Leslie, start off by telling us how many kids you have, and how many of them are part of our MOVATI family?

Leslie: I have 3 kids and they all work in management positions at MOVATI.

What was Jayde like growing up? Did you think she would get into group fitness as well?

Leslie: Jayde always loved music, skating and dancing. Starting at the ripe old age of 3 she did her first skating competition and skated to the Pink Panther theme song. Jayde was also always very caring. In her first month of JK she helped her teacher solve a problem where no one would hold one of the student’s hand so she suggested they just all stand in the circle without holding hands (she was 4!). So, in answer to your questions, I am not surprised she is in this industry, helping people and moving to music.

What was your experience like having a mother who was so invested in fitness?

Jayde: I grew up in the gym, which was super cool! I had birthday parties in the gym, attended the odd kids’ fitness classes taught by my mom, and as a figure skater had her to help me with off ice training at times. Some days I loved it, some days not so much lol. As soon as I was old enough to teach classes, she convinced me to get certified. If it wasn’t for my mom, I would not be the instructor that I am today!

 What, in your opinion, is Jayde’s greatest strength or what makes her so successful?

Leslie: Jayde’s greatest strength is her caring and loving nature she walks the walk and talks the talk in the most humble and professional way. 

What do you think are your mom’s greatest strengths are as an instructor and then also as a mother?

Jayde: As an instructor- She is super versatile! She can teach a killer Cardio Box or Tabata and motivate the heck out of you, or slow things down with a super calming Anti-Gravity Restorative or take you through a fun step class or Rhythm & Beats, the list goes on… It doesn’t matter what class you take with her; you will leave with a smile on your face.

As a mother- She’s my cheerleader, always there for me, no matter what, I know I can come to her for advice or feedback and I will get her real honest opinion.

 Mothers often talk about feeling guilty for taking time to go to the gym or do a class. What advice would you give to them?

Leslie: You should never feel guilty for being a good role model when it comes to looking after your health and wellbeing.

As a mother of two young kids yourself, how do you continue to prioritize fitness and has anything had to change compared to before you had the added responsibility of kids?

Jayde: It really is a choice you must make. At first it was tough, you have less time and less energy, I didn’t have the luxury of being able to choose when I wanted to work out, I worked out around my kids nap schedule. Some days I would put them down for a nap, start my workout and 10 minutes in they’d wake up needing me. That was the hardest part, not only building up the motivation to do the work out but being able to stop a quarter of the way in and get back to it with that same motivation. My advice to new moms wanting to continue their fitness journey is be kind to yourself, some days the work out will happen and other days it will not and that’s okay. Things changed for me after having the added responsibility of kids but I knew I had to keep trying, like I said some days it happens, other days it doesn’t but most importantly do not quit, as they are getting a bit older and more independent it’s become a lot easier to be able to schedule my workouts in.

Because you are so active in the fitness community are you seeing yet the influence you are having on them? How do they like to stay active?

Jayde: My kids love to run! They love to race and see who is the fastest. I love practicing handstands and tricks which my daughter has picked up and is now flipping or doing handstands any chance she gets.

What quality do you hope to pass on to your kids?

Jayde: Nothing in life comes easy, so I hope to pass on consistency and hard work.

What is one quality you hope to have passed on to Jayde, or any of your children?

Leslie: Be genuine and treat people the same way you would like to be treated.

What is your favourite part of being a mother?

Jayde: My favorite thing is watching my kids grow and learn new things. There is never a dull moment, they are always making me laugh!

Leslie: Raising my children with good values and seeing them become incredible adults.