This week, I’m excited to feature Betina Gozo in our Strong Girl Spotlight! She’s a 2017 Finalist for Women’s Health Magazine’s Next Fitness Star Search! Yea, girl! Women’s Health Magazine runs this competition once a year and Betina decided to just go for it, a motto you’ll see is consistent with her life! Read her spotlight for a healthy dose of inspo and motivation! And…VOTE FOR HER HERE! 

Tell us about yourself!

I’m a jane of all trades, but of a master of none. Haha!  I am a full time trainer that works out of Nike World Headquarters, all while operating my health and fitness training brand, Canvas Training. I’m also a musician and adventurer, spending my extra time with my partner and our English Setter, Loki.  We write and play music together, but then also go on fun hikes and adventures in the pacific northwest.   I also love to ride and work on my old school mopeds and longboard with Loki!

What does Strong mean to you and what makes you a Strong Girl?

I have been through a lot in my life, and rather than fighting it or trying to forget it, I’ve tried my best to embrace a lot of it, knowing it has made me who I am.  Being a Strong Girl to me is about being able to overcome your challenges in life, making you physically and mentally tougher.

What do you love about The Strong Movement?

I love that the message is not just about having a strong body, but also a strong mind!  I specifically love that Ailis and I have similar backgrounds, being dancers that discovered the thrill of working out and making change happen for ourselves!  

How has healthy living increased your confidence and self-esteem?

With all the crazy things that can happen in life, my health and fitness was the one thing that I finally found that was a constant and no one could take away from me.

What challenges have you had to overcome on your journey?

I was really starting from scratch when it came to weight and athletic training.  The first time I took a bootcamp class with my roommate in my 20s, I realized how out of shape I actually was.  That temporary defeat was something that fueled me to work harder, and eventually fueled a passion that has turned into a career.  I sometimes feel like I was late to the game, so I am always getting more continuing education and learning from the best trainers and people in the industry, so I can give my clients the best service possible.  

How have these experiences shaped who you are and how have they contributed to building your Strong Mind?

I used to think that because I didn’t have an athletic background, I had something to prove.  It wasn’t until recently, I was reminded that you never have to prove anything to anyone.  You can’t change your past or what has happened to you, but you can control the controllable. 

What do you wake up looking forward to and excited about every day?

My clients, my classes, and being able to work out!   I used to play in a band full time, and I thought nothing could compare to the feeling of getting off stage after a really awesome set, but the feeling I can get after training myself and training others is beyond that.  

Do you have any daily rituals? What’s a day in your life like?

What’s one healthy, positive habit that you’re proud of?

Meditation.  This was a practice I started over a year ago, and it has done so much for myself and the people around me.  It has helped me be less reactive, think more objectively, and just have overall good mind health.  

What keeps you motivated when the going gets tough?

I have the logo of a company called, 3ELove, which is a wheelchair heart. 3ELove’s mission is all about embracing diversity, educating society, and empowering each other to love life.   It reminds me to be thankful for being able-bodied and that you really can achieve anything you can put your mind to.  

What do you love about your mind and body?

My mom raised me as a single mom, but didn’t let any of that stop her from doing everything she can to give me a good life.  That gave me an innate ability to work hard and not let anything stop me.  No excuse is ever good enough for me knowing my mom raised me the way she did.  

What is your mantra/philosophy you live by?

Work hard, be humble, and be nice to people ☺

Tell us about your experience with Women’s Health Magazine! So exciting!

I remember hearing about this contest when it first came out 5 years ago, and I never thought they would pick me, but I finally got the guts to submit a video this year, and I was SO excited when I got the e-mail notifying me as a finalist!  They sent me and the other finalists to NYC to shoot the cover and the videos for the website in April, and we had to keep it a secret until the end of June, when the magazine came out.  I’m so excited, and so humbled and warmed by all the support from my family and friends.  

Photo from http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/next-fitness-star-finalists

What other goals and dreams do you have for your career?

I really just want to touch a lot lives and inspire people to try things they thought they couldn’t.  You don’t have to be athletic or “in shape” to start, you just have to have the drive and determination to make change happen for yourself.

You’ve followed your heart and have worked hard to make your dreams a reality…. What advice do you have for other Strong Girls?

Don’t ever let anyone else tell you how your journey is going to go or put blame on someone else or thing for why you don’t have something – you have the power and control of how your story goes, so work for it!  Nothing is ever given, everything is always earned!