Shazia Paroo, the Fitness Guru, grew up in the small town of Vernon, BC. She moved to Vancouver in 2000 to expand her passion for personal training and fitness. Fitness was a natural transition, as she always strove to “look my best, feel my best and be my best.”

Shaz muses, “It really fell into my lap. I used to train for myself, to give the world the best version of me that I could. Before I knew it, people were coming to me to ask for help. They wanted to change themselves, to feel better and get healthy. It makes me feel great to help someone reach their best, because I understand their journey.”

When asked about her clients, she smiles and reflects, “We live in an amazing country. We think that people in the US are fit and healthy because of images that we see in the media, but truth be told, Canadians are much more health conscious and amazingly motivated.” She adds with a laugh, “They eat burgers as fast food, our fast food is sushi!”

She pauses for a moment and then adds with a wink, “There are so many beautiful specimens in this city… but I can still make them tighter and tougher.”

Looking at her abdominals, I believe her.

She has a contagious laugh and has left a trail of lifelong friends at every turn.

Shaz has what she refers to as the five “F” pillars of her life: fun, fashion, family, friends and fitness.

She works hard as a trainer, but does not allow it to cut out the things in life that make her happy, including chocolate and the occasional french fries. “The key is moderation. Nothing in excess is good. I mean, you still have to enjoy the little things, right?” It’s about balancing your body, mind and soul.

Fashion and family often mix, as you can see her parading around Yaletown with “LJ,” her calendar model dog, wearing (you guessed it) matching Burberry.

“I’m totally one of those girls. I love it, what can I say?” But, fitness, fun, work and school in equal parts… Shaz will work and play equally as hard.
“I love good times, and I love my friends. Whether it’s here or in Vegas, alone with a bowl of popcorn or together with a group of awesome people, life is about making the best memories you can.”