What is something you have changed your mind about in the past 2 years?
A lot. As a twenty-something year old I feel like my perspective on the world is changing yearly, maybe monthly, sometimes weekly…
Right now, relating to health, the biggest thing that I’ve changed my mind about is that it can be healthy to track your calories and macronutrients. I used to be a very restrictive eater (under-eating consistently) and found that tracking would lead me down a dark and stormy path in terms of disordered eating.
But as I educated myself on nutrition for health in daily life and for performance, I realized I actually needed to track to ensure I was getting enough of everything to take care of myself. I am sick a lot less frequently, my body composition is improving and my energy levels are much higher during the day now that I track. I have repaired my relationship with food and I am overall much healthier!
Who has been the biggest influence on you as a Health and Performance Coach?
“I am the sum of my experiences” – It is hard to choose just one person, but here are a few key people:
Laura Hancharuk – For educating and empowering me at GPRC on how to be an effective leader in health and wellness.
Alex Hague + Matt Yarowski – Lab Instructor and Lecturers from UofA. We examined resistance training techniques, lifting mechanics, program design, plyometrics, olympic weightlifting and more.
Dr. Amber Mosewich – University Professor. She taught me sport performance psychology, and the basics of reading and conducting research. Question validity always – Why was the study undertaken? Who conducted the study + what are their philosophical worldviews? Who funded the research? How was the data collected?
Who has been the biggest influence on you as a person?
Aside from my family, partner and friends I’d have to say the strong women at Vo2Max – specifically Janine Shillington! When I walked in for the first time as a 17 year old, I was in awe of the strength I didn’t know women could have. Janine is influential to me because she is a top tier instructor/coach, business woman, athlete, mom, wife, etc. She is a great role model for many girls/women out there to limit your excuses and go after what you want.
What are your top 5 book recommendations?
- Williams, J. M. & Krane, V. (2021). Applied sport psychology: Personal growth to peak performance(8th ed.). McGraw Hill.
- Kiyosaki, R. T. (2017). Rich dad poor dad (2nd ed.). Plata Publishing.
- Williams, M. Penman, D, Kabat-Zinn, J. (2012) Mindfulness: An Eight-week plan for finding peace in a frantic world.
- Mayan, M. J. (2009). Essentials of qualitative inquiry.
- Coelho, P. (1995). The Alchemist. Thorsons.
Current Training Goals for Yourself?
Get better at CrossFit so I can RX a smaller scale competition.
I specifically want to work on:
Olympic lifting technique + strength (Snatch and C&J)
Gymnastics including handstand walking and getting my first muscle up
What made you choose this career path?
Following my interests and passions through! I have always enjoyed being active and I value health and wellness above all. I enjoy being in an industry where there are endless opportunities to continue furthering my education, skills and experience.
Things you personally value in a coach
Critical thinking skills
Passion / Drive to continually seek improvement and/or expansion of knowledge and skills
Personable