformation I was going through, working with Tara. I never even thought about quitting. I knew that the healthier I stayed, the more I would grow out of this and the less I’d live in fear. Challenges are never easy but being surrounded by the right people helps.
Please describe the importance of mental health: For me, Tara’s holistic approach was exactly what I needed to focus on which was really good for me. I truly believe that it is almost impossible to be physically healthy if you are not mentally and vice versa. Clean and whole food eating keeps your body healthy and moving your body makes your brain happy. In the end, having good mental health is the foundation of a happy and successful life.
Training Plan: At first, I was doing the virtual classes which were about 30 minutes, three times a day plus yoga on Sundays. After a while, Tara encouraged me to start weight training. Slowly, I started building my little gym in my basement which ended up being very useful when covid-19 came. I am now focusing on building up lean muscles three times a week and I still do my yoga on Sundays. I prefer to work out in the morning. It gives me energy for the day and for my working schedule; it is the perfect time for me. This new morning routine changed my life!
Nutrition Plan: At first, we were working on rebalancing my nutrition. I started at 1570 calories a day. I was surprised to see how you can easily balance your meals in a day so that you don’t starve in between! I always had a sweet tooth and tara always made sure to include this little sweet I was looking for in my nutrition plan. Yogurt with protein powder, fruits and sunflower seeds rapidly became my favourite snack, and it still is. After a year and a half, I am now up to 2576 calories a day and I still enjoy every meal I take. Thanks to Tara who shares with us macro-friendly excellent recipes!
What does it mean to you to be published in Status Magazine and share your story? It means the world! When Tara told me that my mom would be in a magazine I was so happy and proud of her! A couple of days later, I learned that my story would be published in the same magazine. It is so incredible to share that journey with my mom! Knowing that my story might influence others is such an honour.
5 things people don’t know about you?
I always had a love and hate relationship with food.
I was never really into sports.
My biggest dream is to travel the world and write a book.
Although I come up as a social butterfly, I am very shy and I was never super confident.
I put everyone before me.
If you could inspire one person, who would that be? I was surprised by how many people I influenced throughout this journey. I couldn’t think about one person I would like to influence more than another. I am already very happy that my mom joined me on this journey. All I want from now on is to be a good model for my students and all the kids of this generation.
What is your number one tip for people on their fitness journey? It’s not who but what. Life inspires me. Nature inspires me. energies inspire me. Growth inspires me. Being the best version of myself inspires me. There is only one you, be you… that’s inspiring.
What does success means to you? For me, success means being proud of yourself.
What is your favourite quote to live by? be the change you wish to see in the world.
Instantly, we knew Breanna would create an impact on the health and fitness industry. Our introduction unfolded in 2019 at her first ever Toronto Pro Show event, where she competed in our annual Model Search, home to the top fitness models in the world. After a last-minute invite, we witness an overcoming and becoming in Breanna that we understood would lead her far on her journey. Little did we know, however, just how much was to come in such a short period of time.
Her story started long before this critical point, but her history with Status began at the Pro Show in Toronto as Breanna demonstrated resilience, resourcefulness and adaptability with her commitment to competing in our show. After giving a great performance, the Editor In Chief, Rodney Jang, sat to have lunch with Breanna where she revealed her personal story and deep passion for what she wanted to create.
Breanna grew up with Celiac Disease, undiagnosed until 11 years old. At this point, the damage to her intestinal tract had been so severe that it deeply impacted her everyday functions. Her childhood consisted of daily stomach pains, chronic bloating, random illnesses and alarming mental health struggles such as depression and social anxiety. It was a constant battle; a reality she felt destined for and tired of living in. Feeling unsupported by conventional medicine pushed pharmaceuticals and therapy that she found unhelpful, it’s astonishing that a single moment could shift the entire course of her existence! Now, it’s a memory and her testimony.
Breanna and Status’ Editor-in-chief Rodney Jang
Breanna cried tears of strength as she described to Rodney the time she had attempted suicide, her fourth try, leaving her in the hospital at just 13 years old. Evidently, she had not anticipated that the very moment that could have stopped it all, would simultaneously be the pivotal point that started everything! She realized that it wasn’t her life she wanted to end, but rather, her suffering. She knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but Breanna was willing to give it one last try to save the potential future she could create if she were finally able to learn how to overcome these lifelong battles of physical and mental distress.
Breanna is a talented and motivated health and fitness expert that is wise beyond her years. Breanna has earned the opportunity to be a Status Fitness Magazine columnist, where she will share her insights and experiences that will undoubtedly help others.
By the time Status had met Breanna, she had already been on her wellness journey for many years. Although previous obstacles were no longer in her path, she was set on a new venture of helping others who had been faced with similar afflictions and desires to finally get well and free themselves from psychological and functional constraints. It was clear that the conquering of her past pain had led her to her future purpose.
Since then, Breanna has become certified as an Integrative Health Practitioner at the Integrative Health Practitioner Institute, under the guidance of one of her longtime mentors, Dr. Stephen Cabral. This certification program is internationally recognized by a host of Holistic Wellness Institutions and combines 7 different disciplines of medicine such as Ayurvedic, Bioregulatory, Chinese Medicine and Herbalism, Eastern Philosophy, and Traditional Naturopathy, Orthomolecular, and Functional Medicine. In his program, she discovered how to use the principles within these modalities to support Diet, Exercise, Sleep, toxins removal, Emotional balance, Supplementation and Success Mindset to “balance the body back to health and re-energize it with life” (Dr. Stephen Cabral, quote). On top of that, she compounded this knowledge with the study of Functional Medicine Lab testing to identify and address root causes that lead to states of dis-ease.
By doing so, she discovered the source of her childhood ailments, such as the lack of serotonin production within her digestive tract (where 90%+ is created), her inability to absorb nutrients due to a leaky gut, as well as the immune suppression caused by chronic stress and inflammation within her body. The combination of her education and experience has helped her cultivate a deep understanding of bio-individuality and integrative health practices to support her clients in achieving their dream physique and optimizing their health from the inside out.
