Alesya,  Ph.D., started her fitness career in 2006 while teaching and conducting research at Virginia Tech University in the United States. Committing to her love for fitness and passion for health, she moved from academia to the fitness world, and became an ACE-certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor, registered yoga teacher and Pilates instructor. She has trained clients at the YWCA Vancouver since 2008.

Alesya has doctorate degrees in both Sociology and Public Policy. She incorporates her knowledge of social psychology, sociology, human kinetics and anatomy into her fitness training. She motivates and encourages her clients to establish realistic goals and action plans to achieve the greatest possible results on their journey to fitness and health. She works with people of all age groups, from teenagers to older adults, and all fitness levels from beginners to advanced athletes, with diverse professional backgrounds from teachers to CIO's.

Alesya’s personal training methods and success of her clients have been featured in Impact Magazine and in the Georgia Straight.

CLIENT COMMENTS

"Besides being extremely knowledgeable and capable in so many aspects of fitness (Pilates, yoga, Zumba, deep water aerobics, weight training) Alesya has this incredible concern for her fitness students. She takes great interest in each individual’s condition, and designs exercises specific for that person. And she approaches her job with great humor and flair. Going to one of her classes is a bit like going to the ballet, the Olympics, the symphony, the theatre, rather than just to a fitness class. She makes fitness training into an art."

"Alesya is by far the best fitness trainer I have worked with. Initially, she listened to what I had hoped to accomplish within 7 months and put a personalized weekly program together which I’m pleased to say “we” achieved."

"Alesya has a way about her that inspires you to do your very best. She provides you with just the right amount of encouragement, motivation and positive support while never pushing you beyond your capabilities. I must say, I never experienced an injury or pulled muscle during any of our workouts. Alesya is focused on you when she is working with you, constantly checking your form and seemingly knows exactly when you can step it up a notch!"

"Alesya is a professional with extensive knowledge of the physiological mechanisms underlying physical activity and nutrition. She lives what she teaches; healthy eating and an active fitness regime.”

• Functional fitness for sport and recreation
• Strength training and weight management/fat loss
• Body Composition Analysis (Muscle/Fat %, Basic Metabolic Rate) 
• Sculpting and toning
• Therapeutic exercise programs for cardiovascular, metabolic, and musculoskeletal disorders (osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and osteopenia)
• Post-orthopaedic rehabilitation of knee, shoulder, lower back
• Yoga for athletes and dancers
• Balance and flexibility training, Pilates and Barre 
• Aquatic Workouts in the pool (post-injury rehabilitation, arthritis, pregnancy)

Brano, BSc. DOMP, CPT, is passionate about helping people improve their quality of life using a holistic approach. He believes a positive impact can be made through education on the importance of active, healthy lifestyles. He obtained a bachelor's degree of Sport Science in Slovakia, and moved to Canada to further pursue his passion and education. In 2018, Brano graduated from the National Academy of Osteopathy in Toronto and became a Registered Manual Osteopath. Additionally, he recently finished the disability management certificate at the University of Fredericton. 

Brano has extensive knowledge in personal training, and he uses a Neurokinetic Therapy approach treating various injuries, strains, and sprains. Through reprogramming movement patterns in the motor control center in the cerebellum he is able to reduce compensatory movement patterns, as well as treating musculoskeletal conditions such as OA, OP, and chronic pain management.

• NeuroKinetic therapy (compensatory movement pattern, motor control center cerebellum, muscle dysfunction)
• Osteopathy (flexibility, myofascial release, MET technique, joint manipulation, soft tissue release, strain-counter strain technique etc.)
• Muscle imbalances assessment
• Manual muscle testing
• Assisted stretch therapy
• Sports medicine and performance 

Cameron, BHK, loves being a kinesiologist, and has been a practicing member of the British Columbian Association of Kinesiologist's since 2007. What makes Cameron unique is his ability to offer a multimodal approach to physical activity. He combines his expertise as a strength training coach, with his experience as a myofascial bodywork and tissue release practitioner. Cameron has worked in Vancouver's downtown business district working with executives and business professionals understanding the fitness needs of this particular demographic.

