Chiropractic, physiology, and kinesiology expert Dr. Stacy Irvine has devoted her career to understanding the human body, and the mind-body connection. The founder and co-owner of Totum Life Science, a fitness and health care center in Toronto, she is also a familiar face to TV viewers as the Cityline Health Expert, and is frequently quoted as a fitness expert in Flare, Chatelaine, Glow, The Globe and Mail, and the Toronto Star.

We are thrilled to be working with Stacy on Your Better Instincts (fall 2021), a book about human instincts, and how you can use them to your advantage. Read on to learn more about Stacy, and her unique insights and inspirations.

What three words best describe you?
Caring, passionate, and competitive

What is your book about?
My book explains the many ways we can use our human instincts to improve our health, performance, and, ultimately, our happiness.

Whom do you most admire?
There are so many people, it is very hard to narrow it down. I admire my parents. I admire my husband for his incredible work ethic. I admire many of the young athletes I coach for their open-mindedness, determination, and positive outlook on the world; it is refreshing in our often divided times.

There are many academics and scientists that I admire (way too many to name). Donna Strickland comes to mind. I also am inspired by Greta Thunberg, Serena Williams, Michelle Obama, Tina Fey—and of course Oprah!

I believe strongly in hard work and extreme efforts, but also that you should enjoy the time while you are working hard—otherwise, why are you doing it?

People are surprised to learn that I…
grew up on a farm in a small community in southern Saskatchewan, and I am obsessed with horses. And dogs. And basically most furry cute animals.

What was the last book you read?
Born With a Tooth by Joseph Boyden, and I am in the middle of Enlightenment Now by Steven Pinker.

Who is your favorite book or author?
I definitely cannot name only one. I absolutely loved reading Starlight by Richard Wagamese, and I usually really enjoy anything by Miriam Toews along with Elena Ferrante. I devoured Ferrante’s Neapolitan Novels series.

What is your personal motto?
I love this quote by the famous coach Bobby Knight: “The will to succeed is important, but what is more important is the will to prepare.” I take this to mean, “Enjoy the process,” and that would be my personal motto for sure. I believe strongly in hard work and extreme efforts, but also that you should enjoy the time while you are working hard—otherwise, why are you doing it?

Where do you find inspiration?
This one is easy. I always find inspiration in nature, usually while I am hiking with my dog.