INSPIRE #9: Katie Yavis

This is Katie ~ she is awesome.

Over the past few years, I have trained with a lot of amazing and inspiring people.  One of these people is an amazing woman named Katie Yavis.  I look up to her and hope I model for my kids what she models for her kids (and gran-kids!)  She is so positive and energetic ~ her smile is infectious!  Not only that but she is strong and healthy!  Thank you Katie for setting the bar high and inspiring me to reach it!

Here's her interview:  

1. What is your health/fitness history?

I have always been fairly active and in good health.  I didn't play school sports as I was a figure skater and spent most of my out of school time at the rink.  Once I was out of school, I started playing Slo-Pitch and now at almost 56, am still active in both.  I play ball with my daughters, sons and son in laws and am on a Provincial Gold Medal Synchronized Skating Team.  I plan on continuing with these sports until I absolutely cannot any longer, then I will manage the teams.  I pride myself on being in good health and very seldom get sick or don't feel well.  I think my genes are credit for that as I am not that careful about what I put in my body.  Just being honest.  LOL:)

Katie (second from the left front) post gold medal win!

2. What does your exercise routine look like?  How long have you been a member at Excel?

I have basically been with Excel almost since their opening as both my daughters, Taryn and Kailea, introduced me to the gym and I started coming to work out with them and just loved it.  I started by purchasing a Groupon, got hooked, started paying monthly and then began in the Child-Minding room to subsidize my membership.  I can now happily say that I have worked out at Excel with my daughters, sons, step daughters, son in laws, daughter in laws, sisters, nieces and loads of friends.  It is truly a family.......

Family that trains together, remains together!

3. Thoughts on meals.  What is a typical set of meals/snacks throughout the day for you?

I exercise at Excel at least 5 days a week and sometimes if my work lets me, 6.  Because of the fact that I own a swimming pool company, depending on what my busy days look like, I bop all over the day trying to get a work out in.  I am not usually consistent with time of day but strive to make an appearance every day they are open.

4. What is a typical set of meals/snacks throughout the day for you?  

Hmmmmmm, now this is a tough one.  I love to eat and because of how physical my job can be, I tend to eat what I want.  I do not have a sweet tooth, so that is a good thing.  That being said, I love meat, cheese and bread.....ouch.....when I am really being a good girl, I try to eat yogurt and fruit with an egg for breakfast,  a salad with tuna for lunch and dinner is usually some type of chicken, rice and veg.  Snacks for me are usually fruit of all kinds.  I struggle mostly with portion size..........I can eat most men under the table.......Oh and I love wine..................

5. What would you say is your biggest strength in fitness?

I believe my biggest strength is that I am just a little bit stubborn, and am just trying to keep up with my workout partners, which are usually my daughters.

6.  What would you say is your biggest weakness in fitness?

I would have to say that my biggest weakness is a physical one.  My shoulders and upper body tend to limit what I can do and it drives me crazy because my lower body is so strong from skating, but I am working towards evening that out.  

7.  What would you say is your favourite work out?

My favourite workout is probably a Cardioruption type of class with a strength component.  I also love to hate Ryde mostly because of the way I feel after it's over.  I  am so excited to get back to Excel after 3 months away in Mexico to try out all the new additional classes being offered.  Barre excites me a lot.......

8. How do you keep motivated day-to-day?

Motivation for me comes strictly from the people around me.  I love to be active and love to be around people who are active.  (Did I mention that I have 9 grand children?....lol)  I'm gonna say something really goofy right now, but I am training for Life............I would love to say that I am training for a marathon, or a Tough Mudder or a Mudderella, or an Iron Man,  but basically my life is all of those things, so I am in constant training for the next day. (Did I mention I have 9 grandchildren and am kept pretty busy running after them as well.......it's constant......) 

9.   If you could be any superhero you wanted who would you be and why?

If I could be any superhero, I think I would like to be called "Super Nanny".  Super Nanny can play leap frog with 9 grandchildren, pick them all up at their respective schools on time, support them all as they play hockey, soccer, baseball, skating, ballet, dance, and football, have the best pool parties and make the best BBQ chicken on the planet......all while promoting exercise and good health........That's who I wanna be..................yah, Super Nanny.........

Katie ~ I think you already are SUPER NANNY!