Every Friday I am going to feature a woman that I adore. They exude all the qualities of an Alpha Female and I want to dig into their lives to get some nuggets of knowledge to help us all live happier, healthier lives balancing life & work.
Definition of an Alpha Female
An Alpha Female is a powerful and assertive woman. Her confidence is due to being an intelligent and intellectual problem-solver. Being an Alpha Female is a State of Mind based on choosing ambition and being proud of it. She strives for a happy and healthy work/life harmony.
Type A Alpha Females often come across as strong willed and selfish. When we stay true to our authentic selves and stay true to our mission we shine. A true Alpha Female puts the needs of herself first without sacrificing her principles or dignity. She fills up her cup or gas tank first so that she has enough energy for her friends, family, and coworkers. She strives for synergy with the world around her. She wants a perfect work/life balance but knows that it requires being true to your priorities and what makes you happy. She is never complacent about striving for better and nurtures relationships with the people in her life.
Meet Kyla Gagnon!
How are you an Alpha Female?
I work in a fairly oversaturated industry for my small city, and in order to make it I feel like I had to become an ALPHA female. I dug my heels in hard from the start and have worked my way from 1-2 clients a day in the beginning to now 10-12 a day. I run my own personal training business, coach online clients, write monthly articles for 2 fitness magazines, and manage to have a very fulfilling personal life.
Does work/life balance exist?
I sure like to think so:) It took me a few years to allow myself to say NO to others or to work in order to say YES to myself, but this seems to be getting easier for me, and I find that more than ever I am finding a calm balance.
What are you most passionate about?
Life, and all things in it. My health, my hearts happiness, my dog, my people and travel.
What are you daily health habits that keep your immune system boosted?
Much like my Alpha Female hero Robyn Baldwin, I make it a habit to get my greens and aminos in daily. I begin my morning with a few habits that I feel VERY much contribute to my best self. 1. Apple Cider Vinegar, Lemon juice, cayenne and honey shots. 2. Perhaps less immune boosting but more heart boosting is my Intention setting drive to work. Each morning I set 1 – 2 personal and 1 – 2 professional intentions and repeat them like a mantra until I arrive at the gym.
What is your weekly fitness routine like?
Most mornings begin with a yoga practice in my room, before anything else. Just 30-40 minutes. I split my strength training up to 3-4 days a week, which is much different than my old routine of 5-6. I am much more inspired with my yoga practice currently. I am getting cardio in also 4 days a week, generally HIIT style.
How do you challenge yourself fitness wise?
Currently my challenge is to incorporate less strength and more stretch. I am finding this a beautiful challenge. In the past I have competed in and earned a Pro status as a Bikini competitor and found the training incredibly challenging and exciting. As it stands today I am not certain I will continue on that road, so my next challenge will likely be some Olympic Lifting.
What are your daily habits for winding down at night and reducing stress?
I love journalling and reflecting on the day. I begin each day with INTENTIONS and end them with GRATITUDES . I aim for 3-5 each night. I also snuggle and play with my dog at any opportunity I can. Stress for me is best resolved by talking about the issue and strategizing on how I will come out of the situation best. Yoga or a good lifting session are also fabulous stress relievers.
What are your daily/weekly nutrition habits that keep you well nourished?
Magnum Greens and Hi5 ( BCAA) is an immediate immune support that I drink everyday. I eat a lot of vegetables and hormone free meats. I drink at least 3-4 litres of water each day and try to get in some cold pressed juice a few times a week. I make all of my own food so I know that my nutrient needs are met and am never left guessing “What am I eating?”
What are pain points of being an Alpha Female that you have to problem solve for?
Doing It All- As an Alpha Female it may appear sometimes that we indeed DO IT ALL. What this does is creates an expectation to others that you will do anything and everything put in front of you and therefore people will ask A LOT of you. What we must do is what is MOST important to us. What will better us, move us further in the direction we strive for. We do our top 5 %, and allow the rest to happen when and if it comes organically. This may be more than some people do, but that’s why we are ALPHA!
What is your definition of happiness?
Living in ease. Not being concerned with what others may think, feeling comfortable in my own skin. Laughing with the people who mean the most to me.