Over the past 3 years, Breanna has expanded her operations, reaching hundreds of thousands on social media through her main platform, Instagram. There, she provides education, inspiration and entertainment to her following through her content and collaborations on a daily basis, and has since been rewarded for her consistent efforts and online development with multiple sponsorships, including the Integrative Health Practitioner Institute itself, as well as her mentor’s Functional Medicine supplement line, EquiLife. On top of that, she has helped thousands of women transform their bodies, and even built a Corporate Wellness Program for a business in her hometown, which her coaching has resulted in better company culture and a doubling in sales.
In conclusion, Breanna continues to demonstrate resilience, resourcefulness and adaptability as her company expands worldwide, supporting women in finally achieving the results they desperately crave. From being a sick little girl to being her own first client and now business owner of her incorporation, she has equipped herself to become an expert in her field of Integrative Health. As a sponsored Status athlete, we are supportive and excited to witness Breanna’s growth and the ongoing evolution of her endeavours.
I started callisthenics when I was 27 years old (4 years ago). I fell in love with the sport and just wanted to get better at it. 3 years into my training, I decided to leave my desk job and become a coach. I wanted to focus on women because callisthenics is misconceived as a male sport and most women get intimidated to start. That’s when I decided to open a small studio (The Grip) and have ladies-only classes. I became the first woman to get WSWCF certified in Jordan and the only woman in Jordan who has her own callisthenics studio.
Age: 31
City, State/Province: Toronto, Ontario & Amman, Jordan
Occupation? Callisthenics Coach
Can you tell us more about callisthenics? Callisthenics is a form of strength & resistance training using your own body weight. It consists of different movements that exercise large muscle groups. Callisthenics dates back centuries ago and is now incorporated in many pieces of training including military training.
What are the benefits and principles of callisthenics? The benefits of callisthenics include – but are not limited to engaging the entire body during every exercise, increasing strength and endurance, improving mind-muscle connection, increasing mobility, and building lean muscle. In callisthenics, we aim for strength by focusing on overall form, high-quality sleep, eating well, and proper recovery.
What training would you recommend for first beginners training with callisthenics? Callisthenics can look intimidating for beginners from the outside, but with a proper program to follow, you will be amazed at the strength your body can develop. There are modified exercises for all moves and for all levels. Pull-ups can be regressed to assisted pull-ups or Australian pull-ups, push-ups can be done on the knees, moving onto incline push-ups until you progress to the floor, and so on. I recommend all beginners start with mastering the basics; pull-ups, push-ups, chin-ups, squats, knee raises, dips, and hollow back holds and then continue to build on from there.
What were the challenges you faced on your journey? When I first started callisthenics, I had extremely weak upper body strength. I was about 27 years old, and I hadn’t worked out for as long as I could remember. There were many times I felt demotivated because it took me longer than the average to master certain skills, but I remained committed to staying consistent. Another issue I faced was my gender. As a female, building upper body strength doesn’t come as easily as it does to a male. Callisthenics training is usually misconstrued as a male sport and many female callisthenics athletes worldwide are put down because of the calluses, the shoulders, the arms etc. I’ve had friends and family tell me that my body is now very manly, and my hands are horrid. The trick is to block out all outside noise and focus on the goal.
Share your unique training/coaching methods? I have trained with multiple different coaches and mentors who have taught me various methods and techniques, so I like to borrow different pieces I’ve learned along the way and incorporate those into my own methods. Callisthenics is so vast, and therefore there is no one specific way of training. The most important thing is having a clear understanding of the athlete’s goals and tailoring my approach to that. I think as a coach; you learn to adjust your methods according to your client and their unique needs. There is no single right answer.
Nutritional Plan: 30% protein, 20% fat, 50% carbs. This is a very rough estimate, and it is important to note that different bodies require different eating habits, so a one-size fits all diet plan is not possible.
Supplement Plan: I supplement with protein shakes on days when I don’t have enough time to eat my macros.
Do you prefer to take and recommend all-natural (no sugar, no artificial colours/flavours/sweeteners) supplements or supplements with artificial flavours and sweeteners? And Why? I prefer to take and solely recommend all-natural supplements. The body is a beautiful thing, and it was made to digest and process natural ingredients. Once I began taking all-natural supplements, I realized how much better my entire body was functioning. Having spent my early 20s in the business world, I didn’t end up transitioning to a health-focused lifestyle until my late 20s. Once I began prioritizing my health and cutting out sugar and artificial foods, I noticed a dramatic difference. I stopped having mid-afternoon crashes, began feeling much more energetic overall, and have noticed my body is much healthier.
Please describe the importance of mental health? Mental health is of the utmost importance and something that many of us struggle with daily. We all have our good days and bad, and it is so important to push through those bad days and remind ourselves they are not permanent. It’s also extremely important to reach out to others to talk when things get challenging and remind yourself, that you’re never alone. Daily exercise has been proven as one of the most effective ways to improve your mental health, and it’s something that can give us a great sense of accomplishment as well. Exercise is a great way to keep yourself mentally healthy and has been essential to have a positive impact on my own mental health as well.
Take us through a typical day in your life for you? I wake up around 7:00 am, drink water, have a cup of coffee, listen to a book, review the progress of my online clients, and go over my goals for the day. Once I finish my morning tasks, I start my own training, which I like to do on an empty stomach, and then it’s time to eat! After that, I go on with my day-to-day life before I start my afternoon classes, and usually spend my evening watching a movie, scrolling through Instagram, and preparing for the next day.
What does it mean to you to help others? Helping others means the world to me! I am someone who has doubted myself since as long as I can remember, and callisthenics has helped me through some of the toughest times in my life. EVERYONE has potential, and this is where the importance of mental health really comes into play. Seeing people happy makes me giddy and if I can motivate even one person, I know I am doing something right.
What separates Status from other fitness magazines? Status Fitness Magazine includes a wide range of content from athletes in different sports and at different levels making it very intriguing to the average reader.
