From Pandemic Hobby to National Competitor: How Jump Rope and LEANFIT Transformed My Fitness Journey

In 2021, my fitness journey took an unexpected leap forward—literally. When gyms closed in Ontario due to the pandemic, I found myself exploring new ways to stay active. Inspired by friends and the engaging online jump rope community, I picked up a jump rope for the very first time. Little did I know, this small step would change my life.

At first, it was just about learning tricks for fun and doing something to pass the time during the pandemic, but as restrictions lifted, I began attending in-person meetups. These meetups were not just about learning tricks; they were about building connections. Surrounded by a supportive group of jump rope enthusiasts, I improved my skills and found my passion for the sport.

When I moved to Nanaimo, I missed these in-person meetups and took matters into my own hands and I started hosting community meetups. I realized that I loved teaching other people tricks, so I got my group fitness class certification and began teaching jump rope courses, expanding the sport locally and inspiring others to pick up a rope. Around the same time, a friend of mine started a jump rope team in Vancouver. Motivated by her efforts, I joined the team, diving deeper into the world of competitive jump rope.

Here’s the unique part: most competitive jumpers start young, often around five years old, and many “retire” in their late teens or early twenties. I entered my first competition at 31. Competing in the 30+ age group, alongside jumpers as old as 60, has been incredibly inspiring. These athletes show that staying active can be a lifelong pursuit.

In April 2024, I competed in the Jump Rope BC Provincial Competition, placing first in speed sprint, speed endurance, and pairs freestyle with my teammate. These wins qualified me for the Rope Skipping Canada National Championship in Ontario in May 2024. Competing on a national stage was nerve-wracking but rewarding—I placed third in speed sprint and double unders. These results were beyond anything I could have imagined when I started jumping rope just three years earlier.

Even more exciting, I competed for a spot on Team Canada for the International Open tournament at the World Championship. I’m eagerly awaiting those results, but regardless of the outcome, I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come.

Throughout this journey, LEANFIT Vegan Protein has been my constant companion. A daily vegan protein smoothie with spinach is a staple in my training routine, providing the nutrition I need to perform at my best. I’ve brought LEANFIT with me to competitions, and it’s the only protein powder that I enjoy! I’ve recently started using the new performance vegan protein and am excited about the added benefits it will bring to my training.

This journey has shown me that small, purposeful steps—like picking up a jump rope—can lead to lasting, transformative change. I’m grateful to LEANFIT for being a part of my path to progress and can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next!

Your Path to Progress

January is a fresh start - a time to embrace small, meaningful changes that lead to lasting progress. True transformation happens through daily habits, not drastic, unattainable goals. Whether it’s meal prepping, taking a 10-minute walk on your lunch break, journaling to reflect on your day, adding an extra glass of water or protein to your routine, stretching for 5 minutes in the morning, or swapping one processed snack for a healthier option, every small step is part of your journey. Let’s focus on progress over perfection and build sustainable habits together this year! Slow and steady, wins your race.

Your path to progress is uniquely yours - celebrate the wins, big or small, and recognize the effort it takes to show up every day. We invite you to share your #PathToProgress with us for a chance to be featured in our January campaign. Submit your story, photos, or videos to info@leanfit.com, and each Friday in January 2025, one submission will be randomly selected to win a $100 LEANFIT e-gift card.