This past weekend, I went back to my home town of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. It was a good trip and an excellent opportunity for me to take a look at my past – as well as think about where I want to go. Right now is the best time of my life. However, it hasn’t always been like that. There have many trials and tribulations that have shaped my character into what it is today. The one constant through all of life’s good, bad and ugly has been fitness.

By the time I was 22, I had bought a house, was married and lived each day as though I was a comfortable senior with nothing much to be concerned about. To say that my marriage was less than perfect was a major understatement. My self esteem got trampled and my weight went up! I was miserable. I had to make the conscious decision to do something that would be good for weight loss as well as renewing my spirit. It was at that point that I became a competitive Kickboxer. (more…)

Eight weeks to go until the big show! The WBFF 2009 World Championships will be here before we know it. So, being prepared is of utmost importance. I want my Pro Figure debut to be strong…gunning for that coveted World Title.

Snapping me back into reality is a road trip I’m making this weekend. I’ll be driving back to Prince Albert, Sask. It’s a Northern Saskatchewan community of a whopping 35,000 people. I’ll be visiting my parents, my brothers and their families. And, if time permits – maybe even a few friends. As well – my parents and brothers all have cabins at a couple of lakes that are within an hour’s drive of the city. In the middle of all of the commotion, I still have to fit in my cardio sessions, weight training and 5 specifically measured out meals. (more…)

One foot after the other. That’s how it all starts. A simple plan can gear you up for so much more than you expected. That’s why Mother Nature’s playground is a fun alternative when it comes to your own fitness goals. You don’t always have to pound it out in a gym to be successful.

A bonus of maintaining your fitness level outside is that it gives you an appreciation of the environment and your connection to it. Out of site, out of mind is an often quoted adage that this applies to. If you don’t get out there – how are you going to know that you’re missing out on beautiful surroundings? Just think of running along the beach, hiking in the mountains, swimming in the ocean – these are prime examples of how you can be one with nature. And, at the same time reap the benefits of physical activity.

As well, getting a group of your friends together for a Bootcamp style workout is an amazing way of ensuring maximum intensity in an environment that you’re comfortable with. With an experienced leader – you’ll be able to condition your lower body to get the efficient results you deserve. Other common trouble spots for females can easily be targeted to be sculpted into toned masterpieces. All this can be accomplished just by taking your exercise outside of the confines of a traditional gym. (more…)

Wow! What a weekend the WBFF Alberta Championships were. Medals were presented. The stage lights have dimmed. And now it’s time to focus on the next show – the WBFF World Championships!

Where to start with the Thank Yous without sounding like a cheesy acceptance speech at an awards show? Let’s begin at the beginning! The WBFF – it all came to fruition because of the great organization that is The World Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation. They treat the Athletes with the same type of respect as one would treat their own family and friends.

WBFF Pro Fitness Model Annette Milbers was the driving force of this massive event. If it wasn’t for her outstanding work ethic and determination – we wouldn’t have had the production, the awesome volunteers and every other detail that made the Alberta Championships such a success. Along side her, the greatest Fitness Photographer in the industry – David Ford. He also played an integral role in the show’s grand achievements. (more…)

What happens behind the scenes of the competition world? What do we go through before and after the show? There are things that happen to competitors that aren’t often spoke of. Maybe it’s taboo or maybe we don’t think the general public will truly understand what we are going through.

You can go to informational seminars and workshops. Quite often you’re told how to pick out the best suit for your physique, how to apply competition tan or various other show prep tips. That’s only scratching the surface. No one really tells you how much money, time and effort you need to invest. Lots of times, no one will mention what the affects of dieting does to your social life. How about what an extremely low body fat percentage will do to de-regulate a female’s hormonal cycle? These concerns can reek havoc on your psyche. And, if only someone had told you that it’s normal for you to be experiencing it, it may have helped. (more…)

Well, we’re almost there! The WBFF Alberta Championships are now in the final phase of completion. It’s less than 2 weeks until the greatest physique athletes from across the country come to Calgary and strut their stuff.

I have everything in place. Lists are made, tasks are checked off and I’m already packed to hit the stage. These final days leading up to Show Day can bring on a variety of emotions and experiences. As my body changes, it also brings with it hormonal fluctuations which sometimes skew my perception of reality….ah, the joys of dieting! In addition to that, as a Personal Trainer, I’m prepping my own athletes for the Alberta Show. They are excited to get out there and show off what they’ve been training so hard to accomplish. I’m very proud of them all! Each one of them will bring some different, beautiful and marketable – forces to be reckoned with. (more…)

There are two words that are extremely powerful…..Thank You. Those simple syllables can mean so much just by verbalizing their sound. It shows a genuine appreciation of a specific action.