If you could ask Status Fitness Magazine Editor-in-Chief Rodney Jang any industry question, what would that be? What does Status magazine mean to you? And also if he’s ever tried callisthenics?
Status Fitness Magazine runs model searches across North America including the largest one at the Arnold Classic for the Status cover. As part of the Status family, you will receive a special participation invite. How excited are you about this opportunity? Oh, my goodness! Very excited!
Describe your coaches and the impact they have on you? Coaches are extremely important; their words, their motivation, and their support mean everything. Thankfully, I’ve had some amazing coaches throughout my journey and each one of my coaches came from a different background, which provided me with the benefit of experiencing different approaches to training. Their belief in me was the most motivational attribute and essential to helping me get to where I am today.
Can you share with us your goals for fitness and life? My main goal is to influence those people who doubt their strength, all genders, and all ages! I have been extremely hard on myself throughout my entire life, and I understand the struggle. But despite the struggles we are up against, I want people to understand that if they put their mind to it (whatever “it” is) they can do it! I also want to shatter the stigma that callisthenics is masculine (hence why I post workouts in heels), or that you must be a certain age to start. I want to inspire people to believe in themselves and encourage everyone to reach their full potential within callisthenics and beyond.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned? Discipline, consistency, and dedication can take you to places you could have never imagined, even when you’re starting with only 20 minutes per day working towards your goal. I’ve also learned self-doubt is the worst thing you can do to yourself.
If you could inspire one person, who would that be? And why? I know that may sound selfish, but we are our biggest critics, so if you can inspire yourself, there is nothing you can’t do!
Who inspires you? And why? There isn’t one person as I have been inspired by so many amazing callisthenics trainers since starting my journey. I have been so privileged to have received great support from so many people throughout my journey from around the world, and those people have inspired me to keep pushing forward even on the days when I felt most alone.
What is your number one tip for people on their fitness journey? Stop waiting for the perfect time or moment to begin investing in yourself. Just start.
What does success look like for you? Success looks like one of my clients shattering their goals.
What is your favourite quote to live by? Consistency is key!
SUCCESS TRANSFORMATION STORY – JAMES HANTON’S GOT EM FIT PROGRAM
CONGRATULATIONS HEATHER SPRINGER
Age: 32
City: Olathe KS
Occupation: High school journalism teacher
Fitness category: Transformation.
Transformation story: I have NEVER been a person who enjoys working out or anything fitness-related. Even in high school, I took the singular required year of gym class and avoided anything physical for the remaining 3 years. Throughout high school and college, I was a fairly thin person, but never “in shape.”
In post-college, I started to gain weight, but never really did anything about it. I tried a few times to get in shape and always fell off pretty quickly, usually blaming my “lack of time.” I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease in early 2020, which causes hypothyroidism.
In August 2020, I was frustrated with my weight and body image (again) and I saw an ad for GotEm on Facebook. I filled out the form; I did not expect anything and figured it would be too expensive for me to justify doing. The next morning my mom called and her first words were “don’t panic, but I’m at the hospital.” (Like, who doesn’t panic after someone says that?)
As the day progressed, she was moved to a larger hospital, tests were run, and ultimately the doctors found she’d had a heart attack and would need triple bypass surgery later in the week. During surgery, they ended up doing a quintuple bypass. My grandpa died at 56 from a heart attack, and my mom was only 50, so I was terrified that I would be next.
I met James the next afternoon and knew before I even walked in the door that I was going to do whatever it took to not end up like my mom. I signed up for a six-week challenge and hoped for the best. Part of me still thought I’d end up throwing away that money and quitting before six weeks were over.
In the first class, I’m pretty sure I almost died. I had zero ideas about what I was doing. In my infinite wisdom, I paired up with the only other person taking a class that night, who I found out later is a trainer (Eli). There was something different about GotEm from the beginning because even though I left feeling like I was going to throw up and die at the same time, I still wanted to come back the next day. Even when one class felt like torture, I still wanted to work my way up to taking two classes back to back.
In the first 6 weeks, I lost 9.4 pounds and 4.3% of body fat. In 6 months, I was down 31.5 pounds and 11.8% body fat. Now I’m down nearly 18% and have been going to GotEm for 18 months.
GotEm has taught me a lot more than just how to get in shape – it taught me how to put myself first and prioritize my well-being even when I felt like I couldn’t. Even though improving and maintaining my physical health was a huge motivating factor, and ultimately the reason I keep going, I love being able to look in the mirror and appreciate what I see. The confidence that has come with my lifestyle changes is something I’ve never had before.
In your opinion, weight loss is more of a fitness issue or a health issue, and why? It’s both, but to me, it was an issue of health. People can fit at any size, but life has proven to me that you can be both thin and out of shape.
Can you share with us your goals for fitness and life? For fitness, I want these changes to be something I can commit to for the rest of my life. I’d like, at some point, to be able to give back and help others. I have lots of smaller goals that I strive for in training, like hitting certain weights or reps, but those change and evolve often.
What does your Coach James mean to you? James changed my whole perspective on “athletic” people – he’s authentic and passionate. It’s obvious that James invests himself in every single person who comes into GotEm and meets people where they are. I’ve never felt like what I was doing wasn’t good enough because James met me where I was and pushed me from there.
James sometimes takes classes when he’s not teaching, and he’ll purposefully do the circuit backward so that he gets to work out with every person taking the class. It’s little things like that that set James apart from other people in the fitness industry.
“Heather is a very driven individual who puts her mind to what she wants, and she won’t stop until she gets it” – Coach James Hanton
What’s it like being part of the “GOTEMFIT” family? What impact does a positive community have on your life? The GotEm family is a huge source of encouragement. When I started at GotEm, the encouragement from others was part of why I kept going. Even when I didn’t have any faith in myself, someone else at the gym did – and they made sure to tell me about it too. The first time that I did two classes back to back was because a trainer told me I could – but she also made sure that I knew there’d be no shame if I started and couldn’t finish. Had she not given me the safe space to fail, I probably wouldn’t have tried.
