Kinesiology, Class of 2021

Holland College (HC): Tell us about your new business, Vital Kinetics.

María Emilia Leiva (MEL): Vital Kinetics is a health and wellness studio offering small-size group fitness classes. We offer an array of unique classes, and there isn’t anything else like this on the Island. We offer unique classes like partner yoga, swing fitness, circuit training classes, and sphero-kinetics classes, which was created by me and is a combination of pilates, yoga, and dance. My main objective was to give more personal, one-on-one attention during classes, which is why our classes have a maximum of only nine participants. With smaller classes, we can fix posture and form, and work on building good, healthy postural patterns. Our classes focus on body awareness and being in tune with how you move. We also offer relaxation services, such as relaxation massage, hot stone massage, guided meditation and massage, and breathwork exercises. We just opened in October of this year, and we are located at 112 Longworth Avenue! People can see more about our classes at www.vitalkinetics.ca.

HC: How did you get the idea to take this path? Tell us more about your journey.

MEL: This path has always been clear to me, ever since high school. I took a personal training course, which I graduated from at the same time I graduated high school. I’ve always known I wanted to do something related to health and wellness, so after high school I studied kinesiology and physiotherapy at a university in Argentina. I ran a couple fitness studios in Argentina, but I wanted to move to Canada to build my career and life. I had a friend who recommended Holland College, and after doing some research I felt it was the perfect fit for me. Taking the Kinesiology program at Holland College taught me a lot, and I was able to make so many connections and learn so many business-related things. I was looking for a sense of community, and both the Holland College and PEI felt like the perfect fit.

HC: How did your time at Holland College help you fulfill this dream?

MEL: Holland College offered me a lot of education on the business side of things, and they helped me build a solid network here on the Island. My instructors were always willing to answer questions, connect me with people, and point me in the right direction. The connections I made through Holland College were priceless and they offered things that a large university or college could never offer me, such as networking and a sense of community.

HC: What’s your favourite memory from your time at Holland College?

MEL: I have many – that’s the problem! I really enjoyed the outdoor principles aspect of the Kinesology program, because it taught me a lot about Canada and PEI. We did canoeing courses, and got the experience the outdoors. The best moment of all would have to be graduation! Having everyone celebrating that final, sweet moment was a great memory.

HC: Do you have a piece of advice you would give new alumni entering the workforce or hoping to become an entrepreneur?

MEL: My number one piece of advice would be: learn to network! Also, build a community, volunteer, and get involved!