Krystle’s Wellness Journey

“Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try” – Gail Devers

Wellness is a journey.  An epic voyage filled with ups and downs, twists and turns and plenty of lessons to learn along the way. It is a constant movement propelling us forward into our future armed with new experiences and knowledge. My life, health and education, intimately entwined, have been my journey to wellness, strength, confidence and acceptance.

I was born without my kidneys and bladder connecting. The tubes that transport urine in order to be excreted, called ureters, were too short on both sides. This condition is fatal if not corrected. By the time doctors discovered it, my parents were told that I only had 6 months to live if not fixed and that there was only a 50% chance that the surgery would work.  People talk about defining moments in their lives – this is definitely one of mine. Yet I was too young to realize the incredible path it would set me on.

The surgery left me with very weak abdominals that had been cut all the way through, a large scar and an “apron” of belly fat. The latter stemmed from the large amount of scar tissue underneath the incision, which was collapsing in on itself, as I was stitched incorrectly.

Growing up I was self-conscious, shy and suffered from anxiety and depression. While I was always active, I was no star athlete. I had such a hard time building strength and losing weight. In my early 20s, I found Pilates (at Spine Stretch Studio no less!). Having tried a vast array of workouts, Pilates was the first one that I felt an instant connection to and the first time that I noticed a true improvement in abdominal strength.

It was this passion that drove me forward on my journey to become a Pilates instructor and to focus on rehabilitation. How truly amazing it is to help guide others on their journey to wellness through mindful movement!

“I am strong because I’ve been weak. I am fearless because I’ve been afraid. I am wise because I’ve been foolish.” – Ritu Ghatourey

Almost a decade later, the next phase of my journey has taken off. After over two years of research and contemplation, I finally enrolled at The Institute of Holistic Nutrition in 2015. It was an incredibly intensive year-long program that equipped me with a wealth of new knowledge on nutrients, diseases and disorders, mental health and spiritual connectivity to food and body. As a Certified Nutritional Practitioner (CNP), I will be working with clients to create balance and harmony through diet, lifestyle and mental/emotional well-being.

Pilates and improved eating habits changed my self-confidence, mood, body and spirit. I hope to instill in others the belief that food and fitness should be fun, not intimidating and that knowledge is the most empowering tool that we have.

My journey to wellness is far from over. There are always new destinations to explore, new lessons to learn and new experiences to encounter. So I say to you bon voyage and good luck on your journey to wellness! At times it may be tough, but we must keep moving; keep learning. And remember, “To get through the hardest journey we need take only one step at a time, but we must keep on stepping.” – Chinese proverb

Author: Krystle Colting

Krystle Colting is a fully certified STOTT Pilates Instructor and Certified Nutritional Practitioner (CNP). She holds an Honours B.A. Specialization in Visual Arts Studies and an Honours Minor in Dance from York University, Toronto, ON. Krystle brings exceptional knowledge and absolute compassion to everything she does. She believes that food and fitness should be fun, not intimidating, and feels that empowering her clients through knowledge is the best way to achieve optimal wellness.