It’s so important to acknowledge those in life that have helped shape you, had an impact and been able to assist in your successes. For me, there are a great many people on my Team that are allowing me to have so much fun preparing for this competitive season. (more…)

It was quite the week. For me, it seemed like there was lots going on and not much all at the same time. My work as a Personal Trainer was busy – my clients all seemed to be in a bit of a funk. I think it could have had something to do with the full moon….everyone was off.

I also went through some good changes with my physique. My bodyfat dropped over 2.5% – it’s now sitting at 9.4% – 4 weeks out from the Alberta Championships in Calgary. That makes both myself and my Trainer – Obi Obadike – very happy. My sleeping was completely scattered this week and Thursday there was a major shift – my energy levels dropped. Although, this all sounds kind of bad – it really isn’t. It’s a good thing! It means my body is getting ready to kick some major butt on stage!!! Also on Thursday, I landed sponsorship with Pioneer West Acceptance Corporation. Mortgage Broker Daren Broers is a client of mine that believes in the success of what I’ve accomplished with him as well as my plans to conquer the WBFF world – so grateful for his help! (more…)

What is a role model? That question can trigger many thoughts to many people. For me, a role model is someone who sets a positive example simply by living their life in a healthy, balanced manner. They neither try to put themself on a podium nor blow their own horn – a role model just is their true self at any given moment.

There are many wonderful people in my life that have had a great impact on my sense of character. My fiancé James is one of those who continues to amaze me each and every day. Not only is he my best friend, he’s a Gunnery Sergeant in the United States Marines. Throughout his 20+ years of military service, he’s done 4 deployments in Iraq, guarded top government officials as well as made huge sacrifices so that his country could relish in its freedoms that it takes for granted on a daily basis. In regards to me, this big brute of a man shows his softer side to ensure that I’m happy, safe, comfortable and loved. How could I not see him as a role model?

My parents also have been consistent positive influences throughout my life. Never have I had to question their love and intentions for me. The other day, I called my Dad to see how he was doing. He answered the phone slightly out of breath. I asked him what he was up to. He told me that he was riding his bike home from the High School track where he had been jogging/walking laps. Are you crazy, was everything okay??? Of course! To put that statement in perspective – my father is 70 years old and in January had triple bypass surgery. Not one to sit still or feel sorry for himself, he was back at it – enjoying what his health is allowing him to pursue. (more…)

Calgary, Alberta is a treasure trove for Bodybuilders and Fitness Competitors. I love this city!

This past weekend, I attended a WBFF Seminar hosted by Pro Fitness Model Annette Milbers-Fleck and one of the best Fitness Photographers out there – David Ford. It’s quite an amazing experience to be surrounded by such genuinely helpful people. The cool thing is that not only do I hold David and Annette in high esteem on a professional level – they’re also friends of mine.

There’s a strong network between the competitors here in Calgary – a true sense of community. Of course, we all want to succeed as individuals. However, we also want our peers to have the best possible journey they can. This is my normal. I’ve only ever lived in Calgary while competing. I’m told though, this helpful attitude is not the case in other parts of the country. How could you not want to see your own client, friend or fellow competitor get to where they want to go? If they look good, YOU look good, too! (more…)

As a competitive Figure Athlete and Personal Trainer, my days look like this: wake up, go to the gym, cardio, home, eat, shower, go to work (the gym), eat, train clients, eat, train myself, shower again, eat, go home, prepare food for the next day, eat, shower (I’m all about hygiene), paper work for my Personal Training business, sleep – rinse and repeat this cycle!

This extremely full day doesn’t allow time for much else – which means it could be easy to get stressed out if I didn’t manage my schedule accordingly. But, I don’t let it get to me. I actually thrive on the momentum. If I do worry about anything, I try to only think about those things I can control. Any aspect of my life that’s not, I don’t let it get into my headspace. Why would I? (more…)

As a Personal Trainer, building your client base is one those aspects in life that you get out of it as much as you put into it. The smarter you are about carefully crafting your business, the more solid the foundation is going to be. Thus, it will stand the test of time longer as well.

How do I do it? How do I gain and retain my clients? There are a variety of avenues I explore. Most of my options are very simple and have little out of pocket expense. One of the greatest ways to gain new clients is client referrals. It’s amazing how fast word of mouth travels. Happy clients will be more than willing to share their success with those who are also in need of my help. (more…)