
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
I love helping my clients be the best version of themselves possible. As a Degreed Professional, CSEP Certified Trainer, Senior Fitness Specialist, Group Fitness Leader, ACE Health Coach, and Women Entrepreneur of the Year 2019 Nominee, I have the necessary tools to provide my clients with clear instruction, and results-driven workouts.
I’ve been in the fitness industry for over 30 years and I pride myself in creating a caring, inclusive community environment in every facility I’ve managed. My goal as owner of Blue Sky Fitness Studio is to create an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome, encouraged, and supported in their fitness journey.
I’m an Entrepreneur at heart & love all things fitness! I also enjoy my friendships, nurturing my body with healthy food, walking my dog, listening to audiobooks, traveling, biking, and spending time with my amazing husband Jayson, and our five children.
What got you started in the fitness/wellness industry?
When I was in grade 12, our guidance counsellor Lisa (who was also an aerobics instructor back in the ‘90s) taught over the lunch hour in our school gym. One of my girlfriends asked me to take a class with her and after the first class, I was hooked. The feeling it gave me both mentally and physically was like nothing I had ever experienced before! I fell in love with aerobics and wanted to become an aerobics instructor. I signed up the following year at the YMCA after taking many classes at Bodyworks studio (which no longer exists) and fulfilled my passion.
From the age of 19, I taught many classes around the city, all through my university years, while completing my bachelor of physical education at the U of M. Post degree, I was the Fitness Coordinator for Canadian National Railway (CN) for 14 years, followed by Operator of a 7,000-square-foot Urban Wellness Centre in the heart of downtown Winnipeg.
How have you seen the industry change since you started?
From the late 90s until now, the industry has changed a ton. It’s no longer about killing your body with high-impact aerobics, and ballistic movements. It has become a much more holistic and individualized client-centered approach.
At Blue Sky Fitness - your competitive advantage is that you are a boutique community-based gym - Not a big chain or company. How do you think this relates to what consumers are craving these days?
Consumers are wanting more of a community, a real sense of belonging.
This is most evident post-Covid, where people felt isolated and alone, they are now craving socialization and a sense of belonging. Clients are also wanting to be guided through their exercise program whether it’s a group fitness class or a one-on-one session. Consumers are looking to live longer, with a better quality of life, and need fitness professionals to understand how to get them to their goals injury-free.
There is an overload of information in the wellness/fitness industry, and sometimes misinformation - what are two things you wish more people knew about the industry?
Please look at the credentials of anyone you are taking advice from. It saddens me to see all of these quick fixes that are being promoted online. You don’t become out of shape or unhealthy overnight, so please understand it takes time to undo habits and be sure to give yourself grace during the process. There is no magic pill! Exercise and healthy eating is a lifestyle approach. Please do not compare yourself to others…what you see online isn’t necessarily reality.
After 'one of those days' when nothing goes right - what keeps you going?
Knowing that there are better days ahead, as I’ve been there before many many times as an entrepreneur. It’s a roller coaster, as I’m sure many can relate. There are always challenging days, but there are some amazing days as well that help make it all worthwhile.
This could be anything from getting a text from a client thanking me for helping them change a habit that wasn’t serving them, or one of my participants in class telling me that they’ve dropped their blood pressure since they joined. Honestly, over the 30-plus years, I’ve seen so many successes with the clients I’ve worked with that it’s truly rewarding, and I guess honestly, that’s what keeps me going!
Community is clearly very important to you, what led you to join the Knew House Community? How important is having a community to physical and mental wellness?
I liked what I heard at the Open House I attended, along with a recommendation from an existing member, who spoke highly of her time with Knew House!
Socializing is known to have such positive benefits to mental health. There is also a great feeling of connection, and the accountability piece of knowing others may ask you where you’ve been when they haven’t seen you in a bit is a great motivator!
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