Your Body Your Fitness founder Orlanthia Bray says exercise is medicine for the community
Binny Paul a day ago
1 / 4 Your Body Your Fitness founder Orlanthia Bray is dedicated to empowering individuals through personalized nutrition counselling, personal training, and inclusive group fitness classes.Submitted photo
A grassroots fitness initiative led by a resident of Vanderhoof is committed to tackling the addiction crisis and empowering local communities through a renewed focus on health, fitness training, and self-confidence.
Founded by local resident Orlanthia Bray, Your Body Your Fitness (YBYF) has quickly emerged as a transformative force in the local fitness landscape, dedicated to empowering individuals through personalized nutrition counselling, personal training, and inclusive group fitness classes.
Bray founded YBYF with a clear vision: to make wellness accessible and achievable for everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances. Bray is using a personalized approach, working closely with each client to set realistic goals and navigate their fitness journey with patience and encouragement.
“Changing daily habits can be daunting, especially for those facing medical challenges,” Bray said, emphasizing the importance of gradual, sustainable change to prevent burnout and ensure long-term success.
At the core of YBYF’s mission is community engagement. Recognizing the diverse needs of Vanderhoof, including rural and First Nations communities like Saik’uz, Nadl’eh Whut’en, and Stellat’en First Nation, Bray is dedicated to breaking down barriers to fitness. She currently runs the “Tour De Vanderhoof” summer boot-camp, offering outdoor sessions at various scenic locations across town. These sessions not only promote physical activity but also foster camaraderie among participants, with weekly nutrition challenges incentivizing healthy eating habits through local business partnerships.
Looking ahead, Bray’s ambitions are set on expanding her outreach to include group fitness classes in neighbouring rural communities such as Braeside and Mapes. Her ultimate goal is to establish a dedicated fitness facility equipped with amenities like saunas and ice baths, offering a comprehensive wellness experience for all.
Beyond physical health, Bray is committed to addressing broader community challenges. “Exercise is medicine,” she says,while advocating for fitness as a tool to combat prevalent issues like addiction and obesity.
Drawing from her personal journey of overcoming addiction, Bray understands firsthand the transformative power of fitness and nutrition in achieving mental and physical well-being.
Her goal is to impart this knowledge to others, particularly within vulnerable communities, fostering resilience and self-sufficiency through health education and training opportunities.
“One of the biggest concerns for our communities and especially the First Nation communities is the rising drug crisis, I know many people that are suffering from an addiction whether it be drugs or alcohol,” she said.
Only by healing the mind, body and soul can one heal themselves from their past traumas, and therefore become the best versions of themselves, Bray said.
By encouraging some of the local youth to pursue personal training and/or nutrition certificates, the program can can help communities to grow their own health and fitness programs led by their own people, she said.
“The power of knowledge is incredible and by teaching the young mothers/fathers, grandparents the value of health and fitness, I hope to bring in a new wave of healthy and strong community members,” she said.
Central to YBYF’s ethos is the integration of indigenous knowledge and practices into its wellness initiatives. Bray collaborates closely with First Nations leaders and community members to ensure that YBYF’s programs honour and reflect traditional values and teachings.
From incorporating traditional foods in nutrition workshops to respecting the land during outdoor fitness sessions, Bray strives to create a culturally sensitive environment where health and heritage intersect harmoniously.
Navigating the entrepreneurial landscape has presented Bray with challenges typical of startup ventures—from managing business accounts and learning social media algorithms to finding work-life balance.
Yet, Bray remains steadfast in her commitment to growth and learning, leveraging community support and partnerships to propel YBYF forward.
According to Bray, what sets YBYF apart is its commitment to fostering community well-being, with a special focus on serving the First Nations communities in Vanderhoof and the local areas.
“Recognizing the significant barriers these communities face in accessing quality health and fitness services, we are dedicated to bridging this gap,” she said.
YBYF is not just another fitness venture, Bray says, adding, it’s a movement towards holistic well-being by redefining the journey towards health and wellness.
With a deep-seated belief in the power of health and community, Bray and YBYF are paving the way for a healthier, stronger future—one client, one community at a time.
