Although she has been living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) for years, Kominetsky hasn’t let her chronic illness stop her from reaching her goals. While battling pain, weight loss, fatigue and many other debilitating symptoms, the licensed practical nurse persevered to become a fitness trainer, business owner, fitness model and more.

“I understand how following a healthy lifestyle and keeping up with my fitness training has only been beneficial to my health and wellness,” said Kominetsky.

“I have suffered with Crohn’s and colitis since the age of 19. If I didn’t begin my fitness journey when I did, I am not sure where I would be right now. It has helped me get through some terrible dark times, and I found that following a healthy lifestyle with training and diet has been one of the most key factors keeping me in remission.”

A figure competitor with the Saskatchewan Amateur BodyBuilders Association (SABBA) since 2011, in 2018 Kominetsky competed at the Canadian Bodybuilding Federation (CBBF) Elite Pro Diamond Cup in Vancouver, where she placed first in body fitness (figure). She then took the overall category, making her an Elite Pro with the International Federation of Bodybuilding & Fitness (IFBB).

“My tears on stage truly showed how grateful I was and how amazing it feels to be an IFBB Elite Pro,” she said. “Dreams do come true.”

Kominetsky has worked as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) since 2005, and was awarded the LPN of Distinction Award in 2016. She currently sits as chair of the Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses (SALPN).

In 2013, Kominetsky placed in the top five in Inside Fitness magazine’s bikini model search and has also been included in the magazine’s Hot and Fit 100 feature. Also in 2013 she completed the canfitpro fitness instructor specialist course, followed by the personal training specialist course in 2016. She now works with Team Wawryk Pro Trainers.

“I am very excited and honoured to be a trainer with Team Wawryk,” said Kominetsky. “When you get to be a part of such an established team of diverse trainers with years of knowledge in health and fitness, it makes you appreciate the benefits of physical fitness and wellness even more.”

Kominetsky became an entrepreneur in 2017 when she took over SaskFit, an online fitness clothing and accessory store that unites health and fitness enthusiasts throughout Saskatchewan with its lifestyle brand (visit skft.ca for more details).

“I’m truly blessed to have the support of our amazing province,” she said.

To say Kominetsky knows a lot of about fitness and health is an understatement. Here she offers her top five tips for success for anyone starting their fitness journey.

1.Make SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timely):

If you’re new to the fitness scene, don’t start off by saying “I’m going to work out five days a week” when you know you are really only able to work out three days. Instead, set a goal of being more active: park further away, take the stairs more or sign up at a fitness facility.

2. Hire a certified personal trainer:

Once you have made the commitment to become more physically fit and active, you need to ensure you’re following proper form and technique. This will help you become more familiar in a physical fitness setting and reduce the risk of injury due to a lack of knowledge of the equipment and weights. Working with a personal trainer can offer variations of exercises to fit your lifestyle and needs (for example, to accommodate injuries). Please do your research. Just because a trainer did a competition once does not make them credible. On the flip side, just because someone does have certification it does not always mean they know what they are doing. Meet with the trainer one on one, ask around if anyone has ever trained with the individual and pay attention to their work ethic, drive and determination. Once you’re comfortable to be unleashed on your own, do it. Personal trainer costs do add up, but the knowledge you’ve gained is your power.

3. Drink more water:

But be careful if you retain fluid, have heart or kidney issues or have electrolyte imbalances. If your doctor has you on a fluid restriction for any reason, please follow their advice. For those who do not have issues, for every eight ounces of a dehydrating beverage – such as coffee, tea, juice, pop, alcohol, etc. – you need 12 ounces of water to replenish your body. If you’re not a water drinker because it’s too “blah,” try fruit or cucumber-infused water, lemon water or liquid enhancers.

4. Limit processed foods:

In this day and age, everyone is busy and convenience is key. Try to pre-plan meals, bake or cook in bulk or schedule your food prep days twice a week. My infamous saying is “A failure to plan is a plan to fail.”

5. Gather support:

You’re only going to be as effective as those who surround you. Inform your family and friends that you’re on this journey, that you may have to skip out on those restaurant meals every day or that you may need to break plans of binge watching that new TV series so you can get your activity in. Better yet, get them on board. Have them come to the walking track or fitness facility once a week so they can see the hard work you’re doing, have them make some healthy choices in regards to their diet or challenge them to drink more water. If your immediate circle doesn’t support you, and you’re constantly being swayed to make unhealthy choices, it’s time to distance yourself and focus on your goals.

-Shannon Boklaschuk