powerhousechels

I am a fitness instructor extraordinaire, foodie, blogger (powerhousefoodie.blogspot.com), and co-owner of a strength and conditioning facility. I love training and inspiring others.

A little bit about me and how I got on this journey. When I was younger I was extremely active in ringette, dance, softball, gymnastics and competitive springboard diving. I was always moving and always working out in some capacity and could basically shove anything in my mouth without worry.

When I got to high school my participation in sports slowed way down but my eating habits did not. The summer before grade 10 I worked in a bakery/ice cream shop and the weight started coming on. I didn't really notice I was getting any bigger until one day my shorts just wouldn't go up. I stayed pretty consistent throughout the rest of high school randomly losing then gaining 5-10 pounds.

When I went to University I met Steve who completely changed the way I looked at fitness. Before I met Steve I was one of those people who thought that if I began lifting weights, especially heavy weights that I would bulk up and look like a mini female Arnold. However with some convincing and guidance Steve got me in the weight room during the second semester of first year. He was patient and kind and showed me proper technique for lifting weights. He pushed me and encouraged me to set realistic goals and kept making sure I was progressing forward and changing up my routine.

During the summer between first and second year I continued going to the gym and also cut out most of the crap food I'd been putting in my body including white bread and pasta (Kraft Dinner was my weakness) and started being more careful with my food selection, nothing crazy or restrictive, just more aware. I managed to drop about 15 pounds with no real sacrifice, just small changes to my diet.

Since then I have maintained my weight and have added lean muscle mass. I feel stronger, more confident and have the greatest respect for fitness and nutrition and how it can help you both physically and psychologically. There are still improvements to be made and I'm continuing to work at those through both my fitness and diet plan.

Steve and I now own our own facility and absolutely love the impact we have on other people's lives on a daily basis.