How We Got Our Start
Erin Crawford had a dream to one day open a studio that focused on health, well being and fitness training in a way where people could feel empowered and strong. In 2008 she stepped into that dream and created the Body Tempo and it’s been an ever evolving private health and fitness studio ever since to many career driven professionals.
Most of our members don’t have time to learn all the ins and outs to fitness and nutrition so instead they spend their time being an expert in their field and we take care of the rest.
Body Tempo is a place where you can show up with confidence that your health and fitness goals will be accomplished with proper guidence and support in a professional and private enviroment.
Meet Erin, CEO and Studio Owner
Hello
Erin Crawford
CEO and Studio Owner
Owner & Founder, Body Tempo Health & Fitness
Mom of Jack (7) & Hazel (15 months)
Master Sound Healing Practitioner | Cancer & Exercise Trained | Natural Bodybuilder
Movement has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up skiing and swimming competitively, but even as an athlete, I held myself back. I believed that trying meant risking failure, so I coasted—never realizing how much that mindset would shape my early adulthood.
In my twenties, years of working full-time in a sedentary desk job caught up with me: chronic pain, weight gain, depression, and a deep loss of confidence. I knew something needed to change. What started as a small step toward fitness became a complete life transformation.
Along that journey, I discovered natural bodybuilding—and it lit a fire in me. For eight years, I competed in 15 natural competitions, becoming a sponsored athlete and learning the discipline, structure, and deep self-awareness that intense training demands. My time on stage taught me far more than how to pose or diet—it was about integrity, resilience, and proving to myself that trying doesn’t equal failing.
Over the past 20+ years, I’ve studied, experimented, and coached hundreds of clients one-on-one. I hold numerous certifications, including Cancer and Exercise Training for Health Professionals through the University of Calgary. My approach shifted again as I became a mother, realizing that fitness is no longer just about achievement—it’s about sustainability, energy, and staying connected to myself while raising two little humans.
A profound turning point in my healing journey came after losing my dad to pancreatic cancer. Navigating that grief led me to sound healing, where I found emotional release, grounding, and a deeper understanding of mind-body connection. This personal healing inspired me to pursue training as a Master Sound Healing Practitioner in tuning forks and crystal singing bowls. Today, these tools complement the physical side of coaching, helping clients regulate their nervous systems, release emotional tension, and unlock inner healing that supports physical change.
My coaching philosophy is simple: wellness is an inside-out process. Sets, reps, and nutrition matter—but your thoughts, confidence, and emotional wellbeing shape everything you do.
Today, as the founder of Body Tempo Health & Fitness and a mom of two, I bring a blend of lived experience, formal education, and heart-centered coaching. My mission is to help people build strength—physically, mentally, and emotionally—so they can move through life with resilience, confidence, and purpose
Feel Confident Moving Your Body
We are a dedicated team of professional personal trainers in Nanaimo who create programs and classes designed to help move your body into the future YOU.
weight reduction
Combine exercise and professional nutritional guidance to take the weight off and keep it off!
improved flexibility
Reduce joint pain, achieve full range of motion and stay injury-free on your fitness journey!
gaining muscle mass
More than just mass, work with our professional instructors to shape, define and build your ideal body!
recovery from injuries
Our trainers will work with you to achieve maximum results using training programs customized for you!
endurance training
Reach your body's peak performance your way and see the benefits in every aspect of your program.
healthy balanced food
You can't outrun your fork! No training program is complete without professional nutritional guidance.
Meet our strongest team
Hello
Chelan
BCAK Member • Kinesiologist • NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer
Chelan is a proud graduate of the Kinesiology program at Vancouver Island University and a registered member of the British Columbia Association of Kinesiologists (BCAK). With a lifelong passion for fitness, health, and nutrition, she is committed to helping clients reach their personal wellness goals with confidence and clarity.
Growing up in Nanaimo, Chelan spent most of her life playing competitive ice hockey and continues to stay active as a member of the Nanaimo Islanders Female Hockey Association, as well as in regular co-ed tournaments. Her background in sport has given her extensive experience with concussions, anatomy, functional movement, and common athletic injuries—knowledge she brings directly into her coaching and kinesiology practice.
Outside the rink, Chelan loves hiking, exploring the outdoors, and staying connected to the beauty of Vancouver Island. She first joined Body Tempo by attending Erin’s group classes and immediately felt drawn to the positive environment, strong community, and empowering energy the studio offers.
Now a NSCA Certified Personal Trainer and practicing kinesiologist, Chelan is excited to continue expanding her skills and experience alongside Erin Crawford and the Body Tempo team. She brings a warm, encouraging approach and is passionate about helping clients move better, feel stronger, and build long-term confidence in their bodies.
