By Sandy Braz

Home: Toronto, ON, Canada
Gig: Owner, Fit to Lead
Age: 44 Height: 5’3”
Weight: 125 lb

Staying motivated: At age 43, Mary competed in her first fitness contest. To stay motivated she had her iPod stocked with high-energy music. “I listen to my own pop compilations with really strong beats,” says Mary. “Janet Jackson, Katy Perry and Lady Gaga.”

Out of the gym: Mary loves
that postworkout sense of accomplishment, but admits she loves relaxing just as much. She reads, spends time with her four-year-old son, and catches an episode of The Biggest Loser. “I learn from it and I love to see people transform.”

Most complimented on: “My smile,” says Mary who feels inspired by Maggie Diubaldo’s positive attitude in the gym. “I’ve trained with her. She made me appreciate the effort and commitment that goes into a healthy lifestyle.”

What motivated you to pick up the weights? Following a summer break and gaining 15 pounds as a teen, Mary made a change. “I started to run and I’ve never stopped working out since.”