It all started in 1992 when I attended my very first bodybuilding competition. At that time, fitness competitions didn't even exist yet — there was only one division: bodybuilding. Things have definitely changed!
The show was held in Stratford, Ontario, Canada, now known as the Jim Morris Classic. After watching that competition, I knew this was something I wanted to pursue. I spent the entire next year training harder than ever. Luckily, I was already working at a gym as a personal trainer and aerobics instructor, so fitness was already a huge part of my life.
To be honest, a lot of people at the gym thought it was funny that “Steph” wanted to compete in bodybuilding. My background was dance, long-distance running, and aerobics, not exactly the typical bodybuilding path. I didn't carry much muscle mass at the time, but that only motivated me more.
After a year of intense training, heavy lifting, and strict dieting, I entered the 1993 Jamor Stratford Bodybuilding Show, now called the Jim Morris Classic. At the time, it was one of the only shows in Ontario. People, including myself, were pretty impressed with the transformation I made in just one year, especially since I handled my own training and nutrition with only a few tips from friends at the gym.
There were six girls in my class, and I placed second. Looking back at those photos now, I laugh because I looked like a string bean! I had some muscle, but I was incredibly lean, weighing only 116 pounds. During my final competitions years later, I stepped on stage at around 130 pounds — quite a difference!
A few months later, I entered a competition in Windsor called Ms. Fitness Canada USA. It was one of the very first fitness competitions in Canada, and with my dance background, I knew it would be a perfect fit for me. Thirteen women competed, and I absolutely loved every minute of it. I ended up winning the show, and from that moment on, I knew fitness competition was my true passion.
Since then, I've competed in over 35 fitness competitions around the world.
In 1996, I earned my IFBB Pro Card and qualified for the 1997 Fitness Olympia during my very first year as a pro. My last Olympia was in 2007. Shortly after, I decided to retire from the stage to focus on starting a family.
Today, I have a wonderful son named Morgan William Roy Gleason, who truly has been the greatest gift in my life. Around the same time I became a mother, I also lost both of my parents within the same year. Life definitely takes us down some difficult roads, but those experiences have shaped who I am today.
I truly feel blessed to have spent my life in this industry. I've had incredible experiences, met amazing people, and built lifelong friendships. I've also worked extremely hard. I believe when you combine passion with dedication, success naturally follows.
One of the biggest blessings in my career has been my long-standing relationship with Fit Foods Canada, the Canadian company behind brands such as PVL, Mutant, North Coast Naturals, and Whey Gourmet. Competitive fitness is an expensive sport — costumes, travel, supplements, coaching, music, and more… early in my professional career, I was seriously considering retiring because of the financial pressure.
That's when PVL stepped in at exactly the right time.
I had always believed in and used their products, so I reached out about sponsorship opportunities. After working a few events for them, they officially signed me as a sponsored athlete and thankfully, I didn't have to walk away from the sport I loved.
What started as a sponsorship eventually turned into a career. I later joined Fit Foods as a sales representative, and more than 25 years later, I'm still proud to be part of the company. Their support, encouragement, and belief in me have meant everything.
In fact, I loved the products and the company so much that I eventually left my job as a personal trainer and nutrition consultant to become an Account Sales Manager for Fit Foods, even though I never considered myself a salesperson! Thankfully, believing in the products and genuinely loving people made all the difference, and I went on to become one of the company's top sales representatives.
As one of their sponsored athletes, I also had the opportunity to host television series such as “The PVL Finally Fit Challenge” and “Living Well with PVL” on Rogers Television. These 12-week transformation programs focused on helping participants achieve their fitness and nutrition goals through training, education, and proper supplementation. The shows ran successfully for five years and opened many more doors for me within the fitness industry.
Today, one of my greatest passions is hosting the Stephanie Worsfold Classic. Watching the event grow over the years and giving back to the sport that gave so much to me has been incredibly rewarding. Seeing athletes step on stage with confidence, pride, and excitement reminds me exactly why I fell in love with this industry in the first place.
I'm also excited to be starting a YouTube channel where I'll be sharing workouts, nutrition tips, behind the scenes moments from the fitness industry, and fun collaborations with some of today's top fitness influencers and athletes. Fitness has changed so much over the years, and I'm looking forward to combining old-school experience with today's fitness trends in a fun, motivating, and entertaining way!
My goal has always been to inspire people to stay fit, stay healthy, believe in themselves, and live life to the fullest.
— Stephanie Worsfold xoxo