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ALISHA MYLES

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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

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Trainers Profiles

LAURA JACKSON

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I became fascinated with the bodybuilding world about 15 years ago when I lost weight and entered my first figure competition. The physical transformation I experienced was life-changing. It made me realize that anything is possible when there is a strong enough desire. The biggest challenge I’ve had to overcome has been my mindset. I have learned never to change the goal, but to be flexible with the process. In other words, never give up!  Staying in the present moment, having fun along the way, being coachable, and not being afraid to fail are what keep me going in this sport. I love being challenged, finding my edge and staying fit in my 40s.

Age:
47

City/Country:
Toronto, Canada

Occupation?
Personal Trainer 

What is your training philosophy or approach when working with clients?
I don’t believe in an all-or-nothing approach when it comes to fitness.

Since the majority of my clients are working professionals with limited time for themselves, I do my best to focus on what will improve their quality of life while empowering them to feel good in their own skin. I also don’t believe in scales as the only measure of progress. I look at what my clients can do today that perhaps they couldn’t do before. I know I’ve done my job when they keep coming back. I want my clients to know that it’s never too late to get in amazing shape.

Training Plan:
Glutes/Legs (3 x per week), Back, Shoulders, Abs (1 x per week), Cardio/Circuit (5-7x per week)

Nutritional Plan:
Depending on the season, I typically follow a low/moderate carb diet, eating 5 clean meals per day. In the off-season, I have a bit more flexibility where I typically follow macros instead of a structured meal plan.

Supplement Plan:
BCAA’s, Pre-Workout (Creatine), Energy Shots, Electrolytes, Protein Powder, Multi-Vitamins, Fish Oil, ZMA, Probiotics. I use Isagenix products.

I especially love the meal replacement shakes post-workout and the Cleanse For Life when I need a detox or a reset. The nutritionally supporting fasting days help me to maintain a healthy weight year-round when I want to indulge a little more often.

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?
I typically stay away from sugar and/or artificial ingredients as much as possible. But I also believe we can have everything in moderation. I used to have a sugar addiction before I started competing. I believe sugar was preventing me from seeing results in the gym. However, I still do love a good vanilla cupcake on occasion! I just can’t keep certain foods in the house when I’m prepping for a competition.

I also love Smart Sweets and Grenade Low Carb Bars as clean treat options in my off-season. With that said, I believe it’s all about balance and replacing unhealthy, high-calorie treats with options that satisfy without sabotaging my efforts in the gym. My favourite bedtime snack is plain, non-fat Greek yogurt mixed with vanilla protein powder. It satisfies me!

If you could ask Status Fitness Magazine Editor-in-Chief Rodney Jang any industry question, what would that be?
When I first got into fitness competitions in 2011, I was fascinated by the women I would see on the cover of fitness magazines. Their physiques and dedication inspired me. When choosing models for Status Fitness Magazine, what do you look for? Also, as a former journalist, I would love to get back to writing. Do you provide editorial opportunities for personal trainers/fitness professionals? I’d love to write about fitness after 40 and how women aren’t destined to be overweight once they enter mid-life. Times have changed and we are seeing that being fit and healthy is the new status symbol after 40. I want to show other women that they too can continue to get better as they age and that there is no limit to what they can accomplish.

What are your long-term career goals as a fitness trainer, and how do you plan to continue growing in this field?
This interview comes at an interesting time in my career. What many people may not realize is that my husband and I are both weight loss experts! He is a bariatric surgeon at a busy hospital in Toronto.

We’ve always wanted to collaborate, and finally, we have an opportunity to do so. BariFit is a new app/fitness program we are developing with two other business partners. We recognized that there was a need to provide exercise guidance and support to those who have either had weight loss surgery, are considering it in the future or simply struggle to meet their health and fitness goals. We know how difficult it can be to get started. Therefore, we want to remove that barrier and make fitness accessible to everyone. We are currently just months away from launching this exciting new program.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
I’ve learned the importance of enjoying the journey when it comes to health and fitness. When I first started competing, I was laser-focused on the outcome. If I didn’t win or place, I would feel disappointed in myself. But I eventually learned that my only competition is the person I see in the mirror. When you focus on doing your best and staying committed to your goals, you are already winning. The lessons I’ve learned from competing go far beyond the stage and the physical transformation. The rigid diet and intense workouts have helped me to develop resilience, self-discipline, grit, dedication, delayed gratification and mental toughness. I believe these are skills that transfer over into other areas of life. When you accomplish what you set out to do and feel good about yourself, you get a confidence boost. The more we get uncomfortable, the more we grow as humans. Even though I’ve done over 30 fitness competitions, I still get stage fright. I find it very uncomfortable, but this is a good thing! The more I practice, the better I get. Looking back, I’ve come a very long way since I started. Anyone who is successful at anything puts in the time and effort. You just don’t see the behind-the-scenes. This is the same in bodybuilding.

What does success look like for you?
For me, success means waking up in the morning and feeling grateful for what I already have, while getting excited about what’s to come in the future. Life is all about lessons and growth. There is no such thing as failure unless you give up. It’s all about commitment and priorities. We all have the same number of hours in the day. It’s what we choose to focus on that makes the difference.

