“Jobs of the Future” is a series focusing on career paths, local job opportunities, programs, and tales of success that highlight North Bay's diverse job market.
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“I had a great paying job that had a pension, and benefits and I made a decision to make some sacrifices to be able to do something that I’m genuinely passionate about and that sparks my fire.”
That’s Alysha Loeffen, head coach and owner/operator of Aligned Athletics who pursued that passion of becoming a personal trainer who owned her own gym.
Born and raised in Chisholm, Loeffen went from a career in finance to a career in fitness.
“I started my career, really, working as a bank teller, and eventually worked my way into personal finance. I realized that wasn’t for me – but it was a great learning experience because it allowed me to set myself up financially to have the means to pursue my true passion,” she says.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, when we were shut down, I just thought ‘What the heck, anything can happen.’ I got my certification and started coaching online, and that quickly branched into personal training as gyms reopened. I was very fortunate that during Covid I met Andre LeBlond, who was running the dojo (Ferris Family Martial Arts on Lakeshore Drive).
"I was working out here using just the Smith Machine (A weight exercise machine on which the barbell is fixed within the steel rails and allows only vertical movements) and I asked him if I could take on a few clients as a personal trainer in this space. Andre was very generous to offer the space and we got talking about doing some renovations and expanding the equipment and it quickly became the gym that we have here today.”
Loeffen says it was an “exciting process” to build what she describes as her dream gym.
“With my background in powerlifting and bodybuilding, I was choosing the pieces that I was more experienced in using and equipment I thought would be the most beneficial for my clients and I feel like we did a pretty good job of putting this all together. But, everyone that comes here, I tell them to share their ideas because I’m open and very receptive to knowing what works for people and what doesn’t. I want to make sure that every piece of equipment we bring in here is used and appreciated.”
Loeffen says she had always been exposed to the gym as both her parents were fitness enthusiasts.
“I got a gym membership as soon as I could and as a young woman my focus was on weight loss, but I fell in love with power lifting in high school and my focus then turned into building strength. Since then, it’s been a passion for me and pursuing all the things you can gain from that sport,” she says.
“I wanted to be a personal trainer, that was something I thought about in high school, but at the time it was not the most stable career choice, especially in a small town where opportunities could be limited, so I put that on the back burner.”
But the École secondaire catholique Algonquin graduate says she got her certification through the National Academy of Sports Medicine online during COVID and has never looked back.
“I feel like when we were stuck inside during the pandemic, people found they had some time to focus on their health and fitness and were finding ways to work out at home and sharing your fitness goals became trendy on social media and still is right now,” says Loeffen.
“It’s a great trend to show people that you want to be strong and healthy and it’s not just about looking great but the benefit of putting in the work to get there. It’s something that spans generations, people are seeing that this is important no matter their age. I realized that I could build this as my own business starting from scratch. It really felt like the sky was the limit and I was creating this dream into a reality and making the most of this opportunity.”
Loeffen says she built Aligned Athletics with the goal in mind of creating a space for people to flourish.
“I wanted to build a community of people who are dedicated to fitness like I am. One of our members said to me the other day, ‘We kind of seem to be a collection of misfits who all have the same love for lifting,’ and I couldn’t be prouder of that statement because that’s exactly what I was hoping this space would become.”
Loeffen currently has two other trainers working with her, Brad Janzen and Althea Boncheff.
“I want them to have their own freedom and creativity to make this place work for them and not have to adhere to a certain set of rules,” says Loeffen. “I want their authenticity to shine through and for them to expand within their own facet of fitness. We all approach fitness in a different way, and we all have different backgrounds and it’s great to see everyone growing that knowledge and expanding their own personal abilities.”
Loeffen says, “Brad and I have known each other for a while. We worked together at a local restaurant and then went out to British Columbia and spent the summer planting trees. We then came back and did our own things for a while but reconnected by running into each other at a gym. He was, and still is, heavily involved in Strongman competitions and I was interested in finding out more about that. The next thing you know, here we are competing together and bringing that community to North Bay while growing this gym.”
She adds, “Althea is someone who reached out who was interested in the gym and we went back and forth for a little bit, until the timing was right, and she came on board. She was working at another gym, but she’s found a new home here and we’re grateful to have her. It’s really cool how it’s all worked out and I can really appreciate paving this path not only for myself but for people I consider very good friends.”
Loeffen says the name Aligned Athletics comes from having everything you need in your life lined up.
“Having your habits, your body and your mind all working together all in alignment. It also came from aligning yourself with the right people, people who have ambition and who want to better themselves.”
Loeffen says there has been a learning curve to being a business owner, but it’s something she has thoroughly enjoyed.
“The hardest part of becoming a self-employed business owner is coming to the realization that you don’t get to clock out after your shift. You really are on the clock 24/7, you have to be the business manager, social manager, janitor, bookkeeper, you don’t get to set these things down and I completely understand the appeal of a job where you go to work, you do what’s required within your job description and then you go home. You close the laptop and your done for the day. But I wouldn’t change this for the world.”
If you have a story idea for “Jobs of the Future” send Matt an email at [email protected].
