About Me

This is me! Cheryl Durand (she/her). I have always had a passion for fitness.  Growing up I was a member of many sports teams and through my 20's and 30's I developed a passion for running.  In 2015 I completed my first marathon.  My personal experiences have taught me the key role that fitness can play in managing my mental wellbeing and the powerful mind body connection that exists between mental and physical health.  I have a BA in social development studies which I completed in my 40's while working full time. Over 2 years ago, I left an 11 year career working as a youth care worker in a youth custody facility for male young offenders. The stress of the job and the 12 hour shift work had left me completely burned out. With my family's support, I quit this job and took some time off to look after my mental and physical health and try to figure out, what next. During this time I returned to a regular fitness routine and eating better and was beginning to feel good again. During that time, I was cleaning houses on the side to earn a bit of money and ended up injuring my back severely enough that it took months to recover. Once I recovered, I knew I wanted to turn my passion for fitness and nutrition into a career. I had read a book by Margaret Webb called, "Older, Faster, Stronger" (I recommend this book), and knew this is what I wanted for myself and other women. I wanted to support and help women not just live healthier lives as they age, but to build habits of movement and nutrition that kept them strong. I also have a passion and interest in supporting members of the LGBTQ+ community in their health and fitness journeys. Whether you are old or young it is never too late to change your mindset and change your life!