Connect with Laura: IG
Photos By: Paul Buceta

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Profiles

AVA VOTTA

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I am 100% Italian, and if you’ve ever heard the stereotypes of Italian parents and grandparents “wanting to feed everybody,” the stereotype is true! I was overweight as a kid. In fact, I was 200 lbs at age 12. By the time I graduated high school, I was no longer overweight; however, I lost the weight with a combination of running and every fad diet out there. Eventually, I discovered weight training and kickboxing, which is really where my story started to unfold.

In 2021, my mother passed away. I was 29 years old at the time. It absolutely destroyed me emotionally. I was in so much pain that I found myself in the gym 7 days a week. For the first time in my life, I was at the gym not caring about what I looked like, not caring about other people, and not caring about waking up to get there. I was in the gym because I was grieving. It took my pain away. The gym was the one place where I could put my headphones in, focus on myself, not cry, and experience healthy physical pain. In summary,  I think the physical challenge of weight training helped to combat the mental challenge I was facing. About a month after my mom passed away, Abby Travelina, the owner of CKO South Philly, found out that I had recently moved back into the area (I moved in with my dad due to the circumstances), and she asked if I would teach Kickboxing at her Philly location. I knew Abby well because I worked at her West Chester location the previous year. While I was working at CKO, I went on stage for the first time at the Fitness Atlantic show in Connecticut. It was honestly the best experience I’ve ever had. CKO was my sponsor, and almost everyone who worked at the gym attended or participated in the event. It’s almost like this new fitness career found me and changed my life for the better. No joy comes without pain.

City/Country:
I moved to Statesville, NC (USA) this past year. I lived in New Jersey prior to that. I’m pretty much a city girl living in the country now! It’s a big change, but I’m growing to like it.

Occupation?
I wear many hats, but my primary occupation is a personal trainer. I have my Master’s Degree in Behaviour Analysis, and I also teach Kickboxing in South Philly as a pop-up trainer. I run the social media for CKO South Philly, too!

Photo By: CKO South Philly

What’s the most challenging situation you’ve faced as a personal trainer, and how did you overcome it?
Let me start by saying I am a Momma! I have a 1 ½-year-old son whom I love more than anything. The most challenging situation I’ve faced as a personal trainer was being pregnant. We found out I was pregnant about 6 months after the show. I pretty much went from being in the best shape of my life to the “new” worst shape of my life. It was hard to even walk at one point because of the extra weight, and my workouts followed suit. The body dysmorphia didn’t help either. I am still overcoming pregnancy because my body will always be at least 5% different in some way or another after creating a human. I’d say the way to overcome pregnancy, or anything else that may interrupt your life, is by getting back to consistency. Regardless of how much time in between you feel stagnant, and no matter what obstacles you have to navigate in the process, get back to consistency. I think lessons come from any sort of hardship. Pregnancy reminded me how hard it was to do simple things while carrying extra weight. It humbled me, and it allowed me to connect with clients on a different, more personal level. I overcame the extra weight and lost strength from pregnancy by getting back into the gym, eating healthy, and staying consistent most days.

How would you describe your training philosophy?
My philosophy as a trainer is that I just want to help people. I want to help people be happy. I want them to become happy with themselves, with their life, with their personal goals, just everything. I am good at this career because of what drives me to do it.

Training Plan:
I work at least 5-6 days a week with a combination of strength training, and I create my clients’ plans based on what they can do and how many days a week they can work out. There really isn’t a cookie-cutter training plan because everyone is different.

Nutritional Plan:
I eat a macronutrient-based diet, but I also abide by the 80/20 rule: 80% of the time I am on point and 20% of the time I treat myself. This plan can be individualized by day, week, month, and events (e.g. wedding). I give clients nutritional guidance based on their goals (e.g. do they want to gain or lose weight). I love to cook as well, so I am constantly trying out new healthy recipes! Many of them can be found on my Instagram.

Supplement Plan:
I take omegas, glutamine, a probiotic, aminos/BCAA, and sometimes creatine. I do drink/ eat protein powders from time to time, but I try to stick with real food for protein/ nutrients.

Do you prefer to take and recommend all-natural (no sugar, no artificial colours/flavours/sweeteners) supplements or supplements with artificial flavours and sweeteners? And Why?
Recently, I’ve been changing my palette to the all-natural option for supplements. When I became a mom, I started reading the ingredients rather than just the nutrition facts. There are a lot of ingredients in the artificial stuff that I would never give my son, therefore why should I eat it? However, I used to only go for the best-tasting supplements, so I can’t say it is not difficult at times when it feels like sacrificing taste. I think cleaner is always better, but if you’re a person who is new to supplements, then I would say go with the option you are most comfortable with after you do some research on both.

Photo By: CKO South Philly

If you could ask Status Fitness Magazine Editor-in-Chief Rodney Jang any industry question, what would that be?
I’d love to know what Rodney Jang’s favourite quote is. I would also ask him if I can talk with him personally on his Podcast and thank him for this interview opportunity.

