Workouts with Shandi promote movement
By Gwen Snell
“Workouts with Shandi” provided an opportunity for locals to try out a short-term “in-person” fitness class for the month of December. Led by “Coach Shandi”, the four-week program moved participants through a series of fitness and cardio routines focused on improving strength, flexibility and overall wellness.
While the workouts were promoted as high-intensity, Coach Shandi came equipped to provide personalized modifications and coaching that suited the abilities and ages of those in attendance. Feedback from the classes was positive. “I’ve had amazing feedback from people attending my classes. Many people are happy with the alternative exercises I give, so if one movement is too difficult, I always have an alternative on hand so that anyone can participate.”
Michele Toews with the Town of Hanna Community Services feels that offering these classes is positive for the community. With a background that includes a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, personal training and nutrition coaching, Shandi is well qualified to lead a workout class. “Shandi has offered classes with us a few times now, and each time, we receive positive feedback. Participants enjoy that her classes motivate them to come down to Centennial Pace and get active. And while she isn’t here full time, there are options for participants to set up virtual personal coaching with her business.”
“Coach Shandi” considers herself a digital nomad. She travels extensively, covering fifteen countries just in 2023 alone. As a Nutrition Coach and Personal Trainer, she is able to connect with people from all over the world, from Asia to Europe and North America. “I find working online to be great because I get to help more people fall in love with moving their bodies, learning how to fuel their bodies and minds, and feeling better about themselves.’
"Coach Shandi" embraced her love and passion for physical fitness from an early age and credits her 15 years in competitive swimming with the Hanna Seals Swim Club as her starting foundation. It was while working as a Student Athletic Therapist for the women’s rugby team at the University of Lethbridge that she recognized a strong connection between training and food. “Even if the athletes were training 6 or 7 days a week, if they weren’t eating properly, much of that effort seemed to be wasted. That is where my passion for nutrition and physical activity really grew. I knew that I wanted to work with people to help them make habits in their daily lives that will make them feel capable of achieving anything that they set their mind to – whether that be being able to hike the highest mountain in Africa, learning to surf, or to have the energy to play with their kids or grandkids.”
Workouts with Shandi were an excellent foundation for those looking to springboard into a healthier and more active lifestyle. Modelling her own philosophy, she encourages others to “start to think of fitness as not just a means to get you to “look” better, but to feel better as well. For me, working out helps me clear my mind and improve my mood. When I’ve been active, I feel more confident, more energetic, and more capable, which is absolutely something that has also helped me to build my own business and share it with people from all over the world.”
“Coach Shandi” has returned to Europe to continue her travel adventures. For those looking to invest in their health, she is available for individual or group coaching online. You can also follow her free tips on both Instagram and Facebook.