With a smile that evokes Valerie Bertinelli and Tiffani Amber Thiessen, two American sweethearts Gen Xers and millennials will remember well, Heather McAuley could easily be mistaken for a sitcom star. In reality, she’s a dedicated mother of two, a competitive natural bodybuilder, and an entrepreneur—with no signs of slowing down her go-get-’em lifestyle. After all, her favorite quote is, “Believe in yourself—and you will be unstoppable.”
Heather’s athleticism—and her “I can do anything” mindset—began back in the late ’90s when she and her sisters filled their days with swim practices and meets. “The summer was a lot of fun because everyone was always at the local outdoor pools, and we were really good because we swam competitively throughout the entire year,” she laughs. It was there, swimming literal laps around her schoolmates, her love of fitness was sparked. Little did she know that the powerful back and muscular shoulders she developed would eventually lend themselves to her success on the bodybuilding stage.
Of course, it’s not just genetics and childhood sports that contributed to her award-winning physique. It took tenacity, a clear goal, and the support of some key players who helped her find her niche, in the weight room and on stage.
"My mission is to continue inspiring and empowering both women and men to become the healthiest, happiest, and strongest version of themselves."
Overcoming Hardship
Unfortunately, it wasn’t always smooth sailing for Heather. There were times in her life where she felt isolated, alone, and that everything was beyond her control.
“I spent years in toxic, abusive environments—living in fear, constantly in survival mode, doing whatever it took to get through the day,” she shares. “Motivational podcasts became my lifeline, giving me courage and reminding me there was hope for a brighter future.”
But in her heart, she never stopped believing in her abilities, and never let go of the belief that there was a better life out there for her. So, she took a stand. “I knew those environments were damaging my mental and physical health, so I made a choice. I started over—with nothing but self-belief and a strong belief in the law of manifestation.”
And what a life she manifested for herself. Talking to Heather, it’s clear how proud she is of her two kids, Claire and Troy, and how equally proud they are of her. Of course, they still take every opportunity they can to keep her humble, as any good child of an athlete should.
“Funny ... I was telling both my kids before my last show, ‘Oh, I think mom might win.’ My daughter said, ‘Yeah, you’re going to win.’ And my son was like, ‘Well, mom, you never know who’s going to show up.’” Laughing, she concedes, “It was good advice.” (Spoiler alert: she still took home two silver medals and a bronze medal in her Figure category.)
Making the Brand
In her work life, Heather characterizes herself as “The Fit Body Sculpting Professional.” As a trainer, she works with clients through her transformation company, FitBabes, but she’s diversified her portfolio by offering body sculpting treatments out of a studio she shares with a local tattoo artist and friend. “It’s a beautiful space, very clean,” she says, adding, “We both call ourselves ‘body artists.’” In her hometown of Sarnia, Ontario, her services aren’t readily available elsewhere, and since many of her training clients were looking for skin tightening and body sculpting services, it was a natural fit. But she’s quick to point out it’s not a quick fix. “Fit sculpting [as she calls her services] is not some magic answer,” she cautions. “It works in conjunction with nutrition and exercise.”
Like most trainers, she knows the value of having someone in your corner, pushing and providing you with programs that are custom-made for your goals and body. For Heather, that person is Tim Love, who she has been working with at Corunna Fitness Centre since 2023, and as a client since 2012; the pair has grown close over the years, and she credits him with having a “big role” in her life. The fitness community in the Sarnia area is small but mighty—and growing—and Heather gives credit to those who have helped her come up, including nearby BorderCity Barbell, where she started work two years ago as their very first personal trainer.
And interest in her sport is booming with the locals. “We have about 15 to 20 bodybuilding competitors [at BorderCity] now,” she says. “And [the clientele] is a good mix of regular and new gym goers to bodybuilders and lifters. It’s a great, supportive community, no matter your experience.”
Paving the Way for Greatness
The next generation of athletes, especially female athletes, is who Heather hopes to influence most through her actions and words.
“My mission is to continue inspiring and empowering both women and men to become the healthiest, happiest, and strongest version of themselves—physically, mentally, and emotionally,” she says. One of the ways in which she plans to accomplish this is through grassroots outreach, educating future generations in a direct and tangible manner.
“I’m passionate about creating an empowerment group and workshops for young girls, to help them build confidence, develop self-love, and understand the importance of fitness and nutrition from an early age,” Heather shares, noting that this aspect hits especially close to home, as she wishes she had been informed early on of the ins and outs of proper nutrition, how to look at food as a way to fuel her body, and the power of lifting and self-love.
Though it’s taken much effort and intent for Heather to get to where she is today, she insists that anyone can see their goals through, just as she has—with an attitude adjustment.
“Have a clear vision of what you want to achieve, and then get yourself aligned with it—become the person who can achieve it,” she offers as guidance. “I teach my clients that, too. Visualize the woman you want to be. What are her daily habits? What does she think? What does she eat? What does she wear? That type of thing.
“Start acting as that woman you envision, so that you can truly embody and become her. It’s true! I strongly believe that, and I believe it’s really helped me over the years.”
Nourish, lift, empower. Follow those three simple steps, and you will be one step closer to thriving, just like Heather is.
Snack Like a Champ
In her off-season, when she’s not training for upcoming shows, Heather loves to whip up these easy-to-make, delicious protein balls. In fact, she shared some with the STRONG team on the set of her cover shoot—and we can sincerely say they were a hit!
FitBabe Protein Ball Recipe
1/2 cup oats
1 scoop vanilla protein powder (Heather uses Believe Supplements)
1/4 cup honey
1 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
1 tsp vanilla
Mix all ingredients together and roll into balls. Place in a container and freeze overnight, or let chill in the fridge.
For more FitBabe recipes, follow Heather on Instagram at @heathermcauley_fit and tap the link in bio.
Photography by Paul Buceta
Hair & Makeup by Monica Kalra
