You can find my research here.
A little about me
Hey, I'm Gately.
There is really only one way to describe me: I'm just a little bit of everything. I love fitness and food, anything outdoors, art and music, travel... the list could go on. You only have one life- might as well enjoy all the things!
I've been a competitive athlete basically my entire life. I grew up in a tiny town where playing sports is what there was to do. I went to university on a track & field scholarship. Thinking I wanted to be a typographer, I set off to get my undergrad in Art & Design. Even though I was now training at a D1 collegiate level, I was slower (and heavier) than I had ever been. I was lifting and eating like an offensive lineman. So my junior year I took control of my own strength training and nutrition. Sure, I regained my speed and power, but most importantly, I realized how passionate I am about programming/training.
Fast forward- I graduated uni, became a track & field and strength & conditioning coach (and flight attendant), carried and birthed my beautiful son, Fisher, became a CSCS, got my graduate degree in Sport Performance, wrote my thesis over pregnancy- and postpartum-related muscular disorders, became a pregnancy and postpartum corrective exercise specialist, and now here I am- ready to help you embrace and develop your athleticism.
As moms, we are in a unique position to influence the healthspan of our children's lives while they are in our womb. Beyond that, as dads, aunties, uncles, and grandparents, we have the power to inspire the next generation to prioritize their fitness. If you're ready to create generational health, you've come to the right place.
kōtare
the Bird that Calmed the Seas
Kōtare is the Māori word for the New Zealand Kingfisher- a special bird that quickly became my son's mascot after we decided to name him Fisher.
The Kingfisher is a small bird with bright turquoise and orange feathers. They are often found sitting perfectly still on a high perch near a body of water waiting for food. They're known to be patient birds, but are decisive and fast when the time is right. Greco-Roman legend of the Kingfisher (or Halcyon bird) credit the bird for calming the seasonally rough waters of the Mediterranean Sea around winter solstice, hence "the bird that calmed the seas".
While the symbolism of the Kingfisher feels personal to me, it is just as significant to any parent or parental figure (or really anyone who has a relationship with another person). As a constant reminder of my son, Fisher, Kōtare inspires me to prioritize my health so I can be the most present mom for as long as possible. Our personal wellbeing as parents has a biological impact on how our children (and their children) develop. Generational health is the gift that keeps on giving- that's why I'm such an advocate for fitness. The Greeks attributed the demeanor of an entire sea to the presence and behavior of a small bird. I use that as an anecdote for my own life. I believe our presence and behavior is comparable to that of the Kingfisher. We have the ability to calm the seas.