Dawnelle Hawes

I have been involved in the fitness/physical activity for my whole life with a start at swimming when I was 2 1/2 years old!   Being physically active is my passion and sharing that enthusiasm with others so that they feel as good as I feel, is my goal.  I was one of those "explore all options" kind of people, being good in a number of things but never becoming world class in any one area.  Variety is what makes me tick; hence the number of different certifications and teaching choices that I can give.  I have been involved in figure skating, classical ballet, track and field events, gymnastics, competitive swimming...anything related to activity is fair game.  I have also sought formal education at the graduate and post-graduate levels: all of which involved physical movement (kinesiology, biomechanics, anatomy, etc.) and working with people (education degrees). 

More recently, I have joined the GoodLife family after years of being a freestyle instructor (step, hi/low, pilates, stability ball) and have embraced their culture and philosophy.  My two grown daughters also teach for GoodLife and are fully committed to an active lifestyle.

I was formerly an internation gymnastics judge for Canada, but gave that up when my children were younger because of the amount of time it took away from my family.  For similar reasons, I have taken a temporary leave from teaching and assessing personal trainers.  My time spent teaching and marking were just too intense and time-consuming at this point in my life.  However, I use my kinesiology and personal training backgrounds to provide the most effective, safe, and FUN (that is my personality coming through) workout.

More recently I sought yoga certification, which was truly life-altering as much as informative.  I try to apply this to my life and my approach to teaching, making classes as inclusive as possible.

I spent a year on a research project examining the accessibility of fitness facilities for people with a disability.  What an eye-opener that project was!  It was humbling to take the perspective of a person with a disability and realise just how inaccessible much of the daily world is!  I also volunteered time as a personal trainer to work with the university on a project with people with spinal cord injuries; helping them to be as efficient as possible with daily activities.  That was another humbling experience.

I could go on and on...but I think you get the picture.  I am all about living healthy, eating well, being active and desperately trying to keep balance in my family, personal, and professional life.