With experience in everything from fitness to mental health, Lynne Skilton-Hayes provides overall leadership and direction for the Department of Athletics as the Fitness Program Supervisor at the University of Guelph and is a local and international fitness advocate.
 
Her passion for fitness, health and wellness developed when she herself was a UofG student and since then she has fully embraced her role managing hundreds of programs for students, faculty, staff and the community.
 
This past month Lynne was recognized for her dedication and was among 30 award winners announced by the YMCA of Guelph as a Women of Distinction in the category of Health, Wellness and Fitness. Nominations are made in 11 categories.
 
"It is an honour just to be nominated, I've always said that fitness is who I am not what I do," said Skilton-Hayes. "Fitness has taught me so much outside of the gym about resiliency and it helped me come to a point where I've realized that there's nothing I can't handle. Now I get to turn around and help other people find that balance, so the reward from all that is amazing in and of itself on a daily basis but to be recognized that people appreciate it is really the slam dunk for me." 
 
With over 22 years of experience in the fitness industry Lynne is the perfect example of what an individual can achieve when they realize that boundaries are in fact merely suggestions, and forges their own path.
 
Her journey to this profession began when she herself was a young student at the University of Guelph suffering from epilepsy and struggling with the ill health from the stress of living away from home, independence, academics and a new social aspect. Lynne was determined to have a better living standard. From this point forward she has educated herself in the field and influenced thousands of young women to lead healthier lifestyles.
 
"I feel like I was put on this earth to help other people find what I found, and fitness gave me my life back in a lot of ways."
 
Gryphon Athletics Fitness and Recreation Manager Dave Trudelle commented, "Lynne is an inspirational leader, and deserves every recognition for helping our staff and students. She has impacted thousands of lives as a fitness professional, role model, and leader."
 
Lynne is often asked to speak on television, in local schools, for first year academic courses at the University and at provincial and international events on the importance of integrating exercise and physical activity into your life. She has created fitness programs at U of G that encourage positive body image and a life-long love of fitness.
 
She is a certified fitness instructor, personal trainer and Trainer of Trainers. As a canfitpro PROTRAINER and International Fitness Presenter, she travels internationally to present workshops and lectures at some of the largest industry conferences as well as teaching certification courses.
 
The Guelph, Ont. native, collects the award on the heels of an extremely busy year in Gryphon Athletics with the opening of the brand new Guelph Gryphons Athletic Centre. A large part of her role in this last few years has been the planning, construction and operations of the new state of the art facility which opened September 2016.
 
The 22nd Annual Women of Distinction Fundraising Gala will take place at the River Run Centre on Thursday, May 4th from 6:30-10:00pm. Tickets for the gala are still available in person at Member Services at the Guelph Y (130 Woodland Glen Dr.) or online at guelphy.org. The night will include a cocktail reception, an awards ceremony, and a dessert reception.
 
When asked what Lynne love's most about her job she commented, "I live for light bulb moments, I live for those moments when you see that it's clicked and someone finally gets it, and this is something that is going to impact their life in a positive way."
 
Below you can see from letters of support for the award just how many lives she has touched and how those light bulb moments are cherished and appreciated.
 
 
From letters of support………..
 
"At the very minimum, Lynne's had a positive and transformative influence on thousands of people in Canada and around the world. However, I honestly believe Lynne's direct or indirect impact on people and by extension, the world cannot be measured. It is that incredible! Ultimately, Lynne gives everything she has to inspire people to become better versions of themselves. It is her passion. Her raison d'être!"
 
"Lynne exemplifies the qualities needed to receive such a prestigious award.  She is a role model, a pioneer as well as a high achiever. She inspires us all and I am amazed at how she can wear so many hats and keep her positive attitude. She handles her staff, class participants and new members with utmost professionalism, respect and fairness.  Lynne is a positive role model and has earned the respect of those around her."
 
"She is active in training her staff, students and Guelph community members in certification courses.  She just keeps going.  Lynne is dynamic, a wealth of knowledge, eager to share her expertise and sets her standards high."
 
"I know of literally hundreds of lives of undergraduate students who have been touched, and changed, by meeting Lynne and hearing her speak. She will stay until the last question is answered, and field questions from students by email after class is complete."
 
"Lynne has consistently enriched the lives of our female University of Guelph students by promoting a healthy lifestyle through participation in physical fitness. It is difficult to put into words the impact that Lynne has had on literally thousands of young females – she has a big, bold influence and passion that is best demonstrated by seeing her in action"
 
"A trait of leadership is being able to passionately communicate vision. I guarantee that every single one of Lynne's staff is clear on her vision to create programs and an environment for fitness success which then translates into confidence in all areas of life. I also know that all of her staff, as well as her co-workers, see through Lynne's actions her values of integrity, honesty, hard work, and responsibility in all areas of life. To my mind these are incredibly important values to share, especially with our young female students. Lynne is someone who sincerely walks the talk."