What are your long-term career goals as a fitness trainer, and how do you plan to continue growing in this field?
My long-term goal as a fitness trainer is to change as many lives as possible. I want to grow remotely, meet more people, do another show, and learn more about the other (less familiar) areas of the fitness world. I will keep growing by staying open to trying new things. For example, recently I’ve been trying out powerlifting. which is much different than bodybuilding – but who says you can’t do both? Networking with other professionals is the best way to grow in your field.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to stay present because it’s all temporary and can be gone in the blink of an eye.

What does success look like for you?
Success to me is more than the form of money. Success is being able to live comfortably, live happily, and feel proud of how far you’ve come. I think money can make people happier if it’s used properly. Material happiness can sometimes act as a quick fix. Internal happiness is true success.

Your favourite quotes?
Stay purpose-driven, not feelings-driven.
This is my favourite quote because people often ask, “How do you stay so motivated?” and my answer is always the same – I’m not always motivated.

Connect with Ava: IG 

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Profiles

CHELSEA CROSS

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I love being able to help others achieve greatness in their life and, having my own personal health struggles when I was a teenager, I have always felt this calling to teach people how to be strong and see them fall in love with finding their own internal and physical strength. I had to figure a lot out on my own and in many ways, if I had some guidance perhaps I could have achieved things in a much better and healthier way. In that sense, I wanted to be that for other people. I also just love seeing others win in general and there is really no other place I can see people really find themselves and their power than in the gym.

Age:
33

City/Country:
Guelph, Ontario, Canada

Occupation?
Registered Dietitian and Online Fitness/Nutrition Coach

What’s the most challenging situation you’ve faced as a personal trainer, and how did you overcome it?
I would say the toughest thing I have faced is more a challenge to myself, which can then help me be a better coach for my clients, and that was actually committing to finally just taking enough time building and breaking the self-limiting beliefs I had about myself that I “couldn’t get there”. Hiring my coach to hold me accountable for not backing down when moments got tough has been a game changer for me and I can’t thank him enough for helping me to see my potential, helping me break through roadblocks I put in place for myself and I have gotten to actually truly look my own fears in the face and work through them. This then can help me be a better coach to my clients because we can’t expect our clients to work through tough things and lead them if we haven’t ever tested ourselves.

When Chelsea first contacted me for coaching, it was with the goal of improving her biofeedback and helping her build muscle. Chelsea had been training for years prior to us working together but had yet to develop the type of physique she had desired. As someone who suffers from Crohn’s disease, digestion and being able to eat enough to fuel the process of muscle growth has always been a struggle for her. Although having IBD is a unique challenge Chelsea encountered, many other women can relate to the fact that they’ve always desired a lean muscular physique yet have not been able to achieve that look. Often this is due to the fact that many women haven’t dedicated a prolonged period of time to fueling themselves adequately and pushing their training performances to the next level to build the physique they desire. Over the past year, Chelsea has embraced a mindset of abundance and has properly fueled herself on a daily basis while pushing herself in each of her training sessions as a result she has put on a significant amount of lean mass, especially in her glutes, quads, hams and deltoids. As a result of combining a strategic approach to nutrition with a progressive resistance training program, Chelsea is now the most muscular version of herself and has built a ton of mental resilience and fortitude in the process which has had downstream benefits on all aspects of her life including her quality of life, self-confidence and belief in herself. I’m incredibly proud of Chelsea’s progress and appreciate Status Fitness Magazine for supporting my coaching endeavours and client wins! ~ Coach Brandon DaCruz

How would you describe your training philosophy?
Movement is life and provides you with your freedom and independence. As with any part of coaching, nutrition or training, I meet clients where they are first and foremost. With that in mind, I am always very upfront with clients that I want to work them into a form of resistance training and will move in that direction because of the numerous health and physique benefits of it. I teach them how to train and build their confidence in themselves and then I will work to push their intensity for us to really work to build muscle and shape their body. I believe that weight should be a part of everyone’s lifestyle in some capacity if we want to live the best life possible.

Why did you choose Brandon? What have you learned from working with him?
So many reasons and teachings. Why I chose him because of his knowledge and approach to coaching, I had listened to his podcast for a while before reaching out, but I truly appreciated his expertise, professionalism and just overall how he spoke about and with his clients. He has a wonderful balance of pushing someone to ensure they push to their potential (especially when they don’t believe in themselves in that department) while also being an empathetic and supportive coach so that clients feel heard, seen and just capable.

Starting my journey with him I knew that the second I pulled the trigger to start, I was on a path of massively challenging my fears and pushing my own comfort zone because that is what I wanted to gain from Brandon. I have learned SO much on this journey but the biggest thing I have taken away is that I can work through discomfort much more than I gave myself credit for. A huge reason I never achieved the muscle I wanted was because I could never get myself past this immense discomfort and fear of seeing my body change + self-limiting beliefs that due to having Crohn’s I couldn’t eat what I needed to.

Training Plan:
5 days a week, legs 3x (building my lower body is the main goal) and 2x upper body (delts is the bias)

Nutritional Plan:
Macros – I have my highest macros on leg days, medium days on upper (only a bit lower than legs) and rest day macros

Supplement Plan:
Basic health stack (Vitamin D, selenium, B complex, magnesium and zinc). I also take digestive enzymes and ACV with each meal and for help with stress support, I take ashwagandha and l-theanine around training and at night. Finally, since my last Crohns flare, I have been doing IV glutathione and now take sublingual glutathione daily fast.

