The Origin Story of Steel Mace Valkyrie: My Fitness Journey
Welcome to SMV! Allow me to introduce myself and share the incredible journey of how Steel Mace Valkyrie came to be.
My Humble Beginnings: The At-Home Workout Days
My name is Brandee, and once upon a time, I was your typical at-home DVD workout girl. While running my in-home daycare, I would seize the opportunity to dash downstairs and press play on my daily workout during the kids’ naptime. Before long, the kids started joining in on the fun. We all loved it!
When the kids reached school age, it opened up a new world of possibilities for me. I finally had the freedom to venture out and explore local gyms. While each gym served its own purpose, one in particular caught my eye: a smaller establishment offering Spartan training. It was here that I was introduced to the unique world of Steel Mace fitness…
The Awakening: Discovering Steel Mace
From the moment that steel touched my hands, I felt a surge of energy pulsate through my entire body. It was a life-altering experience—cliché, but true. I sensed an imminent transformation, a new path unfolding before me in ways I could never have imagined.
Eager to share this newfound passion, I wasted no time in signing up for a group fitness certification. Once certified, I jetted off to Toronto to acquire my Steel Mace and Indian Clubs certifications through Agatsu Fitness. During that time, I also competed in a Steel Mace competition in Regina, becoming the first female in Canada to complete a 5-minute set of 10&2 swings with an 8 kg Steel Mace—a record that has since been broken, but hey, I was the first!
Teaching and Growing: Steel Mace Valkyrie Takes Flight
Upon my return, I began teaching small, private Steel Mace classes on Friday evenings, all while working as a full-time group fitness trainer at a local gym. The opportunity to grow my skills while doing something I deeply loved was a true blessing.
That same year, I flew to L.A. for a two-day intensive certification course with Rik Brown and SMF (Steel Mace Flow). Those two days endowed me with more skills and fueled my desire to spread the love of Steel Mace fitness to a broader audience.
The Big Move: My Own Space
In June 2019, I took another significant step by opening my own space in Regina’s Warehouse District. Slowly but surely, I began to expand my offerings, which now include Boot Camps, Intro Workshops, and much more.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic threw a curveball, introducing stress and uncertainty. How could I keep the gym running under tight restrictions? The answer was simple: adapt. I launched online classes via Zoom, attracting students from around the globe.
Seeing the pandemic’s toll on people’s physical health, I also delved into Nutrition Coaching, offering a program I aptly named “Valkyries Victual,” with ‘Victual’ meaning food or provisions for humans.
Building a Community: Where We Are Now
As someone passionate about Norse and Viking history, you’ll notice that many of our classes bear unique names inspired by these themes. We’ve been in operation for four years now, creating lasting memories and building what feels more like a family than a client base.
Our class offerings are diverse, ranging from Kettlebell and Styra (Steel Mace Swings) to Tveir Stál (Steel Mace & Kettlebell), and even team-building workshops. There’s truly something for everyone at Steel Mace Valkyrie.
Join the Revolution: Why You Should Try Steel Mace Valkyrie
Come see for yourself why our community loves it here so much. Our doors are open to everyone, and we can’t wait for you to join us in this amazing fitness journey. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss!