GotEm, and particularly Eli, gave me the opportunity to try obstacle course races, and who doesn’t want the chance to get absolutely filthy and climb through stuff?
What is the biggest lesson you have ever learned? In fitness, I’ve had to learn that the scale isn’t always a true representation of success. There have been times I’ve been frustrated with the number on the scale only to find out that I’ve lost body fat or that my clothes fit better. The first time I got my body fat where I wanted, I bounced back up. It’s fluctuated a lot since then, but it never feels like defeat. It’s easier, and more enjoyable, to set smaller goals and recognize the process. There are days I look at myself and still see who I was before any of this started. It’s always one step at a time. When I started at GotEm, even the smallest weights were a struggle. I modified almost everything. If cardio had the word “plank” in it, I was doing jump rope instead. About 6 months in, I started recording my lifts and taking pictures. Looking back on those pictures shows me more progress than I had any idea I was making. Even when it feels like the progress is slow, or not happening at all, those photos and videos help me see the progress.
In life, it’s that “failure” is an incredibly powerful word. It’s impossible to fail until you stop trying.
What is your number one tip for people on their fitness journey? Figure out your “why.” It’s way easier to keep going or to go to the gym on days you don’t feel like it when you know what the reason behind it is. I gave up so many times before finding GotEm. The difference was this time I really knew why I was doing it, and the culture at GotEm supported me in that.
What does success mean to you? Success means not giving up. There have definitely been moments where I’ve struggled or felt like I wasn’t doing anything right, but I kept showing up, anyway. Success, for me, means committing to sustainable changes I can maintain through the rest of my life.
Share your unique training/coaching methods. I’m not super unique. About six months in, Eli started pushing me to add 5lbs to my weights during the second class. That’s helped me consistently move up in weight training. If I’m not going to the gym that day, I try to add in some other sort of extra movement like a walk or doing something active outside.
Training Plan: Two HIIT classes a day, 5 days a week at GotEm. Weight training 1-2 days a week doing squats, deadlift and bench.
Nutritional Plan: I focus heavily on protein and aim to eat 110-130 grams of protein every day. Beyond that, I try to keep my carbs and fat reasonable for my calorie goals. Since I eat so much protein, it’s pretty easy to keep the other numbers in check.
I eat gluten-free because I’m gluten sensitive and eating it makes me feel like absolute garbage. I also focus on “gut health” with things like kombucha and fermented foods.
Honestly, I still like sugar a lot and I haven’t completely eliminated my consumption of “bad” things because I know I’d crash and burn out. These diet changes and fitness changes need to be sustainable for the rest of my life, so I focus a lot on making sure I don’t do anything that will burn me out. I still splurge and enjoy things that aren’t healthy, but it’s also not something I eat all the time.
Supplement Plan: It’s pretty simple. I take a multi-vitamin daily and drink protein once or twice a day. I add creatine into my post-workout protein. Two or three days a week I’ll take a pre-workout before going to the gym but I don’t do it every day because I don’t want my body to get used to the caffeine.
Do you prefer to take and recommend all-natural (no sugar, no artificial colors/flavors/sweeteners) supplements or supplements with artificial flavors and sweeteners? And Why? I like both. I really like the NutraBio proteins because they are so clean, but I know that my diet isn’t completely clean either so I don’t exclude supplements with artificial stuff. I’ve found a few proteins that I really enjoy but aren’t completely natural. I think it’s a balance of enjoying those and recognizing that even though they aren’t the cleanest/healthiest, they’re still a lot better than other things I could be eating and they’re helping me reach a goal.
What separates Status from other fitness magazines? Status features real stories from normal people who may not otherwise be featured – people who aren’t or haven’t been athletes but have made changes in their lives for the better. That’s infinitely more motivation for people than seeing another fitness model, which feels unattainable for a lot of people. There’s such a variety in what Status offers that there’s something to inspire everyone.
What is your favourite quote to live by? There are three things in life that can kick your butt:
You
Someone else
Regret – Regret never stops kicking.
5 things people don’t know about you: Oh gosh, this is hard. I’m an open book!
I was in a marching band for 9 years (high school through college) and it’s still a huge part of who I am. I volunteer at a summer band camp.
Outside of teaching, I’m a wedding photographer. The company I work for has been published in Vogue.
In 9 years of teaching, I’ve taught 13 different courses/subjects at 5 different schools.
I have a ridiculously large collection of plants – my apartment sort of looks like a jungle.
I have two paw print tattoos, which are from actual inkings of my first cat’s paws.
If you could inspire one person, who would that be? Not so much a specific person, but I hope I can inspire people who didn’t think they could do it. I hope to inspire people who avoid the gym because they’re “not fitness people” or they’re afraid to fail.
Who inspires you? And why? My mom – after her heart attack and surgery, she’s had to make some pretty substantial life changes, and not once has she complained about any of it. It’s been a long, difficult road with lots of medications to figure out, complications from surgery, and new requirements, but she takes it all in stride.
Eli – Eli is the epitome of dedication. Even when things get hard, even when the results aren’t what he wants, even when he’s exhausted and everything hurts, he doesn’t give up. Not only that, but he’s usually pushing me too. When we do OCRs, he’ll push me over the 10’ wall, then pull himself over. On days I don’t want to work out, he’ll kindly remind me that I’ll “feel better if you do.”
Like many kids, I grew up with superheroes being a big portion of my childhood. Saturday morning cartoons, action figures, marvel cards. I would spend hours drawing my favourite characters, and even making up my own. I can always remember drawing them with fantastic muscled physiques. I didn’t put that element and my passion for the body and muscle building together, until a few years ago. As many know, we are heavily influenced by who we are today as our experiences in our childhood.
I was bullied in school from grade 1 until about grade 9. And my first bully used to be my best friend in elementary. That one hurt, bothered me for a long time, but also spurred my quest to get bigger and stronger so that no one would bully me. I remember in grade 6 gym class, we had an old school universal from the ‘70s we got to train on. It was when I experienced my first workout with weights, having the boys challenging each other to see who could do the most pull-ups. To which surprisingly I beat everyone.
