Since 2011, Tamara has been helping people improve their quality of life through aquatic fitness. She is an AQX Master Trainer as well as co-author and lead trainer for AQX AquaTots, and AQXonFloats. Monday to Friday, Tamara is the pool coordinator at Spruce Lodge in Stratford. During the summer months, Tamara leads the community group SUP Guelph and instructs beginner SUP board lessons locally at Guelph Lake.
HOW IT ALL STARTED
Love for aquatics began for me as a child and grew into fun, teenage employment. After college I began a new work life in sales, marketing and finance. However years later a back injury lead me back to the water. Water fitness eased and later eliminated my back pain. I found myself drawn back to a career in aquatics. I renewed my lifeguarding and fitness qualifications and applied for a job at the local recreation centre. For 8 years I worked with the fabulous 55+ crowd at Fairview Senior Community centre, leading fitness classes in both water and on land. It was a privilege to educate and encourage participants to better fitness and health. At the end of my tenure with Fairview, I continued to work with clients virtually and in person as the pandemic allows. After the pandemic, I had the honour of re-opening the aquatic program at Spruce Lodge pool in Stratford, where I coordinate aquatic programs and lead aquatic fitness classes. My passion for fitness has gifted me with the opportunity to train with Master Trainers in Aqua Fitness, Personal Training and SUP boarding. More new and fabulous fitness adventures are in the works! Aquatics and fitness brought youthful excitement back into my life. I wish you the same. |
WHY IT ALL STARTED
I wasn't always a fitness instructor. Many years ago, I walked away from a very serious car accident. The damage to my back did not surface until a difficult pregnancy required bed rest. The back pain was unbearable but what was most frightening were the days I simply could not walk. With two young children at home, I needed to find a solution and fast! Unfortunately the quick solution of pain medication offered momentary relief and side effects. The less popular solution of exercise was perplexing, mainly because I couldn't imagine how I would keep up with a fitness class when I could barely even stand upright. Eventually I found myself in a city rec pool following a lifeguard's aqua fitness class; I went home with more pain! Frustrated but not defeated, I gave the water a second chance. Taking the time to find a class lead with a certified aqua fitness instructor was the key. Learning how to be vertical in the water required patience and time but eventually my back pain became a distant memory. Today, when people meet me they see a strong and healthy fitness instructor. The passion I present in my fitness classes comes from a genuine knowledge of how exercise changed my life story. |
Fatima Hrienko was a strong and inspirational lady that enjoyed fitness challenges. A snippet of her amazing life was documented by Jeffery Vallis on CBC's Now or Never.
Despite her health declining due to sarcoma cancer, Fatima decided to climb the CN Tower's 1776 steps in support of the World Wildlife Fund Canada on April 7, 2018. Her message to the world was to enjoy life, to the max, no matter what. My amazing mom passed away less than a year later. She is missed dearly. Her powerful life story continues to influence us. |
Tamara's first interview The C-Suite on Rogers She was interview with Danielle Jaworski December 2019 |
Tamara's second interview on C-Suite with Danielle Jaworski
during COVID pandemic, May 2021
during COVID pandemic, May 2021