Shawna McKenzie, , ChicBoxing Coach Certified

What motivated you to become a coach? 

I joined Chicboxing as a member in February 2017. The year my marriage would officially be over, and I became separated. After a successful knee repair surgery in January that year I knew I needed to make some changes for the better. I was at my lowest point when ChicBoxing came along and I haven’t looked back since! It found me at exactly the time I would need it most.  Becoming a Coach and a Licensee was a natural progression for me because Chicboxing changed and saved my life. I knew that Chicboxing can empower other women and that is important to me. Becoming a coach has helped me develop my own unique leadership style that women really respond well to.

How long have you been with ChicBoxing and being active?

Chicboxing helped me lose weight, get active and fit and helped me take on new challenges.  Eventually, I started working with a personal trainer to accomplish some pretty hefty personal goals. I am inspired to become a trainer as well so I can continue to help women achieve their goals. Mental health and self-love are two very important aspects of fitness that I focus on. I believe that physical mastery comes when these areas improve.

What are your fitness goals or philosophy?

Prioritize yourself! Life is always going to throw stress at us. When we’re mentally and physically fit we can handle everything life sends our way. Maintaining our commitment to our fitness will see us through all of life’s unpredictability and yet it’s commonly the first thing we let slide. Maintaining our commitment to our health and fitness flows in to all other areas of our busy lives and helps us stay positive.

How would you describe your coaching experience here at ChicBoxing?

The ladies have said things to me recently that I couldn’t be more proud of. I’ve heard things like, “I haven’t worn this shirt in a year!” and, “I wasn’t afraid when I was by myself in underground parking in Toronto” and, “My mental health has improved since I started coming here”.

These are the things I live for. I’m so proud of the women who are committed to showing up for themselves and trusting us in their process.

What keeps you motivated in your personal fitness goals?

I have a coach! If you have big goals invest in yourself! My coach tracks my progress and sets the bar higher for me every session. This year alone, I squatted over 200lbs in a matter of months. Being able to do that consistently with great form is my next goal. Goal setting and crushing those goals keeps me motivated.

How important/rewarding is it for you to motivate others? To see others’ fitness results?

Their success stories, their progress, their positive mental health keeps me motivated to keep moving forward and growing for them. When they do things they thought they couldn’t do before we celebrate that growth!