Doctor by day, bodybuilder by night! Digby General Hospitalist Dr. Courtney Mazeroll's physical fitness journey is nothing short of inspirational.
Fitness has always been an important part of Courtney's life. The Meteghan native participated in basketball and dance in high school, but it was when she was training to become a paramedic – her first career – that she got into strength training.
“I knew I’d need to add strength to do the job well,” she says, alluding to the physicality required for the role. Courtney worked as a paramedic for seven years before training to become a physician – working first as a family medicine specialist and, today, as a hospitalist (a physician who works in a hospital), a role she loves. “I get to do something different every day and the community and staff are just wonderful.”
Getting started
Courtney’s fitness journey took a pause when she was in medical school and raising her three young children. But when she started working out again during the pandemic, starting with a simple YouTube tutorial in her basement, her passion was reignited.
She set a goal of competing in a bodybuilding show as her 40th birthday approached. Now, seven shows later, she is still at it!
Courtney says bodybuilding has taught her patience, discipline and, most importantly, not being afraid to do something outside of her comfort zone. She's sharing her journey as a way to inspire others to take on challenges that may seem scary or impossible.
Advice for others
Courtney’s advice to people thinking of getting into the sport is simple. “Just start!,” she says, adding that beginning is often the hardest part. “It’s OK to start small. It can be 10 minutes a day.”
She also believes it’s never too late to start and that the journey is a goal, unto itself. “It doesn’t matter if you win first or second or not at all – the important thing is that you did it.”
