Super Nova of The Month: Liz Belford

Nova Health Club • June 3, 2025

Congratulations to Liz Belford, Our June SuperNova!


Liz’s Legacy of Strength: A Decade of Dedication


Chances are you’ve seen Liz in action - training in the mornings at Nova for the past decade!


We chose Liz as our SuperNova because of her consistency and dedication to training. No matter what the day or week brings, she always shows up ready to work.

Showing up during challenging times is often what sets successful people apart. Liz is a great example of this - despite dealing with knee, shoulder, and neck issues over the years, she’s stuck with it.


She proves that it is about progress not perfection and that success is inevitable when you don’t give up.


And that is why at her age she is still crushing it - squatting and deadlifting with barbells, pushing for more reps in the gym, and staying active outdoors through hiking, cycling, or traveling… 


👉 Check out the interview with Liz below to hear about her approach to her health and fitness.




Mindset & Motivation


You have been consistent with training for more than 10 years… How have you been able to stay motivated over the years to continue with such commitment?


“What I have learned over the years is that there are some days when the hardest part of my commitment is actually showing up & walking through the door. I will be honest. Within minutes my coaches have my head turned around & I then become totally into what they have planned.


They motivate me to work hard & give it my all. Due to my scheduling I am currently training under Zack & Kim. They are so different. My body needs what each one brings to my session. I am experiencing some physical limitations right now & they both have incredible patience with me week after week. I don’t train with Matt but he is always available to answer questions about anything to do with the body & so willing to share his knowledge.


You have assembled an amazing team Josh! I like all of them! They all make it fun to train at Nova! I do have fun too. What a great way to start my day.”



What are some of the biggest mindset shifts or perspective changes you’ve made over the years that have transformed the way you approach your health and fitness?


“There are many. Acknowledging the importance of investing in my own health & wellbeing as we see the decline of our medical system for many Canadians plus the knowledge I have gained as it pertains to nutrition, hydration, sleep & balance & importance of physical activity. Training in the mornings has become a way of life for me. On days that I train the boost in energy & extra dose of mental clarity I get carry me right through my day. It’s unbelievable!”





Training & Progress


What does your current training and activity routine look like and why does this routine work for you? 


“I train at Nova 2-3x/wk. Outside of Nova I usually power walk a couple times a week for an hour as well as practice Yin Yoga. Winter skiing has always been one of my favourite winter sports & boating in the summer. I am starting to get on my own mat at home more often now & recognize that I really have to do more stretching every day.”


What health, strength or fitness accomplishment are you most proud of?


“I am proud of the progress in my strength & my commitment  to continuously show up. Showing up is the hardest part - but oh so rewarding when I walk out at the end of my session!


Lat pulldowns - just progressed to 100 lbs x 8 reps. Weighted plank - 25 lbs for 1:30 (ready to increase that). Deadlifting 105 lbs x10. And I have just recently resumed squats after some physical limitations that Zack & Kim have helped me with.”



 

Lifestyle Changes & Challenges


You’ve worked through some physical challenges over the years and even recently — how did that affect your training and what helped you overcome it?


“Recently I’ve noticed recovery takes more time. Sometimes I feel like I need a body holiday. I think this stems from trying harder and lifting heavier. 48 hrs isn’t always an adequate time for recovery at my age.”


What specific routines, habits or ‘hacks’ do you think have contributed the most to your success?


“Aside from my patient, knowledgeable, Nova coaches, I installed an infrared sauna at home which I use 2 -3 times a week which I think has contributed to better sleep at night.



I also have really enjoyed learning more about nutrition through Nova, the importance of proper hydration plays in my wellbeing & my sleep is way better than it used to be which makes me happy to no end!”




Future Focus


How would you say your commitment to health and fitness has allowed you to improve your quality of life? For example, have you been able to do new things that you could not before or has it positively impacted the lives of others you care about?


“I believe that my children are proud of me with this very important commitment, lifestyle choice that I have made.”


What does success in health fitness look like for you going forward? Are there new goals you are focused on attacking next?


“More of the same! Move over aging …I’m coming for you.”




Liz is a great example of how foundational lifestyle habits like mindset, strength training, nutrition and quality sleep can create lasting results. Her approach reflects the direction we’re moving at Nova: a deeper focus on the 5 Pillars of Health - Mindset, Movement, Nutrition, Stress, and Recovery - as the blueprint for long-term success.


👉 Want to learn more about how the 5 Pillars can support your health and performance?Click here to dive deeper.




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