His training style focuses on posture and body positioning progressing to functional movements that translate to performance in real world activity. He uses his skills to support people in injury management, pain resolution, and dispersing nagging physical ailments. He enjoys creating strategies that are engaging and clear in a way that his clients can connect with. Overall, Cameron seeks to help people's fitness, happiness and self-confidence, through creating approaches that are fun and sustainable. In his approach called Fusion Therapy, he blends the philosophies of both the western wellness traditions of scientific research and peer reviewed methodology, and eastern wellness traditions of shiatsu and movement algorithms to provide a greater sense of health, resilience, and wellbeing.

CLIENT COMMENTS

"Cameron Hunt is an excellent personal trainer. He motivates me and provides a safe informative session. He is able to accommodate the exercises for my chronic injuries and help me to push myself without injury. I am very happy I started working with him as a personal trainer."

• Strength and fitness coaching
• Active Rehabilitation and Injury Management
• Fitness program design for wellness and durability
• Myofascial Stretching, Shiatsu and Fingerprint Acupressure
• Functional Capacity Evaluation - Fitness benchmark testing

Catherine, BHK, MSc., CSCS*D, has worked in the fitness industry since 2003. She is a practicing Kinesiologist, as well as being double certified with the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and a Certified Personal Trainer with distinction.

She has a Master of Science degree in Strength and Conditioning from the University of Edinburgh, and a Bachelor of Human Kinetics from UBC. In 2024 and 2020, Impact magazine named Catherine as one of the Top Fitness Trainers in Canada. She has extensive experience working with general population (8 to 98 years old), as well as in university high performance.

• Behavior change
• Body Composition (fat loss and/or muscle gain)
• Fall prevention
• Nutrition coaching
• Performance
• Pre- and post-natal
• Pre- and post-joint replacement
• Rehabilitation
• Strength & Conditioning

Hannah began her Pilates journey with a desire to enhance her body's performance and explore the science of movement. Through her practice, she discovered the benefits Pilates brings to strength, alignment and overall well-being.

Passionate about sharing this holistic approach, Hannah is dedicated to helping others build awareness, resilience and confidence in every movement. She creates a supportive space where clients feel encouraged to progress at their own pace, and she believes Pilates is for everyone—offering a path to feel stronger, more balanced and more connected in daily life. Her teaching style is gentle yet attentive, combining clear guidance with thoughtful encouragement so each client feels both challenged and supported.

Hannah is fluent in English and Mandarin and offers sessions in either language.

• Mat
• Reformer
• Apparatus: Cadillac, Stability Chair and Barrel

Ivy Dexter's mission is to help bring balance and strength to your life!

Ivy's passion in dance and movement led her to become a BCRPA-certified personal trainer in 2002 and Pilates Reformer trainer in 2020. Over the years she has taught group fitness, studied yoga in India, and received extensive training in Pilates to better meet her clients needs. Ivy believes in living a health lifestyle regardless of ability or age and has worked with a variety of clients from teenagers and adults with disabilities to amateur athletes. She is an active mother and understands how important it is to create time for fitness and wellness in one's life. She is very enthusiastic about sharing her expertise while creating fun and motivating programs for her clients.

• Pilates Reformer
• Core stability training (Pilates, ball and bosu)
• Yoga/stretching programs
• Weight loss programs
• Strength programs
• “Learn To Run” programs

Jenna, BHK, has her Bachelor of Human Kinetics degree and works as a Practicing Kinesiologist. She helps clients recovering from injuries restore their strength, range of motion, and overall function. Jenna also enjoys working with older clientele to help them maintain mobility and muscle mass through the aging process. Jenna has her 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Certificate. Her goal is to help you move better, live longer, and feel more confident in your skin. Jenna is happy to work with you weekly, monthly, alone or with a partner. She can see you for a tune up of your existing workout, a technique check-in for your yoga practice, or to help you get back into a new routine. Training in the open studio space is a bonus between 2PM and 4PM during the week! Reach out to Jenna to discuss your goals.