When I moved schools in grade 9, I decided I needed to be bigger and stronger, so I dedicated myself to training before class in the weight room gym we had in our high school. Like many, Arnold’s Encyclopedia of bodybuilding was the book that took everything to the next level for me. I remember asking my mom for the book at a superstore. I read every page from front to back several times, that eventually the pages started falling out. I figured this was the key I needed to get the body I wanted. I was the skinny kid in school and even graduated at only 140lbs. However, I had bicep veins, and 6-pack abs, and was one of the only kids that could press the 85lb DBs for working sets.
After high school, I continued to put on more weight each year, but it was a struggle until I saw the first bodybuilding show that I decided I wanted to give it a try. I competed the following year at 21. It was when I learned a lot more about what it took to get to that level. Ever since, I have competed in approx 10 shows, the most prestigious being in the World qualifier in Perth Australia, and the First Arnold Classic Australia in 2015.
I became a trainer right after my first show at Golds Gym 130th ave. I used to read every article I could get my hands on, and have worked with some of the best in the industry over the years. Now I take what I have learned from them, added my own flavour, and combine them into the most efficient and effective methods possible, backed by science, logic, and experience. I decided as a career goal, I wanted to provide a higher level of service to my clients. I wanted to be a One-Stop-Shop able to train, diet, and treat my clients so that they can get the quickest and best results, as well as know everything that is going on with their bodies to keep them healthy, injury-free, and making progress. I moved to Australia to pursue schooling to be eligible to take Active Release Therapy courses. I ended up doing my first year of massage instead to speed up the path to taking ART courses but didn’t want to do massage full time because I wasn’t a fan of the energy exchange.
In 2016, I was prepping for the very first Winter Classic, right before moving back to Canada from Australia, but started suffering from Sciatica after training legs with Shawn Rhoden. I exhausted all of my options in Australia with treatments, chiro, massage, dry needling, active release, you name it, I had my therapist who worked on AFL players, Cricket, and champion fighters, work on me for weeks. But nothing seemed to stick. So I texted Shawn Rhoden, and he connected with me Derek Farnsworth, who as many know treats a vast amount of IFBB pros, including several Mr. Olympias like Jay Cutler. I stopped in San Diego for a week on my move home to Canada, and he worked wonders! Changed my body massively, but the sciatica relief itself didn’t last more than a few weeks. I kept training and prepping as many stubborn competitors would, but when the pain got too much I had to pull out of that show. I didn’t want to risk being debilitated for a trophy until I was healed and knew more. It’s the only show I have ever pulled out of, and I still regret it to this day, because I know with how I looked 6 weeks out, I would have done extremely well. So that’s never happening again! But in that time, I discovered this modality called Muscle Activation Techniques. Not only did I get my Chiro/ART clinic Active Sports Therapy in Calgary to send me for MRIs, and work on me, but that’s where I did my first MAT session with Sarah. I heard about Muscle Activation Therapy before I moved to Australia, but it was this weird 10-month internship in the states that no one really knew about. I gave it a shot, and I didn’t have ANY pain or issue for 2 solid weeks.
Then after my 2nd session, 4 weeks I had no pain! I felt activation, soreness, and huge pumps in parts of my muscles I hadn’t felt in YEARS. So I was hooked! I made her do my whole body, my clients, my friends, everyone. And everyone confirmed the same…. its Voodoo. So I decided to save up and take the course. By far, it’s the best decision I made in my career, and also often the most rewarding. You can see the likes of Dorian Hamilton and their crew out at Pure Muscle & Fitness in eastern Canada are now working with Eric Siefert, one of the MAT Teachers/Practitioners, and getting next-level workouts and results. Peyton Manning, the Denver Broncos, Brian Shaw, and Bryson Dechambeau are all getting MAT treatments to play at the best, become their best, and even in their comebacks set all-time career achievements. If you have run out of options, or simply want the best, no matter what your level, I highly recommend getting in contact with a MAT practitioner! I am all about finding the best in the world and combining it to bring it to my clients so they can have the best methods possible available to them.
Age: 35
City, State/Province: Currently Puerto Vallarta Mexico.
Home Town: Calgary Alberta
Occupation? Online Coach, MAT Specialist
In your opinion, is weight loss more of a fitness issue or a health issue and why? Weight loss is a health issue. I believe this because it’s not just someone being unfit that causes weight gain, but it’s unhealthy habits that get them there. There are lots of people that have never squatted in their life that are not overweight. Ones that are, likely to have self-sabotaging habits that accumulated over time. Extra weight takes a toll on the body in many ways. The gut being our second brain, can control our cravings, moods, and even mental health based on the condition of our microbiome. With unhealthy habits and possibly just simply not having the education on proper nutrition most don’t even know the connection that is working against them. This is even amplified in the marketing plans of many food products! Extra fat also secretes hormones such as estrogen, which can cause health conditions & issues for many, and visceral fat crams our organs, which is the most toxic for our bodies. Most men over 30 who have that hard belly, yeah that’s visceral fat, the worst kind and it could be causing a series of health conditions for you.
Our bodies were not designed or evolved for a lot of today’s societal stresses, both physically (being more sedentary) and mentally (dealing with today’s stresses, social media, etc) we need to address the body as a whole, and health’s definition as a whole.
If you have 100 tokens in total and you could apply them to the following categories, how many would you apply to each?
Fitness level: 30
Health level:70
Thoughts on HIIT, Powerlifting, TRX, Yoga, bodybuilding, and others? I can appreciate the benefits of all of these modalities. I believe that whatever you find, you have passion for or get the most happiness out of. You want ANY kind of training to resonate with you and be a positive experience in your life. The point is to challenge yourself physically and mentally so that you can refine, and strengthen yourself.
