Jackie’s Story
To me, fitness is life. It’s been my healing, my strengthening, my outlet, my grounding.
Fitness has served me in all the ways through my life, and as a result, it helped me foster a deepened connection with my body.
At the same time, there was something missing. I was distracting myself with fitness, and although it helped me cope, it didn’t help me heal or stop any internal suffering.
It was in the process of healing my own suffering and mental health that I really understood how powerful caring for our wellness is, when done holistically. Squats and 5km runs help, but the real power play is in finding joy, happiness, reducing anxiety and depression, eating foods that nourish our body and mind, moving slower, breathing deeper, and feeling good again.
My deep understanding and passion for helping people began about 7 years ago when I was working in social services as a Mental Health Worker. Although I LOVED my role, I had the realization that I was meant to do more. That I could combine my dual passions for fitness and helping people…
“ “The real power play is in finding joy, happiness, reducing anxiety and depression, eating foods that nourish our body and mind, moving slower, breathing deeper, and feeling good again.””
Seven years ago, I was working as a Community Mental Health Worker for a social service agency in my city of Hamilton, Ontario, I had the realization that I was meant to combine my dual passions for fitness and helping people. I left my role to become a personal trainer, which was a bold move, but one I knew I was meant to do. I thrived in the role of a professional trainer, going on to be the General Manager & Lead Group Coach of a local fitness studio. I was absolutely in my flow state, because when I am helping people through their unique health journeys, I feel full of purpose and passion.
From social work, to motherhood, to sports and athletics and weight loss exploration, to being certified as a nutrition coach, using all of this information to help my own personal journey in fitness, food and well-being, all of these experiences have equipped me with the ability to relate to clients from all different backgrounds and skill levels. With that, the opportunity to connect on a deep & personal level, one that supports a strong coaching relationship and a transformative program experience.
If you are interested in having a conversation or collaboration, you can connect with me directly at jackie@jackiemilne.ca . I would love to hear from you!
