About Coach Tammy Lee
I’ve made fitness and wellness coaching a professional career, helping others find their health and happiness while they journey through their years.
MY STORY…
I grew up in a small fishing village. I was shy, bullied in school, and preferred to remain in the shadows. I was never involved in school sports except for what happened in gym class. But outside of school, I was a very active child and teen, always playing outside, doing my own thing.
I had a tough childhood, survived sexual and physical abuse, and overcame a destructive relationship with alcohol. But even though I was experiencing hardships, I always remained active and headstrong. If I said I was going to do something, I would do it.
In 1999, I was approached by an instructor at our local YMCA. He told me about a YMCA Strength and Conditioning certification course that was coming up. I took it and started volunteering at the YMCA. This was my first step in the fitness industry.
In the following year, I became canfitpro certified in personal training and group fitness instruction. Soon after that, I was offered a job at a local gym in Lunenburg. This experienced helped to level up my experience and professional coaching.
In 2002, I decided to go to university to become a teacher. During this time, I went through a devastating separation which left me as a single parent and financial destruction. However, I didn’t quit my dreams. Thanks to the support of my parents, I was able to push on and obtain two university degrees.
During this time, I was also managing an art gallery in Lunenburg. One day, an older lady came into the gallery and passed me a pamphlet about the local triathlon club. I didn’t even know this existed and I was intrigued. I joined.
I embraced the sport of triathlon, completed in my very first year using a mountain bike. I didn’t have the money to buy the “right” gear but I made it happen. I had new goals now, something to focus on.
Eventually, I became a certified triathlon coach by the NCCP and competed in two iron-distance triathlon races. In 2013, I completed EPIC Dartmouth taking first place in my age category and qualifying for a spot on Team Canada for the world championships. I also raised over $7000 for ProKids at the same time.
Although I did not end up going to the world championships as I didn’t have the money, I continued to coach and compete for another year. Then, I met someone.
This new man in my life was a cyclist and he introduced me to mountain biking and cyclocross. Here is where I found my true passion – riding the dirt! Faster forward to today, I have competed in many mountain bike and cyclocross races in Nova Scotia, Alberta and British Columbia.
In 2016, I became a PMBIA certified mountain bike coach and currently teach kids and adults to ride bikes. Oh, and I should also mention that in 2015, I became a CASI snowboard instructor too.
From 2017 – 2023, I also was a canfitpro PRO TRAINER and taught all their certification courses in Fort McMurray and online. I retired from teaching at the end of 2023 due to a change in lifestyle – I became a full-time RV’er.
While I am still living in Fort McMurray, I transitioned most of my services online because eventually we will be on the road travelling in our RV.
However, while I’m in Fort McMurray, I am still coaching snowboarding, mountain biking, running and outdoor bootcamps.
I am also still racing, although not as much as I was prior to the pandemic, we still do it for fun when time permits.
I hope this story inspires you and shows a great example that no matter how tough life gets, you can still make it your own.
Peace! ✌️
Tammy Lee
COACHING & EDUCATION CREDENTIALS
- NCCP Adult Community Triathlon Coach
- PMBIA Mountain Bike Instructor, Lvl 1
- TrainingPeaks Coach, Lvl 1
- CASI Snowboard Instructor, Lvl 1
- canfitpro PRO TRAINER (PTS, FIS, FMA, HWL, CPR)
- canfitpro Personal Training Specialist
- canfitpro Fitness Instructor Specialist
- canfitpro Healthy Eating & Weight Loss Coach
- Rescue 7 CPR Instructor
- Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education, Acadia University
- Several diplomas and certificates in entrepreneurship, marking, business management, computers, web design, and bookkeeping.
AWARDS & NOMINATIONS
- Rookie of the Year, canfitpro PRO TRAINER award
- Adrian Campbell Sportsmanship, Triathlon NS award
- Certificate of Recognition for Pro Kids Fundraising, Municipality of Lunenburg
- 2 x nominee for Best in Business canfitpro PRO TRAINER award
- 1x nominee for Fitness Professional Award – canfitpro Personal Training Specialist