All of these require a strong will, execution, discipline, habit building, and of course enjoyment/passion. I love yoga, especially 26/2 for the challenge it brings, and the mental silence after the intense session. However, at heart, I am a bodybuilder. I love learning about the body and creating/designing masterpieces throughout the process. There are so many life lessons that you can learn about discipline, effort vs reward, consistency, time management, habit building, etc. It’s a sport that never turns off when you are preparing for a show. It requires more than just workouts and protein shakes and it’s more than just the 2-3 hours you spend in the gym, it’s about the other 22 hours of your day as well. You have to add an element of creativity to it, not just in posing, but also in designing your body. Just like a sculptor adds clay and then refines his masterpiece, so must the bodybuilder. I think that is kind of lost on lots of competitors nowadays because everyone is always looking for bigger and more shredded. But how many physiques actually look appealing? How many are actually proportional and WORK on improving their proportions? Not enough.
Lastly, how do you express yourself in your posing routine with the masterpiece you have developed? That is part of bodybuilding, and expression, it’s how you connect with your peers and audience.
How did your passion for fitness start? And what was the biggest challenge you have faced on your journey? My passion for fitness took off at the beginning of high school but really started with my love for superheroes as a kid.
The biggest challenge in my journey was overcoming self-doubt, being introverted, self-acceptance, and attaining unshakeable confidence in myself and my abilities. When I started bodybuilding, it was not a trendy or mainstream thing. We were outcasts, black sheep, misfits, or outliers. I was a bit shy and didn’t like being the center of attention, so getting on stage, in a tiny set of posing trunks, and flexing my muscles in front of a big crowd was definitely out of my comfort zone. But pushing past uncomfortable both physically and mentally has been a skill that bodybuilding has helped me sharpen and hone over the years. I will always be grateful for the challenges I have faced.
Can you tell us about the MAT clinic space and grow my “Muscle Mechanic”? MAT is a modality that addresses muscle dysfunction. MAT recognizes that inflammation can create neurological weakness. Stress, trauma, overuse, and the resultant inflammation can alter the communication between the nervous system and the muscle system. Once muscles lose their ability to contract efficiently, where they can no longer contract on demand, in order to stabilize joints and protect the body. The goal of MAT is to “activate” muscles through treatment, providing stability to the body again, so your body will give you mobility back. How many times have you gone in for a massage for tight muscles? How long did it last? Chances are lots are saying “not long”. Well, what if I told you the problem isn’t the tight muscles, that’s the symptom? The problem is usually an opposing muscle that is no longer communicating with the brain effectively. Turn that back on, and then your tightness will subside because we treated the root cause of the problem, not the symptom. Instead of undoing your body’s protective mechanisms, we are providing communication and information into your neuromuscular system, working with the body, rather than against it. The best thing about it? Results are right on the table, and the ability to increase the threshold tolerance of those muscles across a few sessions so it’s going to take more for that inflammation response to cause a disconnect. Now you aren’t spinning your wheels each session trying to “loosen” the same tight muscle that is trying to protect you from injury in the first place.
Right now, I am currently treating in Puerto Vallarta and whenever I can when I travel. MAT is growing in awareness as more and more people begin to discover the power and effectiveness it truly has. My plan to grow the “Muscle Mechanic” is to bring more awareness of MAT to help those who like me, exhausted all options, or simply want to go straight to one of the best methods available. I am always looking to help new people fix or improve their bodies. It is one of my true callings and passions as I not only love learning about the body but love to improve people’s quality of life, in and out of the gym.
Share your unique training/coaching methods? I learned from Ben Pakulski, Vince Del monte, Milos Sarcev, the Late Charles Poliquin, the Late John meadows, Layne Norton, Jordan Peters, and many more. My approach is now a strong combination of what I have found to be the most effective methods from them, while staying injury-free, the ability to still have a social life, and keep making progress. I use what I call “Progressive Performance” combined with Reverse Dieting, the best tactics to manage inflammation, stress, and healing to maximize body recomposition. I utilize Wim Hof, Tim Ferris, James Clear, Dr. Gabor Mate, and other world’s elites to provide as much value as possible to my clients.
The body and mind are not separate, and what happens mentally, can and DOES manifest physically. Breathing, cold exposure, and inner child/shadow work all have a place in your fitness journey. You just may not know it yet. Lastly, I flip the script on the methodology. If you are 25% body fat, and we for generalization’s sake, say the other 75% of you is a muscle, bone etc. Then when someone says they want to lose 15% body fat, what do you immediately picture? Hours of tedious (and unnecessary) cardio, chicken & broccoli, etc. Doesn’t sound very exciting, does it? But what if I said, we are going to focus on GAINING 15% muscle quality, not necessarily size, but quality tissue. That sounds like a lot more fun. If you focus on changing what you are actually made of, not only is it a more positive, gaining experience associated with the process but it’s actually more effective. The body fat will take care of itself with the right comp method as you shift the proportions.
The Revenge Body & Revenge Booty programs are designed to combine all of these concepts and more, to Re-invent you inside & out. Bullying, Breakups, Addictions, whatever your Revenge Story might be, you have a home here with us.
Training Plan: I build up to being able to consistently use “Progressive Performance”, with largely push pull leg routines with both an A series and B series. A series is a heavier significant time under tension and performance-based, B series is more for metabolic stress and hyperemia, and 2 Leg & booty days for my female clients. I have them track all working sets, reps, and weights to push for personal bests, and adjust all nutrition etc based on your performances. Training builds the body. This way all muscle fibres get hit, and the energy systems. I always prescribe short, lengthened, and mid-range exercises to fully develop the muscles. Plus, I break down the basic anatomy & function of the muscles to make execution and good form just that easy. We focus on maximizing recovery between workouts, and training with progressive performance and high-quality execution to prevent injuries so you can continue full steam ahead to your goals.