Valentin
Master's studies at the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports program of Conditioning Coaching.
Hi everyone, my name is Valentin Ziman.
I am from Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia. Slovakia is a small but beautiful country in the heart of Europe. I am in the final year of my Master’s studies at the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports program of Conditioning Coaching.
Sport has been my passion since childhood. I started with karate and then transitioned to handball which I have done for almost 12 years and 1 year professionally.
My training career started when I was 17 years old as a swimming instructor for adults and children. I then, got into functional training when I was 19 years old. Since that time I have gone through a lot of courses to continue my education and continue to learn. These courses include massage, Gua-sha, DNS1-2, EXOS, and water rescue
I look forward to getting to know you all and working closely alongside you to help you reach your goals.
Danielle
Student • Powerlifting Enthusiast • Outdoor Adventurer
Meet Danielle Cosgrove
Student • Powerlifting Enthusiast • Outdoor Adventurer
Hello! I’m Danielle Cosgrove, a current student at VIU with a deep love for powerlifting, health, and living an active, engaged life. Some of my favourite things include hitting the trails for a hike, spending time outdoors, blasting heavy metal during a lifting session, and even getting my hands dirty in the garden.
I grew up in Campbell River, where “exercise” mostly meant running around in the woods with my friends. It wasn’t until my teens that I started to understand the real benefits of staying active—and not until my 30s that I gathered the courage to walk into the weight room for the first time. Before that, I was a full-on cardio addict!
Hiring a personal trainer helped me break through my fear of “looking silly” in the gym. Through learning proper technique and building confidence with strength training, I realized something important: fitness truly is for everyone. No one should feel intimidated or out of place while learning, growing, and getting stronger.
Now, as part of the Body Tempo team, I hope to help others experience that same confidence, empowerment, and excitement for movement. Whether you’re brand new to strength training or ready to push your limits, I’m here to guide you, support you, and cheer you on every step of the way.
Kameron
Certified personal trainer dedicated to helping individuals achieve full-body recomposition
Kameron, originally from Port Alberni, is a certified personal trainer dedicated to helping individuals achieve full-body recomposition, strength gains, mental fortitude, and overall improved health and mobility. His extensive experience includes coaching children aged 6-15, both with and without physical and mental disabilities, in archery—a sport that demands precise muscular control, individualized hip and core stability, and optimal skeletal alignment.
With nearly a decade of dedication to personal fitness and archery coaching, Kameron firmly believes that together, you can conquer any goal. His fitness journey began after years in the demanding field of restaurant management, giving him a firsthand understanding of the challenges of balancing training with a high-pressure career.
Kameron’s pursuit of exhilarating experiences ranges from the adrenaline rush of motorcycle rides to the intensity of rigorous training. He is constantly pushing boundaries and seeking to surpass his limits, embodying a commitment to living life to the fullest.
Ella
She is thrilled to embark on her journey as a Certified Personal Trainer at Body Tempo! This September, she will be entering her final year in the Kinesiology program at VIU.
You may have already seen Ella in the studio, shadowing and training since she first arrived as an intern in early 2024. She is thrilled to embark on her journey as a Certified Personal Trainer at Body Tempo! She has completed her final year of the Kinesiology program at VIU.
Ella has a passion for daily physical activity and is deeply fascinated by the art and science of human movement. Her goal is to help others feel empowered through movement. She brings a wealth of experience teaching all ages, from parent-and-tot swimming lessons to adult swim classes and group fitness water aerobics, gained from her work as a lifeguard and swimming instructor.
Although Ella didn’t always enjoy physical activity, living on the West Coast has fostered her love for the outdoors and inspired her commitment to staying active every day. She enjoys a variety of activities, including running, swimming, biking, snowboarding, and surfing.
Ella is excited to help others feel better, move more easily, and discover the joy of incorporating movement into their daily lives.
Katie
Katie is entrusted with the essential tasks of managing client memberships, accounts, billing, and scheduling.
Her expertise in these areas will undoubtedly enhance our service delivery and ensure seamless experiences for our valued members. She can be reached via phone at 250-618-3443 and via email at info@bodytempo.com, or in person at the studio.
Katie brings an unwavering passion for health and wellness, flourishing in environments that prioritize these values.
Katie’s personal journey towards well-being commenced in her youth, marked by a diagnosis of an autoimmune condition. Ever since, she has wholeheartedly committed herself to seeking balance and harmony in life.
Outside the studio, Katie’s vibrant energy extends to her personal pursuits. You’ll often catch her running, engaging in invigorating workouts, yoga, crafting delicious meals, and cherishing quality time with her partner and two adorable fur babies.