Do you prefer to take and recommend all-natural (no sugar, no artificial colours/flavours/sweeteners) supplements or supplements with artificial flavours and sweeteners? And Why?
Yes, for myself I don’t use things with artificial sweeteners because they just don’t sit well with my digestion. I have a very sensitive gut so I take care to choose ones that are more natural to not bother my stomach. For clients and those I’m recommending supplements with, I don’t demonize or want people to fear artificials or sugars in moderation, but I tend to focus on those that are sweetened with stevia for example.

What are your long-term career goals as a fitness trainer, and how do you plan to continue growing in this field?

  • Continue to learn so I can be the best coach I can be for my clients and get them the best results. My clients are what fulfills my soul and I look forward to growing for them. I invest in various mentors to keep my ‘nerd side’ happy and working always.
  • I have always wanted to do more speaking events, interviews, podcasts, etc and I do think that comes down to 1 knowing your craft well and having something to offer and also 2 networking so the first one is through my first goal above and continuing to meet people through my current network can help to build my ability to come into new opportunities

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
Patience and effort can pay off when you do jump right in. Nothing will come easy, and that is the point. Great things shouldn’t be easy because easy means you didn’t grow. I have finally seen growth in myself more than ever because I have been confronted with a lot of discomfort that I have to work through. When you truly believe you CAN get there, you will get there, with effort and patience.

What does success look like for you?
Success is being a great human first and foremost, which means I have clients who feel very supported, safe and secure under my wing. Success looks like being someone people know can help them achieve their goals. Someone who people wouldn’t think second about referring those they care about to if they wanted help because they know I can help them get where they want to be. Lastly, and more personally, success looks like being proud of the person I am and what I provide to others and being proud of the physique I have worked for.

What are your favourite quotes?

  • You get what you put in
  • You get back the energy you give out into the world
  • Though she is little she is mighty

Connect with Chelsea: IG

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Profiles

PATTY WILSON

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My fitness journey started in a very real place of confronting my own unhealthy patterns of body dysmorphia, binging and purging, and just hating my body. I was stuck in cycles that were holding my body and confidence back, and I made a decision to change. I didn’t just want a different look – I wanted to stop the crazy cycle and feel better also. What began as a personal transformation quickly became a purpose.  As I started to build strength, discipline, and see my body change and become healthier, I realized how powerful that work was – not just physically, but mentally and emotionally.  That’s what pulled me into coaching: I  know what it feels like to struggle, and now I help women achieve theirs and realize what’s is capable of and how to get back to feeling amazing!

Age:
53

City/country:
Scottsdale, AZ, United States

Occupation?
Health & Wellness Coach & Personal Trainer

What’s the most challenging situation you’ve faced as a personal trainer, and how did you overcome it?
One of the hardest parts has been the long, hard hours plus the emotional load of being your own boss. You’re not just coaching reps – you’re holding standards for people on the days they don’t want to show up, while also carrying the behind-the-scenes: programming, admin, content, and communication. If you don’t protect your energy, this career will burn you out fast. I overcame it by building structure like a real business – clear office hours and communication boundaries, tighter scheduling, and systems that keep me consistent without being “always on”. That’s what allows me to show up at a high level for my clients and still sustain excellence long-term.

How would you describe your training philosophy?
My philosophy is simple: train for health, youthfulness and build a body that’s your friend.  Always prioritize strength, consistency, and recovery – because that’s what creates real transformation. Build strong muscle, a steady metabolism, and long-term confidence through personalized programming, smart nutrition structure, and accountability.

Training Plan:
My training plan is focused on maintaining strength, lean muscle and increasing bone density. I focus on full-body workouts 3 times a week, and the other days are conditioning days and flexibility/stretching days.

Nutritional Plan:
I focus more on high-protein and whole-foods, and I prioritize quality ingredients, and aim to eat mostly organic and grass-fed foods. When I do eat protein bars and/or use protein supplements, I look for brands that do not have a lot of junk in them.

Supplement Plan:
Multivitamins, creatine, collagen, and a vitamin stack. I have recently started using peptides.

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? 
I recommend all-natural supplements because cleaner supplements reduce unnecessary chemicals and additives that can disrupt digestion, hormones, cravings, and inflammation, especially for women who are already dealing with stress, fatigue, or weight-loss resistance.  I want what I use and recommend to support the body.

Could you describe a “typical” day in your life?
How do you balance your own fitness, work, and personal life? I get up at 5:00 a.m. no matter what, and that’s what keeps me balanced and grounded for the day ahead.  I then head to my studio and do my stretching, the vibration plate, and foam rolling.

After that, I’m with clients throughout the day, fully focused on their sessions and results. In between clients, I use breaks to return messages, follow up, and check emails.  Once I’m done training for the day, I update client files and build their programs so the next workouts are planned.

What’s next for you?
I have some digital programs I am currently working on and partnering with some people to tap into other markets out there for longevity and anti- aging!!