Nutritional Plan: I’m an advocate for Reverse Dieting. Standardizing your foods will help you to figure out what’s actually working for change if you eat the same foods in the same amounts for a week. Based on the outcome, I make small incremental changes, that allow for your body to adjust. 9/10 times my clients are telling me, “Please stop giving me more food (carbs)” They get leaner, have more muscle, and faster metabolism, which means they can actually live a social life, have cake at the party, dinner on date nights, etc because their regular carb intake is much higher. I’ve had clients who every time I dropped their carbs and/or increased their cardio, actually got worse! Meal prep is important, at least to have a couple of backup meals in the freezer, for more than just “being prepared”. I have my clients create backups so they can be as consistent as possible, and not fall victim to being unprepared, or decision exhaustion and loss of willpower. We cover willpower, the marshmallow test and more in the Revenge Programs. Lastly, I time nutrients to best support training and optimize the hormone response from foods, and if we are getting fancy, we talk about choosing the right food types with your ancestry and location.
Above all what matters first in ANY diet is that you are consistent. If you are all over the place, and you got some changes, how are you going to know what worked? And as I’ve described above, if you keep making cuts, and you aren’t getting the results, why would you keep going the same direction? Go the other way and notice instant results and changes again!
Supplement Plan: Basics like Eaas, Creatine, citrulline, protein and carb powder/source are my keys for training. Omega-3 fish oils, Vitamin D3, and greens powder for overall health. I also utilize some other specific supplements when the program calls for it, and often only the best products & ingredients that actually work.
Do you prefer to take and recommend all-natural (no sugar, no artificial colours/flavours/sweeteners) supplements or supplements with artificial flavours and sweeteners? And Why? I always believe that you cannot out-do nature. The closer to nature is always better. I recommend being as close to natural products as possible for all my clients, as well as myself. I know Bio-edge has come out with amazing 3rd party tested products, that are All-Natural, with the right ingredients at the right dosages! There is no need for anyone to have their citrus aminos be an orange colour just for the sake of being orange. These are starting to cause a lot more digestion and gut microbiome issues that can become hurdles or variables in your fitness journey.
Please describe the importance of mental health? I think in the last 3 years, we have drastically seen just how important mental health is, and how much it impacts how and who we are on so many levels. I personally have had and witnessed so many correlations between the mind and body, which is why it is a huge component in my Revenge programs. We cannot treat them separately because they aren’t separate! How you handle and deal with stress, trauma, and life deeply affects not only you mentally, but it manifests physically.
With the methods I use in my programs, not only have I seen vast improvements in conditions, but sometimes it’s been the only thing that works. Breathwork & cold exposure were the only thing that worked for endometriosis. I’ve witnessed someone’s body rapidly change per hour after a retreat that helps deal with stress, trauma and mental health. I tore the long head of my bicep last year, and the root cause of that was my stress level and my mental health. I wasn’t eating properly, drinking enough water, sleeping properly, managing stress properly , and during the peak of my stress level, I tore my arm. There was nothing in my approach or that I did any different than I had in the past, but my body’s ability to handle it just wasn’t there. There are direct correlations now between stress level and trauma and how it can manifest physically. Treating and improving mental health have healed, reversed or even prevented many conditions where pharmacology and other methods have failed them. Dr. Gabor Mate speaks often about this and has several books and resources in his correlations. Again these are key components that are addressed in the Revenge Programs because they have such a huge impact on our health & body. You can’t be the best version of yourself without a strong healthy mind. We do have the capacity to heal, in many ways, but this requires us to re-establishing our connection with the power of our mind. Our bodies and minds have not evolved as fast as our world and society has, and we have new stresses that affect us in many ways, that are only now being discovered.
Take us through a typical day in your life for you? A typical day for me starts around 9-10 am. I’ve never been a morning person. As with most, it starts with a coffee. When I’m in my element after the coffee is about 4 rounds of Wim Hof breathwork or a guided meditation. Then it’s breakfast of either 5-6 egg omelette or french toast with peanut butter. I read for 20 mins, and 20 min of Spanish (or Spanish lessons on some days of the week) before I focus on work. The rest of the day consists of client updates, content creation, client sessions a few days a week, and then getting ready for the 25min walk down to the gym. After training and getting home, I often hit our common area pool or do a quick 2 min cool shower. I hate the cold so it’s been a journey to love it. Soon it will be ice baths. Then it’s post-workout meal time- THE MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY. The rest of the day is usually resting, decompressing, visiting with friends, date night, or sometimes heading to the beach or watching the sunset from our veranda.
Most of my creative moments and flow are late at night, when I jot down ideas, research new elements for my programs and clients, or design new programs.
What separates Status from other fitness magazines? What I love about Status is that they are conscious about working with the right brands, products and people that align with health, wellness, fitness, and strong morals and values to provide only the best. No matter what you are looking for, Status always has something in it for you, and the best part is, that it’s coming from REAL people, in the industry who have worked their way up to the top.
If you could ask Status Fitness Magazine Editor in Chief Rodney Jang any industry question, what would that be? Where do you see the fitness industry going and evolving in the next 3 years, and what has been the most critical advancement of our industry in the last 5 years?
Status Fitness Magazine runs model searches across North America including the largest one at the Arnold Classic for the Status cover. As part of the Status family, you will receive a special participation invite. How excited are you for this opportunity? That is a fantastic opportunity that I would love to be a part of. This has been something I’ve wanted to achieve since i started in this industry 17 years ago, and I feel like it has been a long time in the making. I think it’s important to reach as many people as possible so I can help as many as possible make massive transformations and Re-Invent themselves.
Describe your coaches and the impact they have on you? Working with the coaches I have in the past has been priceless in so many ways. Beyond advancing my own knowledge and experience, I gained the ability to adapt, and to understand more about when to be precise and rigid in your approach, and what doesn’t need to be as intense to still get the same results. I got to learn a lot about some of my heroes and people I looked up to while learning and adapting their coaching approach as well. I have to say the most impactful was probably John Meadows, in his training, but also in his coaching and just being a good human being to everyone. We need more Johns in this industry.
Do you have a sponsor? List them and what they mean to you? I have had sponsors in the past, and although I don’t have any officially at the moment, I am working with BioEdge because they are doing amazing things with their products, using high-quality ingredients, with the right dosages. I don’t recommend something I won’t take myself.
Sponsors are always important because it helps to connect us to more of the fitness family and be able to reach more people to share in their journey, as well as provide any value we can along the way.
