I AM ALFA because I traveled the world as a professional basketball player, and had to quit due to unforeseen health reasons. What was once negative and uncomfortable became the fuel to spark my passion for helping others.
Photography by: ALI SOHRAB
Originally, I’m from Waterloo (Ontario), played NCAA Division I women’s basketball in Rhode Island, and played professionally overseas. Sports were a huge part of my life ever since I was a little girl; eventually there came a time when I had to choose which sport to commit more to. I am glad I chose basketball because of the journey it took me on, both mentally and physically. I find myself in awe sometimes when I think about how far a sport can take someone. It really is a blessing to do what you are passionate in.
Now, I don’t only coach retired athletes but I do have a special place in my heart for those who are transitioning from an elite athletic career to their “next chapter.” This transition is uncomfortable when one is faced with an identity crisis such as this and it is scary to go through. Your sport was your life… You lived and breathed it. I’ve been there and I know how awful it may be at times to discover your new identity. That is why I do what I do.
I am a trainer. Training makes me feel empowered, solely because I help others feel empowered. My goal is to help them become healthier, happier individuals through strong mindset development.
I AM ALFA because I traveled the world as a professional basketball player, and had to quit due to unforeseen health reasons. What was once negative and uncomfortable became the fuel to spark my passion for helping others.
Upon returning to Canada to see a health specialist, it was not until I saw a couple of doctors that I was told I had Crohn’s Disease and that it is chronic. I thought, “What do you mean chronic? Can’t I get rid of it?” I had to learn to accept the chronic aspect of the disease and (am still) learning how to make my body the happiest it can be. I’ve found that I need to truly be in tune with myself and listen to what my body is telling me. For me, stress is the greatest trigger for a flare up which leads to why I emphasize the importance of controlling your mind. Yes, there are foods that make my body a little unhappier but if I can control my mind and stress levels, I am pretty good at managing my flare ups.
What are The most rewarding gift that Fitness has brought you? A healthy body, but just as importantly a healthy mind. An outlet. A space to get into my zone and conquer all obstacles.
When was the most alfa moment in your life, and why? Writing “professional athlete” for the first time as my occupation on the custom declaration cards while flying. That felt good.
How Has Covid-19 impacted your daily life? My current lifestyle is pretty different, from timing to cooking to exercising to working. I am still quite routine-oriented and now remain dedicated to my current home routine, which is a new setting for me to be in all day every day.
If you had to choose any positive thing about isolation, what would it be? More time to myself. More time to breathe. More time to go out on my porch and breath in fresh air. More time to reflect on how beautiful the world is, despite how dark it may seem at times.
How have you been maintaining your emotional, mental, and physical well-being while in isolation? Early morning workouts, 3 meals a day with protein, meditations and affirmations, facetiming someone close to me 1x day.
How do you envision the social, business, and family life to be after the lockdown? As an optimistic individual I do think that there will be positive changes from all of this. Everyone has to adapt; survival of the fittest. I foresee businesses introducing a higher number of remote work options, people becoming more aware of their health and precautions to keep in mind, along with families (hopefully) becoming stronger as a unit.
Please share up to 5 things people don’t know about you. I’ve been to Africa twice and was close to working there at one point Most of my family calls me Ali
My favourite animal is hippo.
Myers-Briggs: ENFJ personality preference, Enneagram: type 7 Makeup freaks me out because I know nothing about it.
Please name up to 5 Alfa people you know. Tim Grover, Shari Wenk, Yolam Anderson-Golhor, Kofi Yeboah, Alena Luciani
What would be the ultimate tips you could share with everyone about LIFE? I would say to work on developing your "IDGAF muscle”.
Individuals do not work out this muscle nearly as much as it should be worked out. Your “I don’t give a f***” muscle probably needs some tweaking. Mine did. We listen to the opinions of others far too much. They control us. Think twice before giving a f***. Do these people actually matter? Do their opinions impact positively or negatively? Reevaluate.
“Sometimes you need to extract, rather than add.”
If you go into your closet and every day you add an item of clothing, what happens? The closet eventually gets packed full of items you do not need or can’t manage. The same thing happens in your personal life. Sometimes instead of adding more and more and more, whether that’s people or scenarios, what is needed is to actually EXTRACT. You can’t manage all of that. You don’t need all of that. You don’t need all of those clothes anymore. Extract.
“Don’t lend your toolbox to undeserving people.”
I had an issue in my past of trying to help others, change others, or be there for others when they didn’t deserve it. I was trying to lend out my tools from my toolbox when these tools weren’t valued or appreciated. Over time I learned that my energy and focus need to be strategically applied to things that are deserving of it.
What would be the ultimate tips you could share with everyone about Health?
The gut is your second brain.
Some of the times that you feel hungry are actually dehydration cues.
Quick fixes are not the solution; sustainable long-term habits are.
Your taste in people will change when you begin to love yourself more.
Your greatest discomfort will bring forward your greatest revelation.
Your small habits are everything.
And… “It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all – in which case, you fail by default.” – J.K. Rowling
Your top favorite quote
“Perceived failure is often times success trying to be born in a bigger way.”
Where people can find you?
Instagram: @kleiner_winningedge
