Leslie Heim

In 1977 I became a member of the Canadian National Rowing Team, and continued on the National Team until 1986 when I started my family.  During that time I competed at thally at the International Level in rowing all over the world.  Competing annually at the World Championships, unless it was an Olympic Year.  I was named to the 1980 Canadian Olympic Team, and the 1984 Olympic Team, finishing 4th.   

I am a mother of 5, and have been a fitness instructor for the past 8 years without any break.  I teach approximately 15 classes each week, sometimes more.  I have easily logged 5000 hours of instruction over the past 8 years.  I work at our local recreation center and teach the following exercise classes;  mat pilates, yogalaties, indoor cycling, cross training (a program I developed myself), cardio fit, and will receive my Zumba certification on June 26th. 

Each summer I train all the local student athletes at the local public high school.  I do a combination plyometrics/mat pilates workout in the gymnasium two mornings a week.  This has grown to attendance of 130 athletes at each session.  I recently created a scholarship program out of the classes.  It is called Pilates Pays It Forward.  Four Graduating Seniors receive a monetary scholarship to help them with tuition.

I also work for a rowing apparel company, Regattasport.  I developed a clothing line called Run Girl Run.  We manufacture and distribute running/fitness apparel at running events all over North America.  I design the apparel and sell it.  I am the team leader for all the U.S. reps. 

Aside from the above.  I continue to be very involved in the sport of rowing.  I coach and train with masters women from all around the country.  We compete at the National and International level still...after all these years.

A life of fitness is a great thing.  Being able to marry my vocation with my avocation is the very best.  Being able to vacation on top of it is even better.  We recently vacationed at Secrets Maroma in Cancun.  Lovely resort, I hope to return there someday as an instructor.