Muscle Memory digital Dec/Jan 2019 | Page 122

As time went on, Fiona’s competitive gymnastics ca- reer came to an end. Life and school took over, as it often does, but Fiona decided to take the knowledge that she had learned growing up and make it the focal point of her studies at University. Still fascinated with athletics, she delved into the world of anat- omy, biomechanics and nutri- tion and went even further by taking her studies to the gym. She explored, first hand, how the body worked and experi- mented with the effects of nu- trition and supplementation. Her athletic ability paired perfectly with her new-found interest in weight lifting and she began sculpting and shap- ing her body. Her hard work, both at school and in the gym paid off and she received her CanFitPro, Canadian Physical Activity, Fitness and Lifestyle Approach (CPAFLA) and Pro- fessional Fitness and Lifestyle Consultant certifications. Always looking for new avenues to explore and differ- ent ways to push herself to the next limit, Fiona challenged herself with the prospect of competitive bodybuilding. Her body was quick to adapt to this new method of train- ing, but she had her reserva- tions. Fiona wasn’t someone that was keen on being the centre of attention. For her, being in the spotlight and stepping onto a stage, in front of hundreds of people, wearing nothing but a spray tan and a tiny suit was cause enough to be anxious. Her biggest concern, however, was having her hard work scruti- nized and critiqued by a panel of judges. Her self-doubt and fear felt unshakeable but she fought through it and faced her new mission with deter- mination. She had worked too hard and had come too far in an attempt to reach her goals. She would see it through to the very end, even though she was uncomfortable with the process. Her first time stepping out onto that brightly lit stage was intimidating and overwhelm- ing. It was a situation unlike any that she had never experi- enced before. With the lights pouring down over the stage, all eyes were on her. Fiona swallowed her fear and proud- ly displayed all of her months of training, dieting and end- less hard work. Despite the butterflies in her stomach and the uncertainties in her mind, the smile on her face never faltered and the months of dedication and sacrifice paid off. Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine that she would win first place in her very first competition. Her dreams came true that day, which is something that never would have happened if she hadn’t continued to push herself. By ignoring her fears and stepping outside of her comfort zone, Fiona found the magic she was seeking and as a result, she has had nu- merous doors opened for her and many new and exciting opportunities come her way. She now competes among the best fitness athletes in the world. As an IFBB Pro, she has travelled the globe and represented Canada in both the prestigious Olympia and Arnold competitions. Her determination, dedication and willpower, despite her uncertainties, has created one of the best athletes in her class and she continues to climb the ranks and achieve new levels of success When Fiona isn’t compet- ing or training at the gym herself, she devotes her time to helping others reach their health and fitness goals. Her years of education and first hand experience allows her to guide her clients every step of the way and help them to achieve and maintain their fit- ness objectives. Fiona realizes that in order to achieve the results that they desire, many of her clients will have to push themselves past their limits and she is there to help them along in their journey. By set- ting small, realistic and reach- able goals, Fiona’s clients are able to take the steps forward that are required to surpass their expectations and achieve optimal levels of health. Stepping outside of your comfort zone means different things for different people. MUSCLEMEMORYMAG.COM 43