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Jennie Henderson

I AM ALFA because every struggle I have endured has made me stronger. I became passionate about fitness and nutrition when I realized that I could actually feel good in my own skin.


Photography by: ALI SOHRAB

Hair and Make up By: Eleni Banakas


I didn’t grow up athletic or even particularly active. As a kid, we moved around a small town in Ontario a lot. I married my high school sweetheart and we became very young parents. My kids were 6 and 2 when I first joined a gym after many failed attempts to lose weight. I hired a trainer who was a Figure competitor, and was able to transform my body. We moved our young family to Alberta, where I competed in bikini. I didn’t know enough about the sport or nutrition to do well at the time, but it did lead me to hiring a macro coach.

I became so passionate about fitness and nutrition when I realized that I could actually feel good in my own skin, and feel that way without torturing myself.

The unexpected mental health benefits drove me to share that passion! I began my coaching career on the side. During the evacuation from the Fort McMurray fire, we moved to the Okanagan. I was 3 weeks out from my Figure debut and dropped out of the competition. Knowing what I knew about macros, I was able to maintain and deal with my emotions during such an emotionally draining time. I went on to compete in Figure in Kelowna the following year. We have now settled in the north Okanagan where I started my business, teaching bootcamp, doing personal training and working with online clients. While most of what I do is fitness and nutrition, I also help my clients with their mindset, which we all know is so important in any journey to self-improvement.

Are you a Trainer? If yes, what does it mean to you to train your

clients? I am a trainer! I am grateful that I have the opportunity to help people feel good in their own skin and improve their mindset as well as relationship with food! It’s so rewarding!

I AM ALFA because every struggle I have endured has made me stronger. I’ve used my struggles as building blocks to build myself up so that I can build others up too.

What are the most rewarding things that Fitness has brought you?

Fitness improved my relationship with my children. I now have energy to play with them, which I didn’t when they were very young and I was overweight and struggling with some depression. Fitness has also lead me down a path of nutrition knowledge which has totally improved my mental health and relationship with food. I used to binge, and even throughout my first prep, but now I just make foods fit and the emotional tie to them isn’t as strong. Finally, fitness has lead me down a path where I am impacting other people’s lives. I never had the confidence to believe I could do that, but I am and it is so fulfilling.

When was the most alfa moment in your life, and why? My most Alfa moment was taking the leap and jumping with both feet into starting my business! I have always been a working mom and it as terrifying to think of leaving a comfortable job and income with no guarantees! I turned my fear into excitement, and I’m happy to say things are growing.

What’s next for you? First up is finishing my nutrition certification. I am going to continue to grow my YouTube channel, and social media following so I can create some partnerships and grow my business and brand! I previously worked in sales and marketing and I love that side of the fitness industry as well (trade shows are my favourite). I believe I can help a lot of people and it’s been so fulfilling that I know I will continue to do just that. I’d love to create some eBooks to help my clients and followers, and I’ve been seriously considering putting some heels back on and trying my hand at Figure again one day.

Please share up to 5 things people don’t know about you.

I was a mom at 19 (my son is currently 14 - most of my peers are just starting their families).

My husband and I have been together for 20 years this year.

I have a Great Dane (@earlthegreatestdane on IG )

I ride a Harley, even though I have a bit of PTSD from the Fort McMurray fire, so I don't ride often because I sometimes get anxiety when I ride.

I didn’t really know my biological dad until I was an adult.

Please name up to 5 Alfa people you know.

Camille Steele - she’s a good friend and crossfitting mama. She is inspiring to so

many people!

Ryan Henderson - my husband. This man works hard as hell in his career and in the gym and is one of the humblest guys out there.

Angela Miller - a super supportive friend who is also a client and is a former Personal Trainer herself. Her trust in me helped me believe in myself and my value as a Trainer and Coach. She also offers the sincerest understanding of people and perception.

Thomas Snyder – one of my former Macro coaches who taught me what kind of coach I would want to be! 5. Casey Harris - one of my best friends and first clients. She’s had an incredibly inspiring journey herself and has supported me since day one.

What would be the ultimate tips you could share with everyone

about life?

Life is exactly what you make it! I’ve been unhappy, unhealthy and I’ve been happy and healthy - the biggest difference was my mindset! I believed life sucked, so it did. Now I know life is amazing and it is.

What would be the ultimate tips you could share with everyone about health? It would be about how to achieve a balance.

Get some activity in at least 3 days a week - any activity, your

favourite activity.

When it comes to food, everything in moderation. Focus on protein and fiber (you’ll get your micronutrients from fiber-rich fruits, veggies, grains, lentils and legumes) and allow yourself to have “fun foods”. The temptation goes away when it’s no longer taboo.

Focus on gratitude! The more you focus on what you’re grateful for, the more you will find to be grateful for! It’s seriously life changing.

Write down your goals. A goal not written down is just a dream.

Don’t let anyone live rent free in your head! Just focus on you, what you’re grateful for in your life, what’s important to you, love, positivity and these will all contribute to a good mindset

Your favourite quote:

Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t - you’re right. Henry Ford


Where people can find you?

Instagram: @Jennie.bbw


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