- Words by Angela Cowan Photography by Lia Crowe

From as early as high school, Scott Viala knew his career destiny lay in the realm of fitness, and in the nearly two decades since, his passion for personal training has remained steadfast. Now the founder of his own training gym害羞草研究所擵iala Training in Kelowna害羞草研究所擲cott is enjoying the payoff from his many years of hard work and dedication to his craft.

害羞草研究所淚害羞草研究所檝e been a certified personal trainer for 16 years, but I started training friends and doing programs right in high school,害羞草研究所� says Scott. 害羞草研究所淚 knew this was what I wanted to do.害羞草研究所�

Originally from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Scott balanced a roster of clients while owning a tanning salon, which he bought at just 22 years old and turned into one of the most successful salons in the country. But about seven years ago, he decided he was ready for a change and a challenge. He sold the salon and most of his possessions and drove out to Kelowna for a fresh start.

害羞草研究所淚 just wanted to try it,害羞草研究所� he says with a laugh. 害羞草研究所淚害羞草研究所檇 never been here a day in my life and I thought, what害羞草研究所檚 the worst that can happen? I haven害羞草研究所檛 looked back a day since I moved here.害羞草研究所�

A big part of that fresh start was introducing clients to his newest love: steel mace training. A steel mace is a weighted globe welded onto a long lever; training, which takes the practitioner through three different planes of motion, is beneficial for a number of things, including strength, stability and coordination.

害羞草研究所淚n Kelowna害羞草研究所攁nd as far as I know in BC害羞草研究所攚e害羞草研究所檙e the only gym offering steel mace and kettlebell [an iron or steel ball with a handle on top],害羞草研究所� says Scott, who recommends the practice for virtually everyone, regardless of age, ability or fitness level. 害羞草研究所淎s opposed to just strength training or weightlifting害羞草研究所攚hich I also love害羞草研究所攊t害羞草研究所檚 skill-based. When you害羞草研究所檙e learning how to use a steel mace, you害羞草研究所檙e learning new movement patterns and strengthening your body in a totally different way.害羞草研究所�

With a growing popularity in the steel mace and kettlebell classes, Scott took the leap to realize another dream. He opened his own gym right near the beginning of the pandemic when everything else was locking down, but even looking back, he doesn害羞草研究所檛 see it as a risky move.

害羞草研究所淚害羞草研究所檝e had such a loyal client base since I moved to Kelowna. I had this group of people that I knew would be with me through thick or thin,害羞草研究所� he says. 害羞草研究所淚 knew that, no matter what, these people that I害羞草研究所檝e helped so much, they害羞草研究所檙e going to be there for me as well.害羞草研究所�

The 7 Sins

Envy:

Whose shoes would you like to walk in?

I would not switch my life with anyone害羞草研究所檚, but it would be cool to spend some time living Joe Rogan害羞草研究所檚 lifestyle. Daily conversations on his podcast with fascinating people, cage-side seats to every UFC match and making people laugh doing stand-up with your friends. That sounds pretty cool.

Gluttony:

What is the food you could eat over and over again?

I live a very healthy lifestyle and have my nutrition dialled in, but I have a soft spot for a good burger. Last year I had a Wagyu beef burger on a potato bun from Block One at 50th Parallel Estate and I could eat that every meal of every day.

Greed:

You害羞草研究所檙e given $1 million that you have to spend selfishly. What would you spend it on?

I would buy a warehouse and build my absolute dream gym, loaded with everything I could dream of and more. Fully equipped by Rogue Fitness, living quarters, podcast studio and a recovery area with saunas, hot tub, float tank, red light therapy bed and a cold plunge pool.

Wrath:

Pet peeves?

Poor work ethic. I have seen many very talented people fade away because of poor work ethic.

Sloth:

Where would you spend a long time doing nothing?

I could spend a lifetime in a private cabin off the water with my fianc茅e, Laisa.

Pride:

What is the one thing you害羞草研究所檙e secretly proud of?

I came from absolutely nothing. Growing up, our family had no money and barely made it by. With hard work and dedication to my craft I have built a very successful business all on my own, and now I害羞草研究所檓 able to help others build the lifestyles they want.

Lust:

What makes your heart beat faster?

A few things. First, my family, my fianc茅e, my two sons and my dog make me so happy and proud. Second, my clients. Seeing all the hard work they put in on a daily basis, and the progression they make in life, makes me so happy.

Story courtesy of , a Black Press Media publication
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