How it all began ...

Some people like to think that in order to become a Bodybuilder one must merely work hard and be dedicated to the sport. Some feel that Bodybuilding is a skill you can acquire, can practice and master and succeed in. My belief is that a Bodybuilder is born; the sport is something already within you, part of who you are. Just as I was born with brown eyes and brown hair, I was also born with a love for this sport and what would eventually turn into a lifestyle.

My journey into this sport started when I was around 14 years old and destined to become the next Cindy Crawford….my genetics proved otherwise. After countless cardio sessions and calorie counting, I literally stumbled into the weight room and my experimenting began. I knew how to do lunges and squats, lat pull downs, and a few arm exercises. From there I was hooked and began to read anything I could get my hands on regarding my newfound love of weightlifting. Thankfully, I have very supportive parents and they strongly encouraged me. At a time when most adolescent girls are struggling to create an identity, there I was in the gym on a Friday night. Not much has changed….

My first experience onstage originated out of a dare….I did everything on my own, knew nothing and ended up taking second place in the Fitness Model Category. I was in University at the time, studying Exercise Rehabilitation and this little show was the catalyst I needed to seek further challenge. I prepared for my next show again on my own, but decided I wanted to tackle the challenge of Fitness. I ended up taking sixth place at this show and although I was very pleased with the outcome, I now had a new goal…do another show and place higher than sixth.

Life Takes a turn ...

It was on complete impulse that my life forever changed in the summer of 2003. After talking to a friend who was going to compete and had hired a trainer, I decided I had nothing to lose and called IFBB Pro Bodybuilder, Raejha Douzeich (Peak Fitness and Nutrition). Under her expertise and knowledge, I embarked on a journey that would put my dreams into realities. Since I began working with Raejha, I have accomplished more than I ever thought possible and challenged my body in ways I didn’t know existed. Not only has Raejha been my mentor and my coach, she is a huge role model, motivator and one of my closest friends. The lessons I have learned through her are invaluable and I hold this lady in the highest of regards. She truly is a wonderful person.

From 2003 to 2006 with Raejha as my coach, I competed in eight shows taking either first or second place at every show. Initially, I never thought I’d go past the Provincial level, but within my first year found myself on a National level stage competing with the top athletes in Canada. I had surpassed my highest expectations and was completely enthralled in the sport and its culture. Between my first Provincial show and my first time at Nationals, I graduated University and added another proud achievement to my list.

After Nationals in 2005, I decided to enter our Provincial Figure contest and see what happened. After competing in Fitness, this was a welcome change and I greatly enjoyed the experience. I was awarded the Overall title and received a lifetime bi to Nationals. Winning an Alberta title has been one of my proudest moments of my life so far; something that I saw as a huge accomplishment and honour. This led me to make the decision to “retire” my routine shoes and focus solely on Figure for Nationals in 2006, which were being held in my hometown of Edmonton, Alberta.

... and Yet Another Turn

Little did I know, my life was about to take a turn yet again, and another hugely influential person was about to enter my life. Being that I lived and trained in Edmonton, I had the privilege of training and becoming friends with several Professional Bodybuilders, one being Dan Fedeluk. Dan and I were usually at the gym at the same times (I was a Personal Trainer, so I almost lived there) and often talked about the sport. Having been a follower of the lifestyle for half of his life combined with an Education, made Dan a goldmine of knowledge and someone I wanted on my side. I asked Dan if he would help train me while I prepared for Nationals in 2006 and luckily, he agreed. I was now under the care and direction of the two top trainers in North America.

My prep for Nationals 2006 was one of the biggest obstacles I’ve ever faced, the one I’m proudest of overcoming. I was more than halfway through my diet, when Dan got it out of me that my head just wasn’t in the game this year, that I thought this was a mistake. With the greatest of calmness and logic, Dan simply said to me “you don’t have to do this. This is your choice”. End of conversation. I learned a lot from Dan in those months, about what it means to love this sport and what a Champion really is. Every time I caught myself grumbling about the diet, training, etc., Dan’s calming words ring in my ears. I will always be grateful to him for his support, knowledge and friendship and mostly, for believing in me. I then made the decision to focus on maximizing each day individually and put 100% back into training.

The result paid off. In July 2006, I was awarded my IFBB Pro card in Figure in my hometown. The accomplishment, to this day, is still surreal. Never in my wildest dreams did I believe that not only could I push myself to this extent physically, but mentally as well. I came from a non-athletic background and spent my childhood struggling with sports and my weight and I was now a “Professional Athlete”. Crazy.

The Future ...

I am grateful every day that this is the path I am travelling on and hope to continue to embrace each experience for what it is. I am grateful for the lessons I have learned, the tools I have gained, the strengths I have discovered, the experiences obtained and the friends I have made. Some of the greatest lessons learned and most important people in my life have come as “gifts” received through this sport and its culture.

I plan on continuing to pursue my competition goals, to see what I can do, what new levels I can conquer within myself and what new things I can learn. I love competing, being an athlete, training, the lifestyle, everything, and will probably be competing as a Master someday. However, as a wise friend once told me, “Don’t let this sport define you. It is only a part of who you are”. The most important lesson I have learned over my journey so far is to not let this sport consume you, ultimately becoming your identity. As I continue down the path of life, I keep this close to heart. I believe that we are all “Professionals” in our own lives....my definition may differ from yours but neither is more important. Regardless of competition outcomes, I plan to continue to live my life by my own definition of “professional”, start to finish.

My goal in this industry is to help others live a healthier life. If I can influence ONE PERSON to make a healthier contribution to their life, if I can help ONE PERSON discover how the mind and the body CAN work in unity to achieve, if I can help ONE PERSON live a happier life, then I’ve exceeded my goals. I want to share my knowledge and help people discover how a healthy and physically active lifestyle can positively influence every aspect of your life and lead you towards the life YOU want!