Your favorite quotes? 
I have many, but these are what I can think of at the moment

“Step into your power”.
“Your results are a reflection of what you tolerate”.
“It’s not luck, it’s consistency”.
“Do it now”.
“Today is Day 1”

Connect with Patty: IG | FB

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STACEY HOGBIN

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I was really drawn to fitness when I realized that a workout has the ability to change far more than a body. It can show a woman her resilience, her strength and her ability to do hard things. From a young age, I knew I wanted to own my own fitness company that would help women find the best versions of themselves through fitness. And I feel so lucky to be doing exactly that.

Age:
39

City/country:
Beaumont  AB, Canada

Occupation?
Online personal trainer/coach. Founder of fitstacey.

What’s the most challenging situation you’ve faced as a personal trainer, and how did you overcome it?
One of the hardest things I face as a trainer is helping women believe that investing in themselves is not selfish. Many women are conditioned to put themselves last and hold onto habits that no longer serve them. I do my best to overcome this by meeting them where they are and building that trust.

How would you describe your training philosophy?
I would say my training philosophy is rooted in strength, consistency, and self-respect. I believe that workouts should support a woman’s life and not overwhelm it. When programming, I make sure it fits their current season of life; that is really the first step to ensuring success.

Photo By: arch&OAK

Training Plan:
Strength training 3-4x/week, progressive overload, mobility and walking daily. Fun fact – I hate running!

Nutritional Plan:
My diet is structured to support my energy, hormones and lean muscle mass. High protein, balanced carbs and fats, lots of whole foods. I do not believe in restriction when it comes to food. I believe in teaching women how to eat intuitively in order for them to feel their best.

Supplement Plan:
Protein powder, creatine, collagen, vitamin D

Do you prefer to take and recommend all-natural (no sugar, no artificial colours/flavours/sweeteners) supplements or supplements with artificial flavours and sweeteners? And Why?
I prefer natural most of the time. My body always feels best and functions best with natural.

If you could ask Status Fitness Magazine Editor in Chief Rodney Jang any industry question, what would that be?
Where do you see the fitness industry heading in the next 5 years when it comes to women’s health, strength and longevity?

Photo By: arch&OAK

Could you describe a “typical” day in your life? How do you balance your own fitness, work, and personal life?
As a working mom of 2 young boys, my days are always busy. A typical day involves getting everyone ready for school and out the door. Once the boys are gone, it is my workout time. I make a point of not scheduling anything in my day until my workout is done. If my boys are home, they join me. They have been a part of my workouts since they were babies. And there are often times that they ask to go do a workout – proud mom moment for me!

After my workout, it is work time. This includes client check-ins, connecting with clients, programming, Zoom calls, etc. Once the boys are done with school, the second part of my day starts – sports! My boys, who are 8 and 7 years old, both play hockey, which means that my evenings and weekends are full! Balancing it all is not always easy. But the key for me is always prioritizing my time, because when mom is good, everyone is good! And that is exactly what I aim to teach my clients. And at the end of the day, consistency over perfection is the goal!

What’s next for you? Are there any upcoming goals, projects, or passions you’re excited to pursue within the fitness world?
Honestly, help as many women as I can. My mission is to change the narrative around women’s fitness. I believe that women have been taught to chase all the wrong things when it comes to their health and fitness. My goal is, and always will be, to help women find the best versions of themselves through fitness.

Your favourite quotes?

  • Empowering women one lift at a time.
  • When women feel strong, everything else gets lighter.
  • Train smarter, not harder.

Connect with Stacey: IG
Main Photo: Shari Luchko

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Trainers Profiles

YANNICK SCHULTZ

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I’ve loved fitness and weightlifting since a young age, probably started when growing up watching Arnold Schwarzenegger movies with my dad. Fitness gave me structure, discipline, and confidence, which became lessons that carried into every area of my life. Over time, I realized that movement was medicine. That realization drove me to study chiropractic and create MOTIS, a system built around movement, nutrition, and mindset that helps others reclaim control of their health.

Age:
33

City/Country:
Ottawa, Canada

Occupation:
Doctor of Chiropractic and Online Fitness Coach (Founder of MOTIS Coaching)

What’s been your most challenging situation as a trainer, and how did you overcome it?
The hardest part has been helping people unlearn the “all-or-nothing” mentality. Many clients come from a background of restriction, guilt, or burnout. I overcame this by building systems that prioritize flexibility, showing people they can still enjoy pizza, beer, and travel while getting results. The shift from perfection to consistency changes everything.

How would you describe your training philosophy?
I would say that my training philosophy is functional hypertrophy, a blend of my rehab specialty with new school bodybuilding. An emphasis on form over weight. With my clients’ training is rooted in simplicity and sustainability, I enjoy helping people train hard, eat flexibly, and perform pain-free for life. Fitness shouldn’t control your life; it should enhance it.

What are your thoughts on Status Fitness’ new facilities for advanced training and content creation?
I think it’s an incredible opportunity. The intersection of fitness and content creation has never been more important — not just for visibility, but for impact. Having access to world-class studios like Status Fitness provides professionals like me the ability to create, educate, and inspire on a global level.

