By Minal Abhange
It’s a new year and time for a new (and possibly, improved) you.
With new resolutions on the horizon and gymnasiums are packed with people focused on improving their health and overall well-being, you keep telling yourself this year will be different.
You are not alone.
With all that said, wellness has become a way of life for people like Carla Letiec, a College of the North Atlantic (CNA) employee, who is also a health and fitness coach. She takes what she puts on her plate and into her body very seriously, while teaching others how it’s done.
The 36-year-old Kippens resident with glowing skin, lustrous locks and the enviably-toned physique of a woman half her age makes it look easy, and she swears it is all a result of simple exercise routines and simplified healthy eating habits.
“In 2017, post-pregnancy, I gained a lot of weight and just did not feel myself. That’s when I started my wellness journey,” says Carla. “It was not easy to get started. In spite of all the struggles, I did not give up and finally focused on my wellbeing for once. When I look back, it was one of the best decision I ever made. It has changed me as a person and I am proud of the results I have been able to achieve. My secret to this success is very simple: I show up and press play on a 20 to 30 minute daily exercise routine in my basement.”
During the week, Carla works as a Policy, Planning and Research Analyst at CNA Headquarters in Stephenville.
“I love my job at CNA; however, I am really passionate about health and fitness, training others to achieve the success I have.”
Motivation
Carla’s passion for fitness reflects in her dedication to stay healthy herself, as well as promote and influence others in the process.
“I get asked this a lot, ‘How do you get and stay motivated?’” she says. “Without any hesitation I know motivation comes from within, and finding that motivation is key. I feel sometimes it is also the inspiration from others – even the smallest desire to change and succeed – as well as the ability to show up, push through and keep going when it’s tough.”
Sharing her personal transformation journey, she says, “for me the physical transformation was an added bonus, it was a huge mental transformation.”
Health and wellness
Born and raised in Corner Brook, Carla was always active from a young age.
“I trained with my hometown figure skating Club since I was two, so I was always active. Even as an adult, I have been involved with the Stephenville Skating Club as an adult synchronize skater for four years now.”
In the journey to wellness, she says it is important to understand how mind and body are powerful allies.
“How you think can affect how you feel. And many of us tend to ignore this crucial fact; yet how you feel can affect your thinking. So always having a positive outlook on life might help you better handle pain or stress and stay healthier than someone who is less hopeful.”
Along with physical exercise, food also plays a very important role in feeling healthy.
“Many people have this idea if I exercise I will lose the weight,” says Carla. “Fuelling our bodies with proper nutrition is also key.”
Becoming a role model
Carla says her pursuit to excellence as a fitness coach happened in the short span of two years. In the process, she believes she has not only discovered her true calling, but also rediscovered herself.
Along with being a health and wellness coach, Carla also has an active social media presence through her personal business, Striving Transformations, where she shares daily motivational posts. She also recruits, mentors, and works with a team of coaches to help achieve success: Team Striving CORE. If you visit her profiles, you will also at times see her having fun with her four-your-old daughter, Grace, who is active right alongside her.
“The fitness business I run out of my home gives a purpose to my life. I am passionate about helping others rediscover themselves – just like me.”
She wants people to overcome the idea that wellness might not be for them – it’s the opposite and is an opportunity to find that place, which makes make you happier and healthier.
“In pursuit of your dreams, there will be challenges. But discovering your passion – understanding who you are and why you are unique is a great milestone which can aid you to being the best that you desire to be,” she says. “To help make it become a lifestyle along with patience, consistency, trusting your coach and the program is key. You also have to enjoy the process and cherish the small strides you accomplish along the way.”
