My name is Melanie Shatula and I own and operate Breathe Fitness and Hellerwork!  

My fitness journey started in March 1998, when I  purchased "The greatest gym ever...Bodies By Choice!" from two people who became my role models, and inspired me more than they will ever know, Mike and Joyce Woodward.  I wouldn't be where I am today without them.  They built up a great business and taught me the "ins" and the "outs" on bodybuilding and dieting.  

In 1998 I became certified as a strength trainer through Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation. In 1999, I continued my education with the Personal Trainer program out of Mount Royal College in Calgary, AB. I graduated from the program in 2000 with a Certificate in Personal Training.

The same year I competed in bodybuilding. In 2000, I gained my CFC (Certified Fitness Consultant) certification through the Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology.

In 2000, when I competed in the Southern Saskatchewan Bodybuilding Competition in Moose Jaw, I  won first place in the women's class, and also won first place as best female poser!  

In 2001 I became certified by Can Fit Pro as a Nutrition and Wellness Specialist and as a Personal Trainer.

I operated Bodies By Choice for 5 years, and in June 2003 I sold Bodies By Choice to a fabulous woman, Arlene Helgason, who still operates it and has built it into even a greater business.

I moved to Prince Albert in June 2003 and started personal training at Bravo for Women. Thanks to  the amazing ladies at Bravo, my business grew and GREW!  At Bravo,  I started a Biggest Loser Challenge thanks to the advice of a friend and client, Laurie Fehr. She had watched the television show and wanted to do it too! So we did! And since March 2004, I have guided more than 170 women (and 1 man!) through the Biggest Loser Challenge.

In February 2006 I flew to Whistler, BC to meet Buddy Lee and complete his Jump Rope Certification - Level 1 Training through the Buddy Lee Jump Rope Institute. Buddy made me a fan of him and the Buddy Lee jump ropes.

Breathe Fitness has grown, as I do personal training in my private studio, at some of the gyms in Prince Albert, and people's homes.

I love training clients in their homes and showing them a great workout with minimal equipment.  So many people think they need expensive machines to get a workout...it is incredible AND HARD to do a workout with nothing but your body! 

 
I love what I do and feel gratitude everday for my AWESOME clients who enable me to make a living at doing what I do!! Thank you!

July 2007 was an exciting month for me as I am now a Bikini Bootcamp trainer for Prince Albert and Candle Lake. Bikini Bootcamp is a fantastic company with a great philosophy and a great team! I am very excited to take on this new venture. See Bikini Bootcamp at www.bikinibootcamp.ca for more information.  Classes run throughout the year...even in the winter!!

August 2007 was a great month as well.  I moved into my new office where I can do personal training, fitness assessments, and Hellerwork all under the same roof..YAY!  

August was also the month I obtained my Pre and Post Natal Fitness Specialist certification from Can Fit Pro.   

September 2007...I have decided to upgrade my Personal Training education through Mount Royal College in Calgary after 7 years and get my  Personal Fitness Trainer Diploma through NAIT in Edmonton, AB.  Don't worry I am not moving...I am completing the course over the next 12 months through distance learning!    

I am grateful for all the amazing people that inspire me and allow me  to have the most AWESOME job EVER!!!  Have a warm and sunny summer!! I hope you get some time to kick back and relax a little!!! 

Mel