Training Plan:
I follow a structured 4–5 day split built around functional bodybuilding principles. Now, as I get a bit older and my schedule gets busier, it’s more focused on aesthetic strength. I still want to look good, but longevity, joint health are important to me as well. Every session begins with a mobility sequence, followed by compound lifts and targeted accessory work.

Nutritional Plan:
Flexible dieting. I track my macros but allow room for life. Whether that’s enjoying a burger with friends or local food while travelling. The goal is sustainability, not restriction. My nutrition approach teaches balance, awareness, and ownership.

Supplement Plan:
I keep things simple and purposeful. I use whey protein, creatine monohydrate, omega-3s, and a quality multivitamin complemented by select products from my affiliate, Revolution Nutrition. Everything else comes down to consistency in training, sleep, and lifestyle.

Do you prefer natural or artificial-flavoured supplements? Why?
I lean toward natural options when possible. As a health professional, I care about what goes into my body and my clients’ bodies. Fewer additives, better digestion, and long-term health benefits matter more than flashy marketing.

If you could ask Editor-in-Chief Rodney Jang any question, what would it be?
I’d ask how he envisions the evolution of the fitness industry,  not just in terms of aesthetics, but education and longevity. We’re entering a new era where health performance and lifestyle must coexist, and publications like Status Fitness play a major role in shaping that narrative.

How excited are you about participating in Status Fitness events like model searches?
It’s an honour. Opportunities like this bring together passionate professionals who lead by example and raise the bar for the entire industry. It’s about more than exposure; it’s about connection, credibility, and continuing to inspire others.

Describe a typical day in your life. How do you balance fitness, work, and personal life?
My mornings usually start with mindfulness/meditation, movement, walking or mobility work, coffee and a pre-workout meal, then gym, followed by a full day at the clinic helping patients move pain-free. Afternoons are dedicated to coaching calls, program design, and content creation for MOTIS. Evenings are for my wife and family. Balance isn’t about perfection; it’s about being intentional with every role you play.

What’s next for you?
My focus is expanding MOTIS Coaching globally, helping more professionals build bodies that perform and lives they’re proud of. I’m also developing advanced resources on mobility and pain-free performance to help bridge the gap between rehab and fitness worldwide.

Connect with Yannick: IG

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Models

BELLA BAEZ

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I started my journey with a broken heart. In an attempt to overcome my pain and self-esteem issues, I wanted to challenge myself, so I began competing in bikini competitions. Other than knowing it would get me in the best shape of my life, I knew nothing about what I was getting myself into! To be successful, training is a full-time commitment both mentally and physically. I soon discovered it would challenge and break me even more than my past relationship. I was forced to dig even deeper levels emotionally and mentally, but I have gained a level of self-confidence and self-love I never had before. I spent an intense 15 weeks preparing for the first show in 2017. I hadn’t the faintest idea what I was really getting myself into. It was the exact challenge I needed mentally, physically and emotionally. For the first time in my life, I felt like I was doing something for myself. Through the process, I learned to love myself at a deeper level than I ever thought possible. Competing unknowingly prepared me for my career in modelling to follow. After 5 years, I have competed in four Fitness Bikini Competitions (becoming Miss Bikini Southern California Fitness 2019), shot with a multitude of photographers and have found myself moving into acting. Most importantly, reaching another goal of mine when I was fortunate enough to grace the cover of MAXIM New Zealand!

Competing has better prepared me for my life journey. It takes a lot of work, dedication, discipline, and consistency, and this all translates into succeeding in life on a daily basis. It takes a special kind of person who prepares for a competition! The mental challenges in training are much more challenging than the physical, but I overcame them. I hope to inspire others that they, too, can achieve their life goals and be rewarded in many unexpected ways through fitness training.

Age:
38

City/Country:
Los Angeles/ USA

Occupation?
Model, Actress and DJ

Photo By: Barry Freeman

Share your unique training methods
I usually start with cardio and move to weight training. I like to switch off from time to time, but my training is pretty consistent.

Training Plan:
Each day, I focus on one muscle group and never deviate. Training is all about consistency. One thing I never skip is cardio.

Nutritional Plan:
During the week, I stick with a strict diet of lean meats, and when I’m travelling, or it’s the weekend, I like to eat whatever I want to stay mentally sane. This helps to keep me well-balanced and not get tired of my dietary restrictions during the week.

Supplement Plan:
I take vitamins and probiotics to maintain a healthy balance of nutrients.

Do you prefer to take and recommend all-natural (no sugar, no artificial colours/flavours/sweeteners) supplements or supplements with artificial flavours and sweeteners? And Why?
I stick to no-sugar drinks or, when necessary, only use natural sweeteners like Stevia. If I am ever craving sugar, I stick to fruits.

Please describe the importance of mental health
Mental wellness is very important to me. I have suffered from severe depression after losing two family members (most recently the loss of my brother, Christian). I struggled with depression, but I continue to overcome it by acknowledging and feeling my emotions. It is important to accept and work through these emotions rather than bottling them up and not dealing with them. Journaling, yoga, therapy and my friends and family have been a big help.

Photo By Barry Freeman

If you could ask Status Fitness Magazine Editor-in-Chief Rodney Jang any industry question, what would that be?
How did he start his journey in the fitness community? What is his purpose and intentions with the fitness magazine? What’s his favourite workout? How has his journey been so far?

