#GradSpotlight
From an early age, in my hometown of Colima, Mexico I decided that for my career I would be a business woman and own a Travel Agency. It was in 2004 when I accomplished my goal by opening my own Travel Agency. I managed it for 6 years; those were incredible and rewarding years that led me to follow another of my dreams; moving to Canada and start a new life.
Being immersed in a new and beautiful country, I had to scramble to figure out what to do with my life. I took the first job I could, starting as a server at a restaurant to some others that were all in administrative, which, although I loved paperwork, really didn’t leave me feeling fulfilled at the end of the day.
At this point in my life Fitness or working out was not even something I considered important. I thought I was healthy by eating twice a day and doing some “Home Yoga” once in a while. Yes, that’s it. It was Kevin my husband who was a Personal Trainer back in Montreal who convinced me to start a weight training program. But I didn’t want to set foot in a gym where all the big boys and fit chicks were training, why? I was overweight, shy, and had poor self-esteem. The idea of being at the gym just terrified me. I was putting on more and more weight every month and I finally decided to give it a try, I put on horse blinders and made a commitment to become a better version of myself, so I started his program. Has that ever been the best decision I made, I loved it! I found a passion for training that I didn’t know I had. The first thing I’d think of when I woke up was “when am I going to the gym?” All I wanted to do was to hit the gym and try new and more challenging exercises. I started to feel proud of myself.
Why Personal Trainer?
When Kevin and I decided to move from Montreal to Vancouver, I took the opportunity to re-evaluate what I was doing with my life and where I wanted it to go. After moving to the city, Kevin started working at Steve Nash Downtown Sports Club, and promptly I made the club my second home. It was at DTSC where we met our amazing friend Logan Dube, Assistant Fitness Manager at the time, and both Kevin and Logan talked to me about becoming a Personal Trainer as well and share my passion for Fitness.
I decided I wanted to get certified as a personal trainer, so that I could help others to move past the insecurity and to show that it is possible. My thought was that if I could help someone recognize their potential for success and inspire them to make changes, then I could actually make a difference.
Why BCPTI?
In 2014 – Logan Dube filled me in on the #BCPTI training program, practical experience and job placement they offered, so I didn’t hesitate on starting the course. Getting my #NASM certification through BCPTI has been a life changer. I had the opportunity to learn from two great leaders in the fitness industry, Chad Benson and Shelley Cuming Sheren (who at the time were the main instructors). I’m truly grateful to have had these amazing teachers. Thank you for all the knowledge you shared and for setting a great example to all of your students!
Where are you now?
I’ve officially been in business for over 3 years wohooo! I started working at Steve Nash Yaletown location in December 2014, and moved to Victoria in March 2015. Ever since I’ve been at Victoria Steve Nash Fitness World hopefully changing lives! Even though I’ve had my fair share of struggles and setbacks I’m extremely grateful for my situation, so much so that I remind myself everyday of how lucky I am to have such an amazing job. Watching people achieve more and do better each week is a rewarding experience. I love being part of someone’s growth process and watching them realize things about themselves they didn’t know existed. Fitness is usually associated with lifting heavy things, weight loss and drinking protein shakes (although that’s cool too) but for me it goes well beyond that, “it’s something for your soul”. Fitness is a lifestyle, it is part of what you do, it doesn’t have to be hard, doesn’t have to be a lot of thought going into it.
“It is an inner happiness and overall well-being”.
Cinthya Venegas
BCPTI Graduate & Personal Trainer
