ABOUT BFF

Oh hello! I’m Rachel. Also known as Rach, Rachie, Coach Koo, Raquel and most recently "mama". I have been working in the fitness industry since 2012 and I love music (dancing), dogs, sport, travelling, cooking food from around the world, watching the Leafs attempt a Stanley cup run, and spending time outdoors with the sunshine on my face. When it comes to health and fitness, I believe in training smarter, eating real whole foods, recovering hard and surrounding yourself with like minded individuals to grow and push you into a better version of yourself so you can enjoy all the things this wonderful world has to offer.

 

Prior to 2012 I was lost with the trajectory of my life. The spark of this journey was a series of failed attempts at finishing a University degree. Consumed by immediate gratification found in partying and being social - I neglected a major part of me that gave me a sense of purpose. So I made the difficult decision to take a step back from University and reevaluate my life choices. 

 

I was in a deep funk. I knew I needed to take a step forward so I got a serving job to save some money for my next moves. During that time I joined a gym across the street and started training once again in between shifts. I felt better each time I was there and thought to myself “maybe I could do this”. I had no experience in this industry besides my younger years playing sports and putzing around the gym. So I started having conversations with people in the industry and signing up for courses. It was through curiosity, a gut feeling and taking these first steps that I allowed everything to unfold. Saying yes to opportunities and embracing being an apprentice.

 

From that point until now - I have realized that living a healthy lifestyle is fundamental to living a fulfilling life. I lost my dad to cancer at the age of 12 - it taught me of the fragility of life and importance of health. My mom raised my sister and I on her own. I watched her work endlessly to provide every opportunity for my sister and I without a single complaint. These two driving forces in my life have formed who I am today. 

 

As I reflect on my life, I have learned that most of my growth has been due to the support and teachings from my mom, late father, excellent teachers and mentors. I understand how it feels to be lost in life, then learning how to forge the strength within to fight the way through. I continue to do this daily with each passing season, and to provide every opportunity to those I coach a chance to understand that they are always one step away from making their dreams come true. 

 

Throughout the last 14+ years working in the fitness industry I have worked at health clubs, CrossFit gyms, boutique gyms, The University of Toronto with their Varsity teams, a private school and with high performance training programs. I have always maintained a group of people with whom I train privately - to keep my tools sharp, continuously grow my craft and to one day build this coaching program to help people who want to truly transform their lives.

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In 2024 I became a mother to a beautiful, spunky and hilarious daughter who keeps me humble, on my toes and connected to my soul. When I first found out that I was having a daughter I was nervous. Girls are treated differently and tend to have more road blocks in pursuit of their goals. But then I became empowered to help create change and help pave a better future for my daughter and girls of the next generation. The world is changing and realizing that women are incredible forces! It is my mission to join hands with them, to lift them up and provide them with the coaching and mentorship to help them achieve their dreams.

 

I started Best Foot Forward Personal Training to help women realize it's their time right now. I have experienced first hand the importance of surrounding yourself with people who want to see you succeed, grow and flourish. Your environment matters. As your coach I promise to meet you where you are, challenge you and guide you towards success. It all starts by taking a step, it’s time to put your Best Foot Forward>>