Listen to that body!

Question 01

You have been working as a health & life coach and personal trainer at Annaca Health for the last 5 years. Tell us about your journey into the world of personal training and coaching?

In school I played sports that I really enjoyed, I was part of the volleyball team, cheerleading team and danced. After school I was on and off with exercise like running and bike riding, some weight lifting but I didn’t find anything I enjoyed until 2014 when I hired my first personal trainer Glenn. He was awesome, he taught me the correlation between exercise and nutrition, we did a combination of weights and pilates training and he helped me find exercise I enjoyed again!

From there I lost around 10kg, my headspace changed - I became confident in myself, I fell in love with health and fitness, I competed in my very first fitness competition placed 1st in my division, I was on cover of Fernwood Fitness Magazine, and I continued to expand my knowledge, which led me to begin my career in health and fitness. I studied personal training, health coaching and life coaching, mat and reformer pilates and now Clinical Pilates and Sports nutrition.

I started working out of a gym, then I built my own home gym which has been the best transition for me. It gives my clients a safe space to share whatever is going on in their world, and I can ensure all the equipment is well maintained and cared for. Today I am blessed to have worked with so many clients whom I’ve helped find their own confidence and joy for fitness.

Question 02

You have supported many clients achieve their personal and health goals. Who are some people who motivate and inspire you in your work and life?

There are plenty of amazing and inspiring role models in my field, but I tend to find the most inspiration and motivation from my clients, seeing them succeed and build confidence keeps me inspired and in love with my career. I relate to so many of their stories, and at the same time I’m constantly learning so much from them.

Question 03

You are a strong believer in having nourishing food prepared as a fundamental key to a successful diet. What are some of your go-to meals to prepare ahead of the week?

I often mix them up so things don’t get too repetitive as I love variety, but some staples in my meal prep are pumpkin - this is my favourite go-to! For meal prep a chilli con carne is a great and simple staple, burrito bowls, baked chicken with spud lite potatoes and veggies & a sauce, overnight oats which is a great way to prep breakfast for the morning - grab and go and you can add vitamins in there like Queen Garnet's plum powder mixed with blueberries & protein powder.

Question 04

As a personal trainer, you are always exploring new ways to keep fit including most recently studying clinical pilates. What interested you in pilates and why is it an important practice?

My first trainer Glenn introduced me to pilates, I had a very sore lower back from scoliosis when I went to see him, at the time it really helped me manage my symptoms and encourage lengthening of my spine. I later found out I have arthritis in my thoracic spine and 2 bulged disks in my lumbar spine, so pilates really helps to lower the amount of flare ups I have as my back remains strong and more mobile. It’s such a great form of movement, I love using it with my clients and am excited to complete my clinical pilates so I can create programs for those with injuries.

Question 05

You're well known for taking a gentler approach to personal training, making self care a priority and helping your clients listen to their body. What are some ways you incorporate mindfulness to overcome the mental blocks while working out?

I’m a big believer in listening to your body. Sometimes we need a slower approach to a session, this might mean doing some pilates, or a feel good workout. It’s far better to move your body with ease than to push through a workout and create more stress and pressure on yourself. You’ll create a really unhealthy relationship with exercise and you’re more likely to resent exercise if you have the approach of a push mentality. It's important to love what you do, and if fitness becomes a chore it’s a good idea to change up the style of exercise you’re doing.

I’m a big believer in listening to your body.

Question 06

Achieving balance among all of life's events is an ongoing process. What are some daily routines that help you slow down and stay grounded?

I love to start my day off early in the morning with my boyfriend having a cup of coffee, this gives us a chance to connect before the rush of the day begins. If I notice I’m feeling overwhelmed or stressed I take my dogs and go for a gentle walk, while connecting with nature all around me and being present in the moment. I bring awareness to how my body feels, and let go of the distracting thoughts as best as I can to appreciate the moment I’m in.

Meditation is also another practice I like to do when I’m not feeling grounded, my practice tends to be a gentle breath meditation where I focus on making my breath as gentle and loving as possible.