CLIENT COMMENTS

"Jenna is absolutely first rate. Her routines provide a nice mix of strength, balance, coordination, stretching and aerobic training. It's both challenging and fun." - Violet

"Jenna Sbrocca is an amazing personal trainer. I have learned so much from her about my body and my mindset. Her background as a kinesiologist and a yoga instructor make for a perfect balance between strength training and mobility work in my workout program. Jenna is uplifting and motivating, while also challenging me to push myself. I really enjoy working with her." - Noah

"Jenna connects well with my needs and abilities, is a positive and encouraging, and very knowledgeable. She's delightful to work with and I look forward to each session." - Sandy

• Specializing in active rehabilitation and injury recovery
• Strengthening and flexibility programs
• Focusing on joint alignment and proper body mechanics
• Providing education on various health topics
• Improving your yoga practice with modifications for all levels
• Dynamic workouts involving cardio and combination exercises
• Optimizing exercise for older adults
• Core activation

Jennica embraces a holistic approach to health and fitness, which is why she proudly identifies herself as a 'health coach.' With certifications in nutrition and yoga, along with a deep passion for weight lifting and fostering long-term strength and mobility, she is a well-rounded fitness professional and trainer. Jennica thrives on helping her clients achieve and sustain their fitness goals, always motivated by their success. Catch her teaching various classes like strength training, cardio, yoga, and Zumba at the YWCA. If you spot her on the schedule, don't hesitate to come to say hello, and experience her class firsthand!

• Introduction to gym and fitness
• Body-positive coaching
• Longevity/functional training
• Hypertrophy training
   

Johanna wants to help you get stronger, stand taller and feel better. Understanding the power of movement to be both a mood-booster and a stress-reliever, Johanna has been a fitness trainer for 10 years and a group instructor for 3 decades.

Every training session is designed for real-life and specific to your unique physical needs and overall fitness goals. Sessions combine fun with function, stability with mobility, play with purpose and sweat with strength.

Committed to building healthy communities one person at a time, and teaching DanceFit at the YWCA since 2006, in her professional fitness career Johanna was also a regular contributor on CTV Morning Live,  a fitness facilitator at a mood-disorder clinic and the programmer of the speaker series at the Wellness Show. 

She loves to help people move with more joy, confidence and ease. 

CLIENT COMMENTS

"I have been a client of Johanna's for over 6 years. No two sessions with Johanna are ever the same - you may work the same muscle groups but in a different way (barre, bosu, weight, yoga and rebounder just to name a few). My weekly sessions have become an integral part of my life - a real gift. Johanna is so knowledgeable about the human body and how it works and is always professional - you might even call her a fitness nerd. I have become stronger and fitter under Johanna's tutelage, but maybe more importantly, Johanna has taught me to celebrate my own body, movement and strength (imperfections and all). She has such a healthy perspective about fitness that is so transformative - honestly you will wonder where she has been all your life!"

"I began training with Johanna in 2017 and have never looked back. She is knowledgeable, flexible and, most of all, fun! She makes all of our workouts interesting and challenging to keep me motivated, even on the days when I dread going to the gym. Johanna has been totally adaptable and prepared to operate in many different environments to create varied workouts tailored to my needs. She is incredibly personable, professional and supportive and has helped my achieve my fitness goals. I highly recommend Johanna as a personal trainer."

• Posture and Body Awareness
• Motivation and Exercise Confidence
• Functional Training
• Balanced Strength 
• Flexibility and Mobility

Working with a variety of clients for 15 years as a Personal Trainer has reinforced to Josh how important an upright, athletic posture, core supported movement and correct breathing techniques are to a longer, better quality of life. He applies these principles with your fitness goals in mind achieving upbeat, non-judgemental and a client focused fun environment each and every session.

