AH – Hi Leah, first I would like to say thank you for taking the time to do this interview. Before we start, could you please tell us a little bit about yourself over the years and what made you want to work in this field?
Leah Hemstreet – Hi Amanda, thank you for your interest in interviewing me. I have had a very strong interest in health and fitness since I was 16 years old. I’ve always had a passion for helping people since I was small! In my early years, I learned that being active made me feel great. I wanted to keep my body lean and strong from a young age, which I achieved by attending various fitness classes. This active lifestyle sparked my curiosity to learn more about overall health and wellness.
I began assisting and teaching fitness classes at 19, even though I was a bit shy. I overcame my fear of teaching by attending weekend workshops and courses, becoming a certified fitness instructor through BCRPA. To broaden my knowledge, I also pursued Weight Training Levels 1 & 2 Certification. I wanted to understand the body from the inside out, so I took nutritional and life coaching workshops and courses, eventually moving into personal training and yoga instruction. Currently, I am finishing my degree in Natural Health and have designed an online health program called “4 Weeks Forever,” with the intention of expanding it into three or four books.
When I moved out on my own, my eating habits changed, which made me curious about cooking and baking healthy foods. This became especially important in my early 30s, when I was diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome after a stressful time. I knew what it was like to feel healthy, so I became determined to regain my health and life. I signed up for in-depth online courses in health and nutrition, and I explored holistic practices like acupuncture, herbal medicine, homeopathy, blood analysis, foot detox, reflexology, massage, life coaching, and consultations with nutritionists. This journey helped me heal, and it reinforced my desire to coach others toward creating the healthy lifestyle they want. I continue to run my health and fitness business from my home studio, and I love it. My mission is to help others achieve overall health, wellness, and balance in their lives.
AH – So, let’s begin with these questions, ok?
Leah Hemstreet – Sounds great!
AH – What sort of personal training do you offer at your studio?
Leah Hemstreet – I provide all styles of personal training tailored to each client’s lifestyle. This includes weight loss, strength, endurance, boot camp, pilates, yoga, and a body-mind-spirit approach, which incorporates life coaching. I’m also training clients for the Tough Mudder Race in Whistler and RCMP training.
AH – I heard you’re training a couple of clients for the Tough Mudder race. How is that going?
Leah Hemstreet – Yes, I am training two clients. Their programs have become quite intense, incorporating many strength, core, and endurance exercises. The chin-ups, push-ups, and plyometric exercises are becoming easier for them as we progress. I’m excited to see them compete and achieve their goals. The race is tough, but I know they’ll succeed! They’re working out very hard, 5-6 days a week. The Tough Mudder Race will be held in Whistler, BC, on June 23 & 24, 2012.
AH – You also offer health and nutritional coaching. Could you provide more details on these services?
Leah Hemstreet – Absolutely. I offer nutrition coaching, meal plans, and natural health advice tailored to my clients’ needs. If a client struggles with weight loss, I support them through making small yet meaningful lifestyle changes over 6-12 weeks or longer. I don’t teach diets; I teach a lifestyle of healthy food choices combined with enjoyable exercise.
AH – Why do you think it’s important for people to be educated in these areas?
Leah Hemstreet – It’s crucial to understand your body and how it works! Everyone is unique, so learning what your body needs can help you feel healthy, strong, and vibrant. I encourage clients to learn not only the benefits of staying active but also the impact of food on their health. Eating well is foundational for any health program. Without proper nutrition, you’ll lack energy, motivation, and emotional stability. Caring for your body helps maintain health, energy, and emotional balance.
AH – Have you seen an increase in people wanting to learn about health and nutrition?
Leah Hemstreet – Yes, I have. Many people reach out to me to learn more, whether it’s about healthier cooking, the need for cardio, or the effects of certain foods. Allergies and boosting metabolism after periods of inactivity are frequent topics. I love these conversations, and I’m always happy to research if I don’t know an answer!
AH – You offer other fitness classes as well. Could you tell us about them?
Leah Hemstreet – Yes, I’ve been teaching a Body Sculpting/Pilates-style class at the Broadway Church gym in Chilliwack for the past five years. I have a great group of ladies, and we have a lot of fun while working on toning and strengthening. We end with yoga stretches, and everyone is welcome. I’ve also started teaching three classes at Rosedale Middle School: the Biggest Loser Program, Pilates, and Yoga.
AH – Could you tell us more about each class?
Leah Hemstree – Sure! Body Sculpting uses weights and floor exercises to tone and strengthen, with some plyometric exercises for cardio. Pilates focuses on core strength and muscle conditioning with different intensity levels. The Biggest Loser Program combines a boot camp-style workout, weekly weigh-ins, and a mix of Pilates, Body Sculpting, and Yoga, along with nutritional discussions and a prize for the best progress. Yoga is a relaxing class for stretches, toning, balance, and stress release.
AH – You also offer online fitness and nutritional services, right?
Leah Hemstreet – Yes, I created “4 Weeks Forever” to help people learn what their body needs in 30 days, with the flexibility to continue beyond that. It’s a lifestyle program, not a quick diet. I also offer personalized meal plans with shopping lists to simplify healthy eating, and I have an online health store for ordering Nutrilite products.
AH – How could we benefit from participating in these programs?
Leah Hemstreet – “4 Weeks Forever” teaches you how to get in shape and stay that way. Meal plans help maintain consistency with healthy food choices, and the health store provides access to vitamins, minerals, and snacks tailored to nutritional needs.
AH – What do you like best about working online?
Leah Hemstreet – I love helping people worldwide. I don’t need to meet clients in person to support them. I’m developing a website with more ideas to help people, near and far.
AH – Thank you again, Leah, for sitting down with me for this interview. I have one more question: What advice would you give to others about improving their mind, body, or spirit?
Leah Hemstreet – Get to know yourself from the inside out! What you think about, you bring about. Set small goals for your body, mind, and spirit to achieve a healthy life. Invest in your health because you are worth it! Don’t wait for illness or injury—start your journey now.
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