Meet Bianca Liberatore. Bianca was born in North Vancouver but has lived in Kamloops for 26 years. She is a driven woman who loves spending time with her boyfriend and lifting weights.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
Born in North Vancouver, but I have lived for Kamloops for 26 years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
James Audas. My boyfriend, training partner, coach and best friend.
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
Integrated Wellness and Dimensional Massage (they both keep me moving properly so I can continue to keep lifting and stay healthy).
Describe yourself in one word.
Driven.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Bahamas because have you been outside? I am not built for this weather.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
Lifting weights.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
It's a pretty long list. That might need its own separate article.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
It is hard to narrow it down to one thing, but I think my most inspiring thing was going to Ohio and experiencing the best coaching from some the best lifters in the fitness industry. It was amazing to meet people that are so passionate and willing to help people. It also helped lead to my next step of competing in April at a powerlifting meet in Cincinnati, Ohio at Laura Phelps' (one of the best female powerlifters in history) Women's Only Pro/Amateur meet.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I don't know how old you considered childhood, but when I was 17 that is when I started training properly and got my job at the first gym I ever worked at. That's when I started lifting and wanted to compete in my first bodybuilding show (I did my first one at 18).
Where do you volunteer or give back toin the community?
I try to give as much attention as I can to the people that trust in me to take care of them with their training. I want to help as many people as I can with ways I know how.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
That people would have more belief in themselves. I get sad when people have self-doubt. Whether it be staying in dysfunctional relationships, not achieving their goals because they feel like they will fail, not applying themselves 100% because they are worried what people will think.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
My gym ;).
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
I would love more attention on strength training and to help people understand how beneficial it is for people with depression, strengthen the youth and help people with eating disorders (going through one for 4 years... being strong was what helped me).
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
People. I have met the best people at my gym and I am super fortunate to call my clients friends.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
-Compete at the Arnold Classic in Ohio in powerlifting.
-Vacation in the Bahamas.
-To have the best strength training gym in Kamloops.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I have wanted to be a personal trainer. Only other job I wanted was a dolphin trainer because I thought Sea World was where dreams came true (yeah, it's not).
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Facebook: Bianca Liberatore & Instagram: Biancaliberatore3.
What is the name of your business/organization?
NXL Athletics.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I have wanted to own a gym and be a personal trainer since I was about 12 years old.
What is the goal of your business?
Help as many people as possible realize their true strength potential and not to be afraid of lifting.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
I am extremely hard myself. Whenever I try to achieve a goal, I am so critical of myself and harder on myself then anyone else would be. When people doubt me, I want to prove them wrong, so I want to push myself harder.
What do you always find yourself saying?
"That's a YOU problem" (according to my employees haha).
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Don't be afraid to fail or look like a fool. These are necessary milestones on your way to the top (I didn't come up with it. Louie Simmons said it haha).
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Will Smith. He seems like a genuine person and is so intelligent. I feel like he has great work ethic and talking to him would be inspiring and I feel like he would give me a mental push.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
We need to support each other and learn we are paying for a quality service. Maybe it might cost a bit more, but you are getting the heart and passion someone put into their product.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Opening and running a gym for 4 years.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Arnica from Sugar and Spice. Woman works hard!
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Twila Funk owner of All About You Massage.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Thank you to all the people that have supported me as a trainer, as well as supporting my gym!
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE. Thank you, Kamloops.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great!
