HELEN
A former World Champion synchronized swimmer, Helen has won international awards and accolades both as an athlete and a fitness leader. As an athlete, Helen was named Canada's Outstanding Female Athlete of the Year for an unprecedented three consecutive years; as well, has been inducted into both the International Aquatic Hall of Fame and the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame. As a fitness leader and club owner, Helen has over 25 years of experience operating Heavens Fitness Club and Fountain Park Health Club in Calgary. In 1996 alone, Helen was awarded the IDEA (International Association for Fitness Leaders) Program Director of the Year and the CanFitPro (Canadian National) Instructor of the Year. In 2001, Helen was awarded the Mall Peepre Memorial Award by the National Fitness Leadership Advisory Council (NFLAC) and also received the Calgary Women of Vision award for her outstanding contribution to fitness leadership. She is the team leader for the Canadian NIKE presenting team and a fitness columnist for the local newspaper, the Calgary Herald.
From Russia and Israel to Brazil and Australia, Helen has been bringing her experiences as an athlete, fitness instructor, program director and club owner to a world wide audience for over a decade.
Awarded 2006 Can-Fit-Pro Delegates Choice Awards "Canadian Presenter of the Year"
"It is a big honour to be recognized by your peers, representing the appreciation people have of my work. I have been in fitness from university studying phys ed and through competitive sport. I wanted to share my knowledge and experience with the general public versus pursuing a career in coaching and started as fitness director at a private club in Calgary. Today, fitness is my life! I maintain the necessary high energy day after day by knowing what I need to do to recharge my batteries and actually doing it! Focus on what you need to do, be "on" when you need to be, and allow yourself time to switch off. Don't worry about things you have no control over. The best advice I can offer a presenter is to always respect your audience. Thank you Can-Fit-Pro for enabling me to share my passion with Canadians!"
Awarded 2005 IDEA "Fitness Instructor of the Year"
This award recognizes an IDEA member who has demonstrated strong leadership skills through community and industry involvement and whose superior instructional abilities and influence as an instructor motivate active and underactive people to commit to healthy lifestyles. (IDEA article)
Helen, 2005 IDEA Instructor of the Year with Kathie and Peter Davis, Founder and CEO/Founder of IDEA