Can you share with us your goals for fitness and life? My fitness goal used to be getting an IFBB Pro card. However, right now my focus is to get back to the body I want to have first, then decide if and when to compete with it again. In the meantime, I am focused on advancing my skills in the MAT realm, and refining the Revenge programs to hopefully expand into something bigger like Revengebody Retreats. My final goal is to have my own space for a clinic and gym. So I can fix people’s bodies, and help them live a higher quality of life, pain and condition free while expanding my online coaching services for everyone who can’t see me in person.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned? Life is going to work out how it is supposed to in the end. So be patient, learn to go with the flow, practise gratitude and try to learn the lessons you are meant to be taught. So you don’t have to have them repeated too many times. The second is that you can have everything you want in life, just not always at the same time, and it just might not look like how you thought it was going to.
5 most important attributes you see in a person? Loyalty, Sense of Humour, Willingness to grow/learn, Compassion, Positivity.
If you could inspire one person, who would that be? And why? It would be the person who has gone through trials and tribulations and is needing a massive Re-Invention. There is no better time to invest in yourself, love yourself, and evolve into the person you absolutely can be. So stop putting it off, stop doubting yourself, stop self-sabotaging and just take 1 action to set you on that course. Just like walking, it’s always 1 step at a time. We are here to help you along your journey.
Who inspires you? And why? The people that inspire me are not just the best in the world, who have dedicated their lives to their crafts, like Dr. Gabor Mate, Wim Hof, Tim Ferris, etc. But the ones who have come from nothing, who have stood tall after all the challenges they have faced. I love the underdogs, and the redemption stories, that’s why I want to work with everyone who has a Revenge Story!
What is your number one tip for people on their fitness journey? Success loves speed. Unless you want to spend 10 years trialling and error figuring stuff out to transform yourself, hire a coach. Every coach once had a coach. You are literally learning in 12 weeks to a year which took me over a decade. I, along with many coaches can put you light years ahead of anyone else in the gym just by working together and giving you what you need to know, so you don’t get swooned by all the bollocks in this industry.
What does success look like for you? I think each person needs to define what success means to them. However, success for me is living out your purpose in life, once you’ve discovered it. Getting to freely enjoy your passion, if it isn’t the same thing as your purpose. And taking those and sharing them with the world. Waking up each morning, not dreading your life, and being able to remain grateful, and attain satisfaction as you navigate the journey is what I call a successful life.
You can have all the money in the world, lots of people do, but they are miserable. There is always a trade-off of some kind that you may not know about.
What is your favourite quote to live by? You cannot succeed without experiencing failure. In fact, just like in training, all the results come AFTER FAILURE- Nick Horvath.
I’m a mother of 5 (mostly grown) children and a grandmother of 1. I was obese for a good portion of my life. In 2010, I started strength training and in about 9 months; I lost 80 pounds. I became a trainer and wellness coach as I figured that if I could do it, anyone can. I became an athlete at the age of 36. I’m passionate about nutrition and living a healthy lifestyle. Overcoming bad habits was very difficult. It is for everyone.
Age: 47
City, State/Province: Pasco, WA
Country: USA
Occupation? Personal Trainer, Health & Wellness Coach.
In your opinion, is weight loss more of a fitness issue or a health issue and why? Nutrition determines size. Exercise determines shape.
If you have 100 tokens in total and you could apply them to the following categories, how many would you apply to each?
Fitness level:25
Health level:75
Thoughts on HIIT, Powerlifting, TRX, Yoga, bodybuilding, and others? Everything has its place.
Share your unique training/coaching methods? I teach lifestyle. Balance in all things.
Trainer Philosophy: Whatever it takes to get you there, you have to keep doing it to stay there.
Training Plan: I train for strength and aesthetics. I also teach quality form.
Nutritional Plan: I teach the truth about nutrition. Eat whole, clean food.
Supplement Plan: You can’t out supplement a bad diet.
Do you prefer to take and recommend all-natural (no sugar, no artificial colours/flavours/sweeteners) supplements or supplements with artificial flavours and sweeteners? And Why? Balance. Most people can’t or won’t eat optimally. In the beginning, my goal is to get them from bad nutrition to good. Optimal is too big of a jump.
Please describe the importance of mental health? Health includes physical, mental, and emotional health. You don’t fix your body to fix your head. If you fix your head first, the body will follow.
Take us through a typical day in your life for you? I get up at 5 am and work on meal plans and communicate with online clients. Then I train from 7 or 8 am to noon and 3 to 7 pm. I come home to my youngest son and my significant other. I also read a ton. I love to educate myself. Travelling is also my passion.
What separates Status from other fitness magazines? Interested in local athletes for inspiration.
If you could ask Status Fitness Magazine Editor-in-Chief Rodney Jang any industry question, what would that be? What is the best way to inspire the most people?
Status Fitness Magazine runs model searches across North America, including the largest one at the Arnold Classic for the Status cover. As part of the Status family, you will receive a special participation invite. How excited are you about this opportunity? That would be incredible!
Describe your coaches and the impact they have on you? I’ve learned so much from all my former coaches and trainers. So much of what to do, but also what NOT to do.
Do you have a sponsor? List them and what they mean to you? I have before. I no longer compete and, therefore, focus on promoting my brand.
Can you share with us your goals for fitness and life? To stay healthy myself (my genetics have several issues, including diabetes) and help change the world, one person at a time.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned? That you have to make yourself a priority before you help anyone else.
5 most important attributes you see in a person?
Respect
Truthfulness
Humility
Personal growth
Confidence
If you could inspire one person, who would that be? And why? That person who has lost all faith in her ability. Honestly, that’s why I do what I do. I want to inspire people to not give up.
Who inspires you? And why? Anyone who doesn’t give up. ANYONE.
What is your number one tip for people on their fitness journey? Be patient and consistent and be prepared.
What does success look like for you? Help as many people as possible to believe in themselves. Hoping eventually to do public speaking.
What is your favourite quote to live by? “You will remain the same until the pain of remaining the same is greater than the pain of change.”