Erin Crawford
CEO and Studio Owner
Chelan Hein
Personal Trainer with Heart
Valentin Ziman
Conditioning Coaching
Hi everyone, my name is Valentin Ziman. I am from Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia. Slovakia is a small but beautiful country in the heart of Europe. I am in the final year of my Master’s studies at the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports program of Conditioning Coaching. Sport has been my passion since childhood. I started with karate and then transitioned to handball which I have done for almost 12 years and 1 year professionally. My training career started when I was 17 years old as a […]
Stephanie Butler
Kinesiology / Athletic Therapy
Stephanie is passionate about many forms of fitness but spends much of her time strength training and being a part of the Acro Yoga community in Nanaimo. She enjoys spending time on the Island’s vast trail networks and being outside. Her passion for health and fitness significantly increased through her recovery from multiple surgeries and years of chronic pain. Since becoming a kinesiologist, she has had the privilege to use exercise to help a wide variety of individuals get back to their lives following surgeries, injuries, or other conditions including […]
I wanted to submit my amazing trainer Erin Crawford as trainer of the year. She has given me the most amazing training programs, and diet, that all work with my own dietary restrictions, and old injuries. She has supported me and always been there for me whenever I need her help. I truly believe she deserves this award, I am a trainer as well, and am highly impressed by her professionalism, skills, and passion for what she does. She has made my first ever competition at the age of 50 a lot easier for me.
I am over the moon happy with my 6 month progress changes !! Thanks to Erin Crawford at BODY TEMPO, For the amazing knowledge and expertise on helping me to continue to achieve my goals whether there weekly or monthly or long term goals, I wouldn't be able to get them with out her help! Some people ask well why do u have a trainer or why do u workout every single day ? i love to workout and feel good about myself it not only has helped me with body confidence but as well mentally and how I deal with my daily life challenges. I love the path I have chosen for myself and to as well be able to show my kids a healthy life style and get them started at an early age ❤️
Erin is a truly excellent trainer! She is the perfect combination of tough ("Erin, you are KILLING me!") and warm ("Sheldon, you are doing SO well"), and she works with the whole person -- mentally, emotionally and physically. Because of her efforts, I am stronger mentally and physically, I have better balance in my life and most importantly, working out has become fun. Throughout my competition prep Erin helped me get through my highs and lows. I was extremely happy with the end results and look forward to working with her again for my next competition in 2014! I highly recommend her without reservation.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What should I bring to my first session and/or all sessions?
2. Are groups limited to women or men only?
There are also seasonal pre and post natal...
3. How long are personal training sessions?
The usual training session consists of approximately 1 hour sessions.
4. How often do I need to commit to training with your or in the gym?
That depends on your plan, your budget and how often you want to come into the gym. For Clients who purchase 1 on 1 personal training packages we provide them with their workout program and workout sheets so that they can do workouts on their own as well as with their trainer.
Workout program in app. Where you can input your weights and delete exercises omitted. There is an option for you to print off your program. If you would like a printed copy of your program there is a fee of $5. You may print off from your home at no charge.
5. Are you going to teach me how to design plans?
Not directly. The service is that of a coach-client relationship and not that of a teacher-student rapport. That said, in providing you with the info required for you to get the most out of your plans and helping you troubleshoot, over time, you should pick up a great deal as a secondary benefit.
6. If I email you how quick should I expect a reply?
All correspondence is email based with an average reply time within 24 – 48 hours. This allows for fully considered and measured questions, comments and replies.
7. How often are plans changed?
Programs are changed every 4 to 8 weeks.
8. Do I have to live in Nanaimo BC to obtain your service?
If you have access to an internet connection and Zoom, resistance training equipment, and quality foods (meats, produce, etc) we can most likely design a plan fit for you and your needs.
9. When starting a biweekly payment plan program how much money is due prior to starting?
We require just the first payment 5 days prior to start date. This allows for us to start programming. Your second payment will withdraw two weeks post start date.
10. Do I have to wear a mask while exercising indoors?
Wearing a mask is a personal choice and is no longer mandatory.
11. Do I need a vaccine passport in your gym in BC?
No vaccine passports are required.
A selection of articles from Erin
Recipes for healthy meals / In-depth understanding of your body / Workout tips
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How much cardio do i need to do?
Firstly what is cardio? Cardio exercise uses large muscle movement over a sustained period of time
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What is the secret to staying motivated for the long term?
Every person that embarks on the journey of living a fitter and healthier lifestyle has their
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Creating a stronger metabolism
Your metabolism is the rate that your body burns calories. While there are very few people
