- Words by Angela Cowan Photography by Lia Crowe
From as early as high school, Scott Viala knew his career destiny lay in the realm of fitness, and in the nearly two decades since, his passion for personal training has remained steadfast. Now the founder of his own training gym鈥擵iala Training in Kelowna鈥擲cott is enjoying the payoff from his many years of hard work and dedication to his craft.
鈥淚鈥檝e been a certified personal trainer for 16 years, but I started training friends and doing programs right in high school,鈥� says Scott. 鈥淚 knew this was what I wanted to do.鈥�
Originally from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Scott balanced a roster of clients while owning a tanning salon, which he bought at just 22 years old and turned into one of the most successful salons in the country. But about seven years ago, he decided he was ready for a change and a challenge. He sold the salon and most of his possessions and drove out to Kelowna for a fresh start.
鈥淚 just wanted to try it,鈥� he says with a laugh. 鈥淚鈥檇 never been here a day in my life and I thought, what鈥檚 the worst that can happen? I haven鈥檛 looked back a day since I moved here.鈥�
A big part of that fresh start was introducing clients to his newest love: steel mace training. A steel mace is a weighted globe welded onto a long lever; training, which takes the practitioner through three different planes of motion, is beneficial for a number of things, including strength, stability and coordination.
鈥淚n Kelowna鈥攁nd as far as I know in BC鈥攚e鈥檙e the only gym offering steel mace and kettlebell [an iron or steel ball with a handle on top],鈥� says Scott, who recommends the practice for virtually everyone, regardless of age, ability or fitness level. 鈥淎s opposed to just strength training or weightlifting鈥攚hich I also love鈥攊t鈥檚 skill-based. When you鈥檙e learning how to use a steel mace, you鈥檙e learning new movement patterns and strengthening your body in a totally different way.鈥�
With a growing popularity in the steel mace and kettlebell classes, Scott took the leap to realize another dream. He opened his own gym right near the beginning of the pandemic when everything else was locking down, but even looking back, he doesn鈥檛 see it as a risky move.
鈥淚鈥檝e had such a loyal client base since I moved to Kelowna. I had this group of people that I knew would be with me through thick or thin,鈥� he says. 鈥淚 knew that, no matter what, these people that I鈥檝e helped so much, they鈥檙e going to be there for me as well.鈥�
The 7 Sins
Envy:
Whose shoes would you like to walk in?
I would not switch my life with anyone鈥檚, but it would be cool to spend some time living Joe Rogan鈥檚 lifestyle. Daily conversations on his podcast with fascinating people, cage-side seats to every UFC match and making people laugh doing stand-up with your friends. That sounds pretty cool.
Gluttony:
What is the food you could eat over and over again?
I live a very healthy lifestyle and have my nutrition dialled in, but I have a soft spot for a good burger. Last year I had a Wagyu beef burger on a potato bun from Block One at 50th Parallel Estate and I could eat that every meal of every day.
Greed:
You鈥檙e given $1 million that you have to spend selfishly. What would you spend it on?
I would buy a warehouse and build my absolute dream gym, loaded with everything I could dream of and more. Fully equipped by Rogue Fitness, living quarters, podcast studio and a recovery area with saunas, hot tub, float tank, red light therapy bed and a cold plunge pool.
Wrath:
Pet peeves?
Poor work ethic. I have seen many very talented people fade away because of poor work ethic.
Sloth:
Where would you spend a long time doing nothing?
I could spend a lifetime in a private cabin off the water with my fianc茅e, Laisa.
Pride:
What is the one thing you鈥檙e secretly proud of?
I came from absolutely nothing. Growing up, our family had no money and barely made it by. With hard work and dedication to my craft I have built a very successful business all on my own, and now I鈥檓 able to help others build the lifestyles they want.
Lust:
What makes your heart beat faster?
A few things. First, my family, my fianc茅e, my two sons and my dog make me so happy and proud. Second, my clients. Seeing all the hard work they put in on a daily basis, and the progression they make in life, makes me so happy.
Story courtesy of , a Black Press Media publication
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