At Rose Boreal, we are excited to conduct a series of interviews with inspiring women who have chosen a path less traveled and, in so doing, have had a significant impact on the world around them. Each of these women teaches us how to broaden our outlook, live more in rhythm with our true calling, and be of service within our community. From documentarians to social innovators to sports and outdoor enthusiasts, we will highlight how these women forged their path while uncovering some of their biggest motivators and, of course, their favorite go-to snack!
Andrea Beaulieu has a chill that can't be faked. Maybe it's because she spends 90% of her days in the great outdoors, encouraging people to move their bodies and take in their surroundings, rain or shine. Whether innate or lifestyle-driven, this mother of one and founder of Esprit Alpin, has energy and good vibes for days. Originally from Victoriaville, Quebec, Andrea is a yoga instructor, kinesiologist, and lover of all things nature. It's in the town of Morin-Heights, north of Montreal, that Andrea began her small but mighty outdoor fitness brand, Esprit Alpin, where people from all walks of life and ages (30-65 years old, on average) take part in her organized outdoor adventures and activities. While her Facebook page defines her as a "personal trainer," Andrea offers much more than fitness exercises. Followers of Esprit Alpin can find a dynamic offering of group or solo fitness and creative activities from full moon cross-country skiing to hiking and yoga to outdoor watercolor painting to winter camping.
Want to learn how to mountain bike? She's got you.
Fancy a try at split boarding? She does that, too.
In a world where we are encouraged to brand ourselves as one thing, to identify as this and not that, Andrea breaks the mold. After a stint working in a gym, she forged a new path, wanting to combine creativity with fitness -- something she felt resonated with a broad community. The one connecting thread in all her work, however, is nature. She invites people to leave their comfort zone and try something new, all while immersing themselves in their natural environment.
Andrea launched Esprit Alpin without a formal business plan or grand aspirations but with a strong belief in her skills and leadership mindset. She felt that if she was interested in these dynamic offerings, others would, too. Nine years on, it's clear she found her calling at just the right moment and place.
When I caught up with her, she had been out all day running various courses and about to skip off to an evening session with a private client. On any given day, she meets up mountainside with a group of enthusiasts or is in her car on her way to the next client or outdoor rendezvous. Suffice it to stay: movement is a constant in her life.
What tips do you have for women regarding their emotional or physical fitness?
"Take a moment for yourself in your schedule. I think it's really that. Sometimes, people are going about their lives so quickly and they really need to plan for it. And it's motivation, too; that's what people often miss. Yes, I can motivate them, and for sure it helps to be in a group; yes, it's motivating to train in a group…but sometimes it's important to push through [and find your motivation]."
What does community mean to you?
"Community, for me, is everything; it's Esprit Alpin in its entirety. If I didn't have community, I wouldn't have the energy to run the courses. It's the community that gives me the energy to create new activities to create new things. A community in the outdoors is a community of happy people, of active people, people who are comfortable in their skin. The outdoors really supports that. I think that is what is so nice about this community. Everyone is always in a great mood and brings positive vibes. Nature really brings out that aspect."
At Rose Boreal, you are regarded as a leader/pioneer/mentor in your own right. How does that resonate with you?
"Well, listen, I am super honored to be part of this campaign and to be chosen, especially for running…I was super delighted [to be asked], and I love all the women that are taking part."
What are you most passionate about in life?
"The only word that comes to mind is freedom. I am passionate to be free in my life. To feel good…sports are a big passion, but my real passion is just to be happy every day, make the most of it, and live each day like it's the last one. I think that's what grounds me the most. For sure, I have lots of passions, nature, and connection are important to me too. But I'm always finding new ideas, to be creative, to motivate."
What do you practice regularly that you benefit from personally?
"Movement. Any kind of movement. It doesn't have to be sports, it can be dance, it can be whatever kind of movement. That's what feels good."
What’s next for Esprit Alpin?
Anyone wanting to participate in Andrea's solo or group activities can find her on Facebook or Instagram, where she lists her schedule and meet-up locations for the week ahead. So far, the group's success has been mainly through word of mouth in this small but tight-knit community. She stresses that all are welcome and that visitors to the Laurentians just have to locate the schedule on her socials and sign up!
In the meantime, these are her fall dates:
- Monday: Cardio Alpin, Morin Heights @ 8h45am
- Tuesday: Running, Saint Sauveur @7h45am
- Wednesday: Yoga Alpin, Morin Heights @8h45am, Hiking x Yoga, Saint Sauveur @ 18hpm
- Thursday: Hiking Club @7am (locations vary)
- Saturday: Hiking x Yoga, Saint Sauveur, 10am
Mini Questions for Andrea:
My son, Noah.
Book: Kilometre Zero by Maud Ankaoua
Movie: Blue Crush
Smoothie. Always a smoothie. Any kind of smoothie.
Keep doing exactly what you’re doing!
A big powder day [on the slopes]
Austria, or anywhere close enough to the ocean but with a lot of mountains around!
Facebook: Esprit Alpin
Instagram: Esprit Alpin