Status Fitness Magazine runs model searches across North America, including the largest one at the Arnold Classic, for the Status cover.  As part of the Status family, you will receive a special participation invite. How excited are you about this opportunity?
I love competing as it truly saved me from the dark path I was headed down. For me, it’s an honour to be able to compete again and show my hard work and inspire others. I’m grateful for the opportunity and where it can take me. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for the opportunity to share my story and fitness journey.

What does the future hold?  
At the moment, I’m getting ready for Los Angeles Fashion Week, which is another one of my dreams. In addition, I hope to continue to share my love of music and bring others happiness through DJing.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
Life is a journey, and sometimes you just have to roll with it. The ups and downs, the highs and lows are all part of it, and we must be open to experience both to fully learn what the universe and God have in store for us. Work hard and stay humble. Always stay true to your authentic self. Be kind and treat others with respect and love.

What does success look like for you?
Success to me is being joyful and content by following my passions and dreams. Like many of us who have fallen victim to alternative vices to numb the pain of heartache, breakups ups and death, I found a great light out of the darkness through fitness, modelling, acting and music. These things have truly saved my life, and I hope to give back and do the same for others.

Connect with Bella: IG | Website
Cover Photo: NPC News Online

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Profiles

KATRIONA GAGNE

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I’ve always been athletic – throughout high school and playing volleyball for Victoria, to racing triathlons in my 20s and 30s, to beach volleyball and, fun fact, sailing across the Atlantic Ocean with my family in 2003. Fitness became my anchor, and I wanted to share that strength with others. When I saw how lifting and fuelling properly transformed not only my own life, but also my clients’ confidence and health, I knew I wanted to dedicate my career to helping Women discover that same power.

Age:
45

City/country?: 
Grew up in Victoria, BC, lived in Vancouver, BC, where I had my own training company for 14years and moved to Calgary, AB with my now husband. We have a 6-year-old son – been here in Calgary for almost 8 years now.

Occupation:
Strength & Conditioning Coach, Kinesiologist, Founder of Train with Kat

What’s the most challenging situation you’ve faced as a personal trainer, and how did you overcome it?
Helping women break free from the diet culture trap. Many come to me after years of yo-yo dieting and disappointment. The hardest part is re-educating them that they need to eat more, not less, lift heavier and recover smarter. I overcame it by creating the Hormonal Strength Method, a sustainable system that provides structure, accountability and a framework that works with, not against, their hormones. It gives them a clear framework, accountability and most importantly, results that last.

How would you describe your training philosophy?
Eat for energy. Train for strength. Recover like it matters.

Train smarter, not harder. Strength first and lift with purpose. Fuel properly and with protein, always. Learning about whole foods and consistency above all. I believe in sustainable, hormone-friendly methods that help women build muscle, balance metabolism and feel strong and capable for life.

Training Plan:
Strength training 3-4x per week, progressive overload, recovery-focused with mobility and walking daily.

Nutritional Plan: 
Whole foods, high protein (30g+ per meal), plenty of fibre, balanced carbs and fats. Structured to support energy, hormones and lean muscle.

Supplement Plan: 
Creatine, magnesium bisglycinate, protein powder, omega-3s, electrolytes, vitamin D, methylated multivitamins.

Sleep-supportive supplements as well – ashwagandha, magnesium, ZMX.

Do you prefer to take and recommend all-natural (no sugar, no artificial colours/flavours/sweeteners) supplements or supplements with artificial flavours and sweeteners? And Why?
I prefer natural, where possible, with minimal additives, no unnecessary sugar, no artificial colours or fillers. The body performs best when fuelled cleanly and consistently.

If you could ask Status Fitness Magazine Editor in Chief Rodney Jang any industry question, what would that be?
What kind of legacy do you hope your work continues to build within the fitness community?

Could you describe a “typical” day in your life? How do you balance your own fitness, work, and personal life?
My day starts early, usually 6 or 7 am, training my 1:1 clients before school drop-off with my 6-year-old. From there, it’s a mix of program design, client check-ins and creating content for social media (trying to make it NOT take 5 hours! still learning haha)…And coffee, definitely coffee and my daily eggs and a bagel – this Mumma needs fuel and energy!

Evenings are where the pace shifts: sometimes it’s hockey practice for my kiddo, sometimes I’m on the beach or hardcourt playing volleyball. And in between it all? I’m making sure Munro (our giant Great Dane) gets his walk and we all get some fresh air. Some days it’s a full workout. Others, it’s 30 minutes of strength & movement for me, hitting my non-negotiable steps. Either way, I stay consistent with nutrition.

Balancing fitness, work, family, and mum life isn’t always neat or pretty, but it’s real. And it’s exactly why I coach Women on building habits that actually fit their lifestyle. 

Build habits that work for your life, not someone else’s highlight reel. I do my best to prioritize sleep, and most nights, my husband and I wind down with a show or just catch up on the day. That connection and recovery time are just as important as the training.

Focus on the foundations. Fuel your body well. Give yourself some grace.

Consistency > Perfection. Always.

