Coach MP, tell us a little bit about yourself! Where are you from, what do you do, your family?
MP: I grew up as an army brat, moving from one place to another as a kid. We settled in Qc city where I completed high school and my post-secondary education. I practiced massage therapy and Orthotherapy for approximately 8 years before deciding to go back to school in my mid-twenties. Now I work in Engineering Consulting and I’m a Momma of a little guy named Jaxton.
How did you get into fitness?
MP: I first realized I really liked working out when I was about 18 years old. At that time, I was already hitting the gym regularly. I gravitated towards weightlifting and before I knew it I was competing in my first fitness competition. In 2011, I placed 1st in the novice division, and in 2012, I placed 2nd in the fitness category. I enjoyed the grind that went with competing and was able to learn so much along the way.
How did you get into CrossFit?
MP: I began Crossfit about 5 years ago when I started to feel unmotivated and unchallenged with my gym routine. I tried kickboxing and Muay Thai during that time which I enjoyed, but something about CrossFit and the community really appealed to me.
What made you leave the world of competition?
MP: That fact that it had nothing to do with how athletic or physically fit you were and how it focused strictly on appearance and stage performance.
What are your fitness goals these days?
MP: Honestly, it’s all about staying sane. For me, physical activity is a must if I want to stay mentally and physically healthy.
What does your fitness mean to you?
MP: Fitness is time for myself where I can focus on nothing else but the rep or weight that’s in front of me. It’s a moment every day where I get to let go of the stress and clear my mind. I really like to push myself and see how far I can go and how much I’m able to progress.
What has being a single mom impacted your self-care, and where does fitness fit into that?
MP: It’s part of my routine and I make time for it. I do think I’m a better person when I take time for myself in the gym. Like I mentioned earlier, I need it to keep my mental health in check.
Coach MP, what has it been like working for LYB?
MP: I’ve been really lucky to be able to work with an amazing team of uplifting, like-minded, powerful women. The community is incredible and I can’t wait to be able to see all those sweaty faces in a real class soon!
If you’d like to work with MP or another member of our amazing staff, click here for a free consult.