By: Joe Cardoso

Today’s Spotlight on Fitness takes us to our neighbors in northern Canada Toronto to be  exact . For some, the first name and image of a certain famous rapper is what comes to mind when they think of Canada. Well in the fitness world another name is considered. That name is Alicia Bell and she is one of the best in the business.  Her list of accomplishments is impressive and always growing:

• Kinesiologist
• Personal Trainer
• Nutrition Coach
• Track & Field coach
• Published Author
• Fitness Model for Zenzation
• FIRST ever signed Brand Ambassador for Puma Canada

Some of the people she has worked with include: Lil John (Yeaaaah), Dwight Howard of the Houston Rockets, and the mother of that rapper guy I mentioned earlier. She is the founder and CEO of Train It Right,  her personal training business and track club.

NBS had the pleasure of speaking to Alicia and getting an inside look, at what it takes to be a world class athlete and more.

Alicia Bell Q&A

JC:   Everyone has a passion in life and reason’s behind it. So why fitness and personal training?

AB: I love sharing my knowledge and experience with others. One of the best feelings in the world for me is knowing I helped guide someone to achieve their goals no matter how big or small they are.

JC: What’s a typical workday like for you?

AB: I wake up at 5:08am and hit snooze 2-3 times before forcing myself to get up. Some days are easier than others. I typically start my first clients at 6am so that means I rush to get out of the door before 5:30am. After my first clients of the day I do my fasted cardio after my clients. I have an amazing boyfriend who makes breakfast for me so I go home and have a high protein breakfast and get to spend time with him before heading to my afternoon clients. I try and get some work on the computer in midafternoon. By late afternoon it’s time to lift. By this time I’ve probably had about 3-4 meals. I lift and then eat again before my evening clients. I then finish by 9:30pm the latest and either get in another cardio or head home. I usually decompress with Netflix, last evening snack and maybe get a few emails or articles written before bed by 12.

JC: What’s the best advice for someone looking to make a lifestyle change and get healthy?

AB: Find a coach in person or online. They will help you stay on track, keep you accountable and design a program based on your needs. Don’t try and wing it.

JC:   A lot of people have a tough time staying motivated, how do you stay motivated and pass it to your clients and athletes you train?

AB: I stay motivated by following inspiring people online. I also stay motivated by choosing a goal. For myself it’s always a fitness show. I have a coach and that also keeps me motivated and accountable. I think even coaches need coaches.

JC:   Diet is important what are some of the must haves in the fridge or pantry?

AB: Must haves are almond milk, eggs, lean ground meat, lemons, nut butter and salsa.

JC: What is the most challenging part of your job?

AB: The most challenging part of my job is finding clients when I have a spot open. I am an independent trainer so I have to do the grunt work. I don’t work for a big box gym that feed me clients. And my times slots are very specific when they become open because I have a lot of long term clients. Most people want specific times that may not be available.

JC: The fitness industry is male dominated, do you face any issues with sexism or unfair treatment?

AB: Yes it is but I feel like I have established myself after being in the industry for so long. If I ever face sexism and unfair treatment I try to voice my opinion and then I walk away from the situation. It’s not worth the drama or the stress. I will let them live with their negativity and I will move forward.

JC: What is a song you work out to that might surprise some folks?

AB: Let the bodies hit the floor by Drowning Pool.

JC: What’s on the menu on an Alicia Bell cheat day?

AB: Poutine or Pizza if I’m having a dirty cheat. If I’m having a cleaner cheat I love seafood or steak that is bigger than my regular portion and a big giant baked potato for my carbs.

JC: How does your training differ when working with athletes or mostly fit people vs the off the couch potato?

AB: Athletes and fit people are very intrinsically motivated vs non athletes. You need to constantly monitor and motivate them. It’s more of a task to keep them on track than athletes but I also like to motivate them and train them like athletes to the best of their ability. Everyone has an athlete within. You just have to find out how to bring it out of them.

Bonus question:

JC: You worked with Dwight Howard did you offer him any advice on his free throw shooting? Ha!

AB: Ha he was stubborn. He also was a big baby when training and tapped out of ab exercises.

I want to thank Alicia for taking time to chat with me and being the first person featured on Spotlight on Fitness.

For more information follow Alicia on Twitter:  @TrainItRight or her website https://www.TrainItRight.com.

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