1. Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada and now reside in Waterloo, Ont. Canada.

2. Where did you go to college, what did you study and how did it influence your career going forward?

I went to Conestoga College in Kitchener to study and pursue a career in Early Childhood Education. However I came to a point in my life where I felt it was time for a career change. Deciding to go and follow my passion for fitness by becoming both a Certified Personal Trainer Specialist and Nutrition & Wellness Specialist.   

3. From your original profession in teaching how did you move to fitness? Most particularly, changing professions can be quite scary, how did you get the courage to do so?

Including fitness in my weekly routine and taking care of myself has always been important to me; a healthy body and mind creates balance.

Finding the courage was rather simple because I just followed my passion and became a Certified PTS. Looking at life and realizing reality – that although I loved teaching and working with young children, I knew as I became older, this very demanding (and rewarding) job would become more difficult to do. Yes, changing careers and leaving a workplace can be scary, but only I could be accountable for change and to remain happy. I find people are too afraid to step out of their comfort zone, even if they do not like the line of work they are in or their workplace. But you need to let go and release yourself- know that it is okay. You can remain in a job you dread going to every day – find it difficult to crawl out of bed for, or you can pursue a new career you are excited about and love to the fullest! You look forward to each and every day.

4. Your fitness philosophy seems to build from a variety of sources, including business process. How does process come into play for fitness? How about a positive attitude?

Looking at the overall picture of what you want to achieve – the steps you will need to take and follow through on to help you achieve your overall goal(s).

Nothing happens over night – when we break things down into smaller, more achievable and attainable steps, this helps lead to success. Yes, it’s a process and people often want instant gratification – instant results – but where does responsibility then come into play. People need to take on and be more responsible for their actions; they need to learn and acknowledge the importance of the process.

Positive attitude is huge! I like to believe, and people who know me will tell you that I always say, “Things could always be worse.” People forget to value and be-grateful for the little things in life. Valuing what you have, loving yourself first and then others, all helps bind a positive attitude and view of life in general. Okay, some days really stink, but at the end of the day, I have a roof over my head, food to put on the table, my health and the ability to use all my senses and move all my body parts, and I have a loving family, which also includes our dog.

Always begin your day with being thankful for, feeling gratitude for at least five things in your life; think about your dreams and really see them happen; and before you fall asleep at night, think about something great that happened that day. Remember, these are all personal, they do not need to be huge, can be simple.

5. How have you been able to use social media to build you client base and business?

• Monthly newsletter builds subscriber lists
• Reach out to audiences beyond my city to share my ideas and views on various topics of interest
• Interviews for newspaper articles attracts readers to look at my website and contact me
• Reach out to audiences who believe and shares in similar and/or same values
• Reach audiences who span out from around the globe
• Attracts outside agencies to collaborate with them on various projects 

6. For the busy compliance practitioner, what tips can you provide on how to think through a fitness program?

• Mark “SANITY MEETING” on your calendar; schedule 30 – 60-minutes to yourself and dedicate it to a fitness/exercise program
• Already have your goals set out before you begin your exercise program
• Have your workout written down so you can get straight to it, and done without needing to think about it
• Find an exercise activity that you enjoy
• Think of your fitness program as one of your clients – would you drop them at the last minute, cancel without notice; or would you follow through with what is expected, keep on top of completing a job and/or a project
• Join a small fitness class and get to know the other participants – camaraderie builds an important support system
• Hire a certified personal trainer to help you stay accountable
• And most important, when you are working out/exercising, focus on yourself (your form & technique) this is your time. Do NOT think about work or your clients!

Tanya can be reached via email at Tanya@bodybusiness.ca. Her WebSite is www.bodybusiness.ca and her blog is http://bodybusiness.ca/blog/