What’s next for you? Are there any upcoming goals, projects, or passions you’re excited to pursue within the fitness world?
Honestly, more growth, more impact and more ways to serve women. 

Continuing to grow the Hormonal Strength Method, expanding digital programs and publishing more free resources like my Hormone-Smart Fat Loss Blueprint and High-Protein Guides. 

I’m also putting a huge focus on growing my online presence so Women can train with me through my app-based coaching program, no matter where they live.

At the end of the day, my goal is simple: to help thousands of women break free from diet culture and to train smarter. A big part of that is teaching women how to fuel properly – learning about the right calorie amounts for their bodies, getting enough protein and building habits that support hormone health. My mission is to help thousands of Women finally feel strong, lean and confident again.

Your favourite quotes?
Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live

Your body is your most valuable investment

Strong for what matters. Train smarter, not harder.

Your future self is built by what you do today.

You can’t out-train poor nutrition

Connect with Kat: IG

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Transformations

TULA DEWALD

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TRANSFORMATION SUCCESS STORY

Tula Dewald takes her life from a wheelchair to the fitness stage.
A good transformation story is always interesting and inspiring.  Following the journey of a person with all the cards stacked against them and watching them turn their life around is something everyone can appreciate.

In this issue of Status, we have a great transformation story. Tula Psilhas went from being unable to walk to stepping on stage at the WBFF River Rock physique show.  Let’s hear Tula’s inspirational story directly from her.

Tula, you have been through quite a lot in the decade or so. Please share your journey with Status readers.
In 2002, after an incomplete spinal cord injury, I was left partially paralyzed and unable to walk. I went through two years of extensive rehab before I could finally walk (with the use of forearm crutches). It was a total of six long years before I was able to walk again, without the aid of crutches or canes.

In 2007, I had my twins, a boy and a girl, Nick and Sofie. During my pregnancy, I gained a total of 80 lbs! My weight topped out at 247 pounds in 2009. After a failed marriage, I was so unhappy with how I looked and felt. But I decided I didn’t want to end up alone because of this. I knew if I wasn’t happy with who I had become, I would never find happiness with someone else.

“I had met Tula’s husband, Mike, first. Mike was an awesome guy whom I first met at the WBFF Edmonton show. He was a hard-working down to Earth guy, so I knew his wife, Tula, would be similar. She was incredible. I met her in downtown Vancouver to prepare for a full day of shooting. The connection she and Mike have was inspiring. I could feel the eyes they would give each other as the shoot progressed. Tula’s beauty, as well as her inner self, shone through with each shot I took. She was releasing such positive energy, I didn’t want the day to end. I always enjoy photographing couples, and when I had the chance to photograph them together, I was touched. Thank you, Tula and Mike, for allowing me to be part of your journey.”
How did you manage to change your life and get in such great shape?
I began to exercise and walk to try to lose weight. After many failed dieting attempts, I decided to go hard and eat and train religiously in January of 2013.  I was now fully committed to my fitness goals. I hired a trainer, nutrition coach and in four short months had dropped a total of 70 lbs. I was so happy!! It motivated me to continue. I was eating extremely clean, walking my dogs daily for 40 minutes and training 5 x a week to transform my body. By October of 2013, I knew I wanted to continue transforming and eventually take the stage at a fitness competition.

I HIRED A TRAINER, NUTRITION COACH AND IN FOUR SHORT MONTHS HAD DROPPED A TOTAL OF 70 LBS.

Most recently, Fit Mom magazine featured me (last spring), and I became a sponsored athlete through NVIE nutrition.  All of this lit the fire beneath me. I knew I wanted to try competing in some sort of federation that would allow me to showcase my hard work and dedication. I competed in a WBFF bikini show (plus 35 categories) in July of this year.

During your journey, you met a very special individual. Who was this, and how did it unfold?
In Feb 2014, while I scrolled through the pages of the Status Fitness Instagram fan page, I came across a picture of a guy wearing a Status t-shirt. He had just finished a workout, and Status had posted his picture:  this man would change my life. Mike Dewald was the guy I had always imagined myself with. Not only was he very attractive, but he was into fitness as much as I was.

After connecting with Mike over IG and chatting for a few days, we agreed to meet in Airdrie, where I was living. Mike drove down from Edmonton, where he lived at the time.  We have been inseparable ever since

After many gym dates, adventures travelling to places like LA, Vancouver, BC, Banff, and Edmonton, we both agreed we wanted no one else. We moved in together in June of this year and got engaged.  Mike is not only my soulmate, swolemate and best friend, but he is my motivator.
You recently participated in your first competition and photoshoot. What was that like for you?
With Mike by my side, I competed in my very first show in Vancouver on July 26th. Two days after our show, we shared another special experience. We shot as a couple with David Ford, which we were so very excited about.  Not only did he showcase all my hard work, but he also showed me how proud I should be of my results and made me feel so beautiful. Our couple’s pictures were amazing, and we will treasure them always. It was truly a moment to cherish forever.
What is next for you, both personally and from a fitness standpoint?
My plan is to continue this healthy fit lifestyle and to eventually start our own wellness business where we can help others with their transformations. We hope to inspire others through our experiences and give people the tools they need to reach their fitness goals.

Connect with Tula: IG

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