CLIENT COMMENTS

"Josh Clark is very professional, personable and relatable. I have made great progress working out with him and he has become a great accountability partner."

"Josh is extremely professional, knowledgeable and he genuinely cares about his clients. He is always open to questions and wants us to succeed. I wouldn't want anyone else."

"Josh has been my trainer for a very long time and he has seen me rehab from various sports injuries. He has helped me rehab and keep up my fitness level. He has adjusted my training to accommodate my rehab and my seasonal goals. He also always ensures that the day's training is safe."

• Posture correction
• Balance and stability improvements
• Core strengthening
• Working with Older Age groups

Leila is an ACE (American Council on Exercise) certified Personal Trainer and Health Coach.

Passionate about movement, Leila will help you move better in the sports you play, get stronger on your fitness journey or just move more efficiently in your daily life. Educated in rehabilitation and injury prevention, Leila won't let your injuries slow you down. She'll help you make healthy lifestyle changes through physical activity guidance, nutritional education and behavioural change coaching.

You can also join Leila for a no contact boxing coaching session! Wake up your inner fighter with the sweet science - try it alone or with a friend. No experience necessary and no equipment required. 

• Weight management
• Functional training
• Rehabilitation and injury prevention
• Strength training and conditioning 

Mieko has been teaching Pilates and yoga since 2011; having completed training in mat, reformer and apparatus through Balanced Body and PhysicalMind Institute Pilates Training. She loves helping people find strength, energy, balance and peace through mindful movements and breath, which will allow them to continue living a healthy, active lifestyle.

CLIENT COMMENTS

"I have been practicing Pilates Reformer with Mieko since 2017. I originally started to ease a sore hip but have continued to practice to stay strong and flexible. Mieko provides excellent instruction both verbally and by demonstration. The sessions are always a bit different which makes them interesting and challenging."

"I have taken several years of private (single-person) classes with Mieko. She is an excellent instructor. I have derived significant benefit in terms of both new and long-term bilateral inequities, as well as for both new and old physical injury-related issues. Mieko customizes, to great benefit, the many-varied Pilates-reformer set of systems available to the issues at hand for an individual."

"If you are lucky enough to have a session with Mieko - you are in for a treat! I started to do Pilates Reformer to work on my flexibility and my core and I cannot believe my improvement - I am doing exercises that I couldn't even do 6 months ago. You will feel stronger and taller after a session. No session is exactly the same - I am never bored. You are in a safe and professional environment with someone who is highly skilled and is always attentive to your body position. Mieko's knowledge about tiny adjustments that make the exercise or stretch just that much better is amazing. I feel so incredibly lucky that someone recommended Mieko to me and now I can't imagine Saturday without a session with her."

• Pilates mat, reformer and apparatus

Meet Sam, an accomplished athlete and NASM-certified personal trainer dedicated to transforming lives through fitness. With a rich athletic background spanning over 15 years across diverse sports, Sam brings a wealth of experience and a profound understanding of physical conditioning to his role.

Passionate about guiding individuals on their fitness journey, Sam specializes in creating personalized training plans that align with each clients unique goals and abilities. His expertise extends beyond traditional boundaries, incorporating the latest insights from exercise science, human anatomy, and kinesiology.

Sam is fluent in English, Persian, and German. He enjoys training people from all over the world. Embark on your wellness journey today with Sam as your trusted guide and experience a holistic approach to fitness tailored just for you. 

