The gym was the first place I felt like I really belonged. There was really no easing into the new routine for me. I went for the first time, and within a week or so, I was hooked. I started going to the gym after leaving an abusive and toxic relationship, and the gym was the first thing I learned to do for myself after that relationship. To me, it was a symbol of building myself up, or creating independence, a strength that was untouchable to anyone else. It was pivotal in recovering from that relationship, and I thought about how many people could get the same benefits as I, but were too scared, or didn’t know where to start, and so I decided to start coaching. My focus has always been on the mental side of fitness, and in no time at all, I had created a niche that was specific to women who were looking for a safe space to be themselves, not be judged, and move through their fitness journey at their own pace. Many of our clients come to us struggling with their relationship with food, body image, and confidence, and through coaching, which is partially fitness and nutrition protocols, partially mindset work, they work to build themselves up as well. I am extremely passionate about working with this niche, which is why in 2023 I decided to pursue a Master’s in Counselling Psychology, so that I can integrate therapy directly into my coaching program.
Age:
26
City/country:
Toronto, Ontario
Occupation?
Coach/Counselling Psychology Student
What’s the most challenging situation you’ve faced as a personal trainer, and how did you overcome it?
I think that dealing with self-doubt has been the hardest. I moved from Newfoundland to Toronto in 2023 to continue to build my business and pursue my bodybuilding career, and that transition was hard. There were many months in that time period that I’ve wanted to throw in the towel, to get a backup job, to seek employment with more financial security. Everyone sees the flexibility of being self-employed, but they don’t understand the stress of not knowing if you’re going to be able to pay your bills next month. I doubted my longevity in my career, if the industry would die down, and I would be left with nothing, but I chose to believe the difference I’m making is bigger than that. The longer I coach, the more confident I am that this is exactly the career I should be in, and that as long as I continue to show up for my people, they’ll continue to show up for me.
How would you describe your training philosophy?
Refreshing. In an industry of coaches trying to get you to do things their way, I want my clients to show me what their way looks like. Something I learned in counselling school was that client success comes from collaboration. Giving your clients an exact plan of how to get from point A to point B doesn’t really matter if they have no say. Their plan has to be based on their choices, because that’s the difference between following a program and changing your life.
Training Plan:
I train 5x per week, with 3 lower body days and 2 upper body days
Nutritional Plan:
This depends on whether I’m in off-season or competition prep. I always focus on whole foods, lots of fruits and veggies, and getting my fibre in. I have a meal plan that I have year-round, but in my off-season, I’m lenient with making swaps/additions as I want to!
Supplement Plan:
Health supplements like Omega-3, vitamin D, and Magnesium, nothing crazy! And I also often use pre-workouts, protein powders, and sometimes hydration products and a sleep supplement.
Do you prefer to take and recommend all natural (no sugar, no artificial colors/flavors/sweeteners) supplements or supplements with artificial flavors and sweeteners? And Why?
No, I’m not too picky about this! Artificial flavours and sweeteners don’t usually bother my digestion, so I don’t stress it too much!
If you could ask Status Fitness Magazine Editor in Chief Rodney Jang any industry question, what would that be?
What do you think makes a coach stand out in such a saturated industry?
Could you describe a “typical” day in your life? How do you balance your own fitness, work, and personal life?
I always start my day with a morning walk, then I’ll have my first meal and head to the gym. After the gym, I’ll spend the day working at my laptop, and wind-down time is usually reading or watching a show with my partner. In competition prep, my life is much quieter, but in off off-season I’m very social. I spend lots of time with friends, going to events and dinners here in Toronto. Honestly, it’s easy to balance because I know that having a social life and seeing my people makes me the best version of myself, and being that best version of me allows me to continue to pour into my work, my clients and my future goals.
My focus has always been on the mental side of fitness, and in no time at all, I had created a niche that was specific to women who were looking for a safe space to be themselves, not be judged, and move through their fitness journey at their own pace
What’s next for you? Are there any upcoming goals, projects, or passions you’re excited to pursue within the fitness world?
I’ll be competing in my first season as an IFBB Pro this fall! Very, very excited and grateful to have the opportunity to compete in the pro league. It’s been a dream of mine since I started bodybuilding, and honestly, it still hasn’t really set in that I’ll actually be competing with the same pros I’ve been looking up to for the past 4 years. It’s such an honour!
Your favourite quotes:
We keep searching and searching, when everything we need is already within us – from my favourite book, The Four Agreements.
I actually have this tattooed on my arm.
Connect with Alisha: IG
