This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Wilfrid Laurier chapter.

Name: Iris Harmanescu

Year: 4th

Program: Biology

Hometown: Burlington

Birthday: March 28, 1995

Relationship Status: My dog has my heart

Social Media: @eyeris28 Snapchat: iris.harmanescu

Why did you choose Laurier?

I originally was going to choose Carleton but my parents wanted me to be close to them, so then I came here for bio. I can honestly say that I’m so happy to be here because it’s been an incredible four years and I don’t think I would’ve been the person I am today had I not chosen Laurier.

What is your favourite thing about Laurier?

My favourite thing about Laurier would have to be the people that I’ve met throughout the years. The school has given me the opportunity to foster some phenomenal friendships that I will be eternally grateful for. The Fitness Centre is a close second though… it’s fun lifting heavy things up and putting them down.

What are your postgrad aspirations?

My absolute ultimate goal is to start up some form of athlete training facility. Until then, I’d like to get a few strength and conditioning certifications under my belt and continue to move in the direction of training varsity athletes. Honestly, I’m just going to try to get my foot into anything that’ll help individuals/athletes become better both physically and mentally (in regard to training).

Do you have a favourite study spot on campus?

I love the atrium and hawk lounge, but I’m so nasty that once I write out my notes, I hop on a treadmill and read my notes over and over again for a few hours while I walk.

Photo courtesy of Kha Vo (@khatdvo)

What are you involved with on campus?

Hm… mostly athletics. I was the Health and Wellness Coordinator for the Women’s Athletic Association (you guys should join, it’s super fun). Over the past few months I’ve been one of the strength and conditioning interns for the men’s and women’s soccer teams, which has been an awesome experience. I’m also one of the trainers for I Move My Mood, as well as a normal personal trainer at Laurier!

How long have you been a personal trainer?

I’ve been a certified trainer since last April but have only been training at Laurier since September of 2016!

What’s your favourite thing about the fitness industry?

I love that there’s been an increase in females working out! It helps debunk the myth that you’ll start looking like a man if you pick up a barbell! It’s awesome seeing fitness posts of people improving themselves not only physically but mentally. It’s just great how people come together throughout all types of social media to motivate and inspire one another.

I heard you just got a little promotion at the AC (woo!!!), what are you doing next year?

Hehe, yes, thank you! After being a trainer this year I decided to apply for the position of Personal Training Coordinator! So next year I’ll be coordinating the PT team and working with athletics to take personal training and group training to new levels. We have an AWESOME team for next year and I’m so excited to work with them and to see personal training flourish.

Why are you passionate about the Laurier Recreation/PT department?

Laurier recreation is an awesome department to be a part of and I love it because everything they promote and do helps better people’s lives in various ways involving exercise. For me, I’m passionate because training has gotten me through so many breakdowns and mental barriers that I’ve encountered throughout these past four years. Having gone through and continuing to go through these moments, it warms my heart to think that by being involved in recreation/PT I can hopefully help others pass through hard moments throughout their university career.

What advice do you have for someone nervous about starting out at the gym for the first time?

Start off by going with a friend! The gym seems intimidating at first, but once you break it down you begin to realize that everyone has the same goal as you: to improve themselves. (Plus everyone likes looking at themselves, hence all the mirrors). Another thing, feel free to ask the Fitness Centre staff for a tour around the gym, or help with any equipment that looks hard to use! We’re all super friendly and absolutely love taking the time to help a person out! (You can also hire a PT wink wink #selfpromo)

Where/ how did you start your fitness career?

It started when I started training here! Up until last year I kind of limited myself to the types of training out there, but once I made some friends in the gym and started working, it opened my eyes to the plethora of training styles. That was the moment where I was like wow… I want to do this for the rest of my life.

What is your claim to fame on campus?

One time I was “spotted” in first year for leaving funny comments on posts but I think that was my peak. This may be my next moment of fame so gracias. Hi mom.

What is your favourite food group?

The one with steak and wings and ribs. I’m also a huge fan of mini eggs… huge.

What is your favourite condiment?

I bought this coffee steak rub from Bulk Barn and I honestly put it on everything so I’d have to say that. Or cumin.

What is your go-to burrito order? From where?

If I’m feeling healthy I’ll get a half chicken half pulled pork naked burrito with everything in it minus jalapeños from Fat Bastard. I’m literally drooling thinking about this.

Favourite bar in KW?

I love Chainsaw (@chainsawlovers) because their hotdogs are mighty fine. Plus, singing karaoke and cheap beer with your friends is also a great way to spend your night.

Note from Emily: Can we take in the bottle of Sriracha in her pocket^?

Favourite night of the week to go out?

Tuesday or Thursday.

Who is the most important living being in your life?

My dog (apart from my mom/dad/brother/fish). I don’t know what it is but the little guy owns my heart (check my insta and you’ll see I’m in love).

Would you rather:

Not eat for a whole weekend or not be allowed to work out for a month?

Not eat out for a whole weekend; I don’t know what I’d do with myself if I couldn’t train.

You can only listen to one genre of music for the rest of your life: country or alt rock?

COUNTRY!

Beach vacation in the Bahamas or ski vacation in the Swiss Alps?

Snowboard vacation in the alps please.

Never lift another weight or never eat another shawarma?

I could live without shawarma.

Free burritos for 3 years or free gym memberships ANYWHERE for life?

Free burritos for 3 years, is this even a question?

Come to every one of my Cyclefit classes for a whole year or run a whole marathon once a year for the rest of your life?

I will come to all your classes. Unless there’s free burritos at the end of each marathon.

And to conclude this funderful (fun/wonderful) profile, here’s a rare pic of Iris doing cardio…

Thanks Iris for sitting down with us and allowing us to get to know you a bit better!

Campus Profile: Iris Harmanescu

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