CLIENT COMMENTS

Sam is incredibly knowledgeable and professional, using a variety of techniques to strengthen the body holistically, ensuring that we meet goals effectively. He’s a great listener, carefully evaluates the situation, and creates an achievable plan, making sure there’s no frustration and the progress is visible. Sam also offers valuable guidance on nutrition and diet and assists whenever there's pain or discomfort. He’s always available to answer questions and is there throughout the entire process. Clean, respectful, always on time, and fully committed—Sam works hard every minute to deliver exceptional results. - Rene

After years of struggling with back and knee pain and trying countless therapies, Sam's expertise worked wonders in just five months. His deep knowledge and professionalism and his humble and caring attitude made me feel supported throughout the process. Sam is not only a highly skilled trainer but also a genuinely kind person who cares about his clients and is committed to helping them achieve real results. Thanks to him, I’m now pain-free and feeling stronger than ever, and my well-being has improved considerably. - Carolina

• Building Muscle
• Functional Training
• Weight-Loss
• Active Rehab/Injury Prevention
• Nutrition
• Therapeutic Fascial Mobility (TFM)
• Goal Setting
• Kickboxing Fitness Training

Sydney Lyons, B.Kin, is a practicing Kinesiologist with BCAK since 2020, and she is motivated to help the community stay active and strong! She has experience with various individuals that range in fitness levels and injuries. Sydney creates personalized fitness and/or active rehabilitation programs to best fit her clients’ needs to help them maintain a healthy and quality lifestyle.

As a former athlete, Sydney understands the importance of quality movement patterns and guides clients through techniques that improve specific and functional habits including posture alignment. Along with this, she focuses on empowering her clients to build confidence in their abilities. Her athletic background involves competitive Cheerleading, Powerlifting, and Olympic Weightlifting. She loves playing and watching all kinds of sports - especially outdoors!

Sydney is keen to help those who would like to have weekly or monthly check-in sessions. She is happy to correct your form if you are unsure about a movement or piece of equipment - and can provide new and exciting exercise variations to meet your needs.

• Strength & Conditioning 
• Injury Recovery & Active Rehabilitation
• Fall Prevention
• Proactive Ergonomic and Health Guidance
• Performance Coaching (weightlifting, powerlifting, other sport-specific)

After years of playing team sports, running half marathons, weight training at the gym and practicing yoga, Vivian found Pilates in 2018 and quickly fell in love with the mindfulness of the movement. She completed her Comprehensive Pilates certification at Body Harmonics in Toronto, Ontario. She also completed her 200 Hour Yoga Teacher training as well as her YHot Teacher training. Vivian's goal is to help all her clients feel the difference that consistent and intentional movement can make on their daily life, helping clients better understand their bodies and ensuring each session is both challenging and rewarding. Be ready to work hard, sweat and have some fun!

• Pilates mat, reformer and apparatus (Cadillac, Chair and Barrel)
• Posture and alignment
• Functional movement
• Mind body wellness

Zorica's approach of teaching Pilates is to simply bring out the best in your body with accurate results! By using the Pilates Method's fundamental six principles (breath/centering/concentration/control/flow/precision) and exercises integrated with one another, results consist of strength, grace, balance, and ease.

Zorica is a fully certified Pilates instructor - Comprehensive Global repertoire (mat & apparatus) through BASI Pilates. Zorica has a background of 25 years in the fitness industry, an international gymnastics career, and is a two-time gold winning Olympian. A well-rounded knowledge of technical precision in anatomical movement and a decade of professional training has prepared her for the demands and discipline of the Pilates Method. This Method has become her way of life. As a Pilates instructor, Zorica keeps her studies relevant with the most current innovations and body sciences by incorporating PNF, cross-chain training, and fascial studies with a particular focus on functional movement. 

Regardless of age or physical condition, including pre and post-surgery, athletic conditioning, geriatric mobility, or those participating in chosen sport activity, Zorica encourages her students to take control of their own practice. This is done by using descriptive cues to ensure that every student is comfortable performing the movements, with safety being the top priority at all times. 

CLIENT COMMENTS

"I met Zorica by chance in the summer of 2021 at the Y, seeing a reformer class in session. I needed a change and a challenge, and it built from there. Her knowledge and commitment to the practice are impressive. I've learned a lot from both the classes and from the private sessions."

• Working with Osteoporosis and Mature Population

• Restorative / Conditioning Exercises for men and athletes

• Fascial Stretch Exercise for functional movement​​​​​

• Pre and Post surgery strengthening