Fitspo Friday Feature: Tamara Grand a/k/a @fitknitchick_1

Today’s Fitspo Feature is Tamara Grand
You can follow @fitknitchick_1 on Twitter
Like Fitknitchick on Facebook
Visit her blog
Follow her on Pinterest
And make sure to sub to her YouTube channel

She holds certifications in:
BCRPA Certified Personal Trainer and Advanced Group Fitness Leader; Indoor Cycling, Bosu and TRX Training
Education: BSc, MSc, PhD in Biology
My fitness writing has been featured on skinnyMs.com, biteSizeWellness.com, and FitFluential.com.

Q1. Have you always lived a healthy lifestyle?
A: For most of my life, yes, but not always purposefully. I grew up in a diabetic household and experienced fairly clean eating from a young age. My parents had a large kitchen garden that we harvested produce from during the summer. My mom prepared all of our meals ‘from scratch’ and was always finding ways to make baked goods healthier. When I left home for university, my diet
initially included a fair amount of junk food, but I had very little money to spend on pizza and beer, so thankfully, that phase didn’t last long! I didn’t really get serious about
exercise and healthy eating until after the birth of my first child. It suddenly seemed important!

Q2. What is your motivation?
A: My main motivation for staying fit and healthy is my family. I want to be able to keep up with my children and set a good example for them as they grow. I am also motivated
by the prospect of aging well; I want to look and feel good for as long as possible!

Q3. What is your favorite workout?
A: My current favorite workout is spin class. I’ve been teaching it for two years now and I can honestly say that I still find it challenging each and every time I get on the
bike. I love the combination of loud, thumping music and high tension hill climbs! Boot camp is a close second due to the infinitely variable format of the class.

Q4. What are your goals?
Currently, I’m working towards leaning out a bit. For the last couple of years, my focus has been on building muscle, in particular, upper body muscle. I wanted to look
great in a tank top! Now, with peri-menopause knocking at my door, I’m finding it more difficult to keep the mush at bay. I’ve just switched up my workouts to include more HIIT
and circuit training, as well as making a few changes in the kitchen. I’ll let you know how that works out!

Q: What are some of your accomplishments or things you’re proud of?
After spending many years in university and working in biological research, I switched directions completely and started a new career in the fitness industry. I’m
particularly proud of the strength it took me to leave something I had done (well, but unhappily) for so long and embark on a new path that I’m completely passionate about!

Q6. Tell us one random fact about you
A: A totally random fact about me that your readers should know? I knit a lot. Even more than I Facebook or Tweet. My yarn stash fills four large plastic tubs in my closet.
My husband still thinks that you can buy a ball of yarn for $6. Don’t tell him otherwise.

Q7. What are some words of encouragement to the readers?
I have three children who never take my advice. I’d love to give some that somebody will listen to! No matter how old you are, it’s never too late to try something
new. A new shampoo, a new hair stylist, a new workout, a new career. The next new thing you try might just be exactly what you’re looking for!