I'm a fitness coach, author, and speaker in Vancouver, BC. Also known as a friendly kick in the butt, inspiring and empowering my clients to live healthy, awesome lives!

I offer fitness training, nutrition and healthy living counselling, health and wellness seminars, as well as online coaching and consulting - all with a focus on plant-based living.

I run the Vancouver Women's Weight Lifting Meetup Group, which boasts 400+ members and holds workshops monthly. I completed my Master's degree in Gerontology, specializing in health and aging. Oh, and I've written 2 books!

When I'm not training my clients, writing, or working out, you'll find me playing accordion, piano, or didgeridoo; creating miniature paper filigree sculptures; or sneaking spinach into my husband's smoothies.

Learn all you ever wanted to know about me on my websites:

Main website: www.karinainkster.com
Music website: www.crankymolluscs.com

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I had my first Couchsurfing experience almost a decade ago, being hosted in Australia. What an amazing way to meet amazing people. Since then I've met up with and shown travellers my own city, Vancouver.

My husband and I are planning an epic Australia adventure in April/May 2017. We're looking for some awesome Couchsurfing hosts both to save on pricey accommodation, and to meet interesting locals!

Interests

Lifting heavy-ass weights (especially deadlifts and chin-ups), swimming, sprinting, jump rope, veganism (especially vegan baking). I play accordion, piano, and didgeridoo.

• writing
• books
• baking
• vegetarian
• vegan
• fitness
• yoga
• working out
• piano
• swimming
• business
• entrepreneurship
• weightlifting

Music, Movies, and Books

I love Yann Tiersen's work so much that I learned accordion just so I could play his music. Two years later, I formed a band so we could share his pieces with the masses. We regularly perform music from the Amelie movie soundtrack, composed by Tiersen. Other than Amelie, Monty Python's Holy Grail is my favourite movie. And my favourite genre of music is reggae. Other than good ol' Bob Marley, I'm into Slightly Stoopid, Tribal Seeds, Steel Pulse, Stick Figure, and more.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Performed Gustav Holst's "Planets" suite with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and my own orchestra (Vancouver Youth Symphony). 200 musicians on stage at the Orpheum in Vancouver.

Teach, Learn, Share

My vegan cookbook and lifestyle guide, with foreword by vegan bodybuilding legend Robert Cheeke:
http://www.amazon.com/Vegan-Vitality-Complete-Plant-Based-Lifestyle/dp/1629143642

My book on foam rolling for injury prevention, massage, and core strength:
http://www.amazon.com/Foam-Rolling-Exercises-Prevention-Strength/dp/1632206277

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'm a great chef and baker - I wrote a cookbook, after all! In return for your hosting generosity and for the use of your kitchen (I have food allergies and will need to prepare at least one daily meal), I'll be more than happy to share my delicious creations with you, so you won't have to cook dinner for yourself.

I play accordion and piano in a band, on the off chance you have either of those instruments lying around. I also play didgeridoo, and I'll be bringing my travel didge with me! Private concert and/or jam session, anyone?

I'm a certified fitness coach. If you're into fitness, how 'bout some coaching sessions? Or a personalized training program?

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, China, France, Germany, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada

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