BY MO HAGAN

WWe have all heard there is power in thinking positively. But this is only one step towards being more selfconfident. My work over the last three decades in the fitness industry has shown that regular aerobic activity and strength training is key to not only looking and feeling your best, but also to performing at your highest level.

I will never forget the moment

I realized I owned the power to influence my own self confidence.

I was presenting at a top fitness industry convention in Sydney,

Australia. This was my chance to prove myself as an international presenter. The evening before the big day, I injured myself during practice, did not sleep well, and woke up in pain.

While my mind was starting to accept the injury and fatigue, I kept telling myself that just because I am not at my best physically does not mean

I can’t do this. I limped over to the iconic Sydney Harbor Convention

Center and had a face-to-face conversation with myself in front of the mirror in a restroom near the ballroom where I was presenting.

I pushed my shoulders back, li ed my chest, struck my favorite power pose and said out loud “I am Mo Hagan and I can do whatever I set my mind to. Get out there, share your passion, you’ve got this. You are MI-T-MO!”

I walked into the presentation room and delivered one of the best presentations of my career, just as I told myself I would. Now, whenever

I feel nervous or stressed, I know how to reset. I use the technique called “Power Posing” to change my physical state—and within minutes it changes my mental and emotional state. On page 50 of this magazine, I will teach you how you can do the same in just minutes as I share a strength training routine that will help power up your posture and boost your self-esteem muscles.

I’ve been blessed with many challenging opportunities to show myself and others what is possible when you set your mind to it. I never underestimate the benefits of my commitment to fitness and healthy eating. Together with living authentically, this grants me the ability and resilience to remain a dynamic business woman and fitness professional. We all have this ability. When an opportunity arises, I encourage you to tap into that ability, strike your “Power Pose” and get out there and be the best you can be! 2020 has presented many challenges but it has also presented opportunities to grow. By becoming more tech savvy, I was able to support fitness industry professionals and consumers during the darkest of days. Influencing people through my efforts in fitness and healthy living is my passion. Influencing positive change for women worldwide is my purpose. In this issue, you will learn how other women have risen to their own life challenges. Child star Drew Barrymore had to rebuild her life step by step to become a self-aware and life-affirming whole person. Allison Garber almost let wine sabotage her life; now she runs instead. Recovering from multiple concussions, Melissa Boufounos learned to treat herself with respect. Krista Stryker burned out on fitness—then created a brilliant “12-minute” workout.

You will also learn the Seven Statutes of Seduction (hmmm!), how to strengthen your immune system, more super cool workouts (boxing and fitness for the holidays), how to cook great Mexican food the vegan way, breathwork for pregnancy, and the wisdom of Yoga. I am extremely proud to be recognized by OptiMYz as a Top 100 Health Influencer and a 2020 Top 10 Woman of Power. I am thrilled to have been invited to guide readers as a new member of the OptiMYz editorial advisory board. I’m excited to take this journey with all of you.

Maureen (Mo) Hagan is an award-winning fitness instructor and program director, the 2019 Canadian Fitness Industry Leader of the Year, and group fitness instructor with GoodLife Fitness. COO of canfitpro, Canada’s leading fitness education authority and the creator of Women Who Influence, she is a member of the board of the Women in Fitness Association.