Personal Training Team Bios

Qualifications

• ACE-PT
• Revolution Running

Fitness History and Experience

Ben is passionate about personal training because he loves helping others and loves the gym. Ben job-shadowed in 2015 with 360 Fitness in Red Deer, was hired in 2016 after receiving his ACE certification and continued into early 2017, all while maintaining a full-time engineering position. His time was spent entirely one-on-one with clients, a format that resonated with him and formed close bonds with his clients.

He finds the fitness industry so fascinating because it’s constantly evolving. This year’s trends may be different from last year, but the science continues to push forward and discover new understanding about the human body.

Training Philosophy

 “When I train my clients, I have 2 objectives: Get results and have fun doing it.

We get results by challenging the entire body in each session. This includes the core, lower and upper body; the end result is a stronger, fitter client who feels better every day. I promise to be prepared, have a smile and create a positive environment along our journey. ” –Ben Paradis

Trainer Fun Facts

Ben played, coached and managed a soccer team over the past 2 decades. He loves to hike, ski or snowboard out in the mountains. He participated in a Spartan Race and Mud Hero, which was a blast.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Health Physiology
• AFLCA
• NCCP Level 1

Fitness History and Experience

Fiona received her BSc in Exercise and Health Physiology from the University of Calgary in 1999. Fiona has been working at the Repsol Sport Centre since 2003, first as a weight room attendant, then as a personal trainer. She also worked in the Lifemark Lindsay Park Physiotherapy from 2004-2005 as a kinesiologist. Fiona greatly enjoys working with people who have had injuries, hoping to improve their lifestyle with exercise while alleviating the pain of their injury.

Training Philosophy

“I believe in starting small with every client. Working on stabilization and balance and then building out from there to create a strong foundation.”–Fiona Yeoman.

Trainer Fun Facts

Fiona used to be a competitive swimmer, competing for the University of Calgary Varsity for 5 years. After retiring from swimming, Fiona tried her hand at running and triathlons. Currently she enjoys going cross country skiing, downhill skiing, water skiing and biking with her family.

Qualifications

• Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology (CSEP) - Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP)
• Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a major in Exercise & Health Physiology
• National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) - Olympic Weight Lifting Coach in-training.

Fitness History and Experience

Johnena's 5+ years of experience in personal training ranges from helping women with osteoarthritis and cancer survivors improve their quality of life, to helping women from all walks of life work towards general strength and fitness goals. After many years of struggling to be consistently active, Johnena's personal fitness journey began to flourish in 2017 when she recognized how exercise empowered her to manage her physical and mental wellness. She is passionate about helping women discover how exercise can be meaningful beyond pursuing improved fitness and abilities, but also to help us live and feel well in our day-to-day lives!

Coaching with a weight-neutral perspective, Johnena's goal is to help you focus on listening to your body and practice self-compassion around your training. Exercise should be an empowering activity which adds to our wellbeing! Johnena believes that her role as a coach is to guide you in building an active life which is meaningful and enjoyable to you. 

Trainer Philosophy

"It's important to go into your workout with a plan; It's equally important to leave room for flexibility within that plan."
Every body moves differently, and I strive to discover the optimal combination of safe, enjoyable and effective training for each individual, thus facilitating the development of lifelong habits. 

Trainer Fun Facts

Born and raised north of Calgary, Johnena grew up climbing trees and exploring the forest. Today she enjoys hiking in the mountains and Calgary parks with her two dogs. She is working to improve her relationship with food, movement and her body so she can be a powerful role model for her niece and nephew.

Johnena is currently pursuing the Girls Gone Strong Level 1 Coaching Certification to expand her knowledge around women's health and body image in fitness training.
 

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Human Kinetics
• Hollistic Nutrition Certified
• Fascial Stretch Therapy Level 1
• TRX
• canfitpro PTS

Fitness History and Experience

Kat’s background in sport and activity developed though her competitive hockey experiences and an array of sports such as basketball, soccer, badminton and snowboarding to name a few. She began her coaching career in high school, coaching girl’s hockey and continued through university. Since graduating from St. FX in 2011 with a BA in Human Kinetics Kat has gathered experience as an exercise therapist at a physiotherapy clinic and has been personal training since June 2011. Kat puts a strong emphasis on functional weight training so athletes and fitness enthusiasts can develop proper movement patterns and posture to excel their training and prevent any injuries. This past year at Repsol Sport Centre Kat has trained an abundance of clients, small groups and has coached the Aquabelles and Cascade swim groups for drylands training.

The past four years Kat has taken numerous courses to advance her knowledge for her clients. Between strength training, postural anatomy, program design, TRX R4 Team Trainer, fascial stretch therapy, and rehabilitation, Kat can use a combination of expertise to challenge and progress beginners or more advanced athletes. In her free time you can catch Kat pumping iron, long boarding, golfing, mountain biking , snowboarding, and just about anything to get active and outdoors!

Training Philosophy

 “I strive to educate people on functional movement patterns and help clients to apply sport to everyday life while motivating them to reach their goals faster than they could ever imagine and have fun doing so.”–Kat Fraser.

Trainer Fun Facts

Kat was nominated as one of the Top Canadian Trainers of 2018. Kat loves to travel and during her free time will head out to the mountains to hike or snowboard. 

Qualifications

• canfitpro PTS

Fitness History and Experience

Ken is a dedicated and passionate personal trainer who comes from an Olympic background.  Ken knows what it takes to be successful and his discipline and drive have helped him live his childhood dream. Ken has many years of experience in working with performance athletes and clients who suffer with back issues. He has rehabbed over 50+ backs during his training and coaching career. He intimately understands what it takes to succeed and knows how to bring his clients success no matter what their goals or present condition is.  

Training Philosophy

"Everyone is an athlete and only level varies, as people start where they start. I train everyone like an athlete, incorporating a sprint and jump mechanics movement pattern into the lifting pattern. My objective is to build a strong functional foundation of movement and strength and transferring that to sprinting, jumping, agility, as well as circuit training. The developed sprint and jump mechanics movement pattern also allows me to rehab backs, knees, shoulders, etc. This helps people get back to play or back to life faster and in a lot of cases stronger then they went in with the injury”–Kenneth Kotyk

Trainer Fun Facts

Ken is a very decorated bobsleigh Olympian who has won 3 gold, 3 silver and 5 Bronze medals in his bobsleigh career. Ken’s dedication, passion for excellence, and determination for results has allowed him to celebrate multiple successes with his clients. In his elite athletic career he has trained with some of the best coaches in the world.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Human Kinetics (UBC, 2016)
• CSEP – Certified Personal Trainer

Fitness History and Experience:

Born and raised in Yellowknife (NT), Kent Nilson is an experienced strength coach who received his education from the sunny valley of the Okanagan.

Since graduating, he has had the pleasure of working with hundreds of fitness enthusiasts – from older adults to aspiring powerlifters. He focuses on what’s key – getting them stronger.

Recently, Kent has left his northern homestead to reside in Calgary. He’s grown to have an appreciation for chinooks, and the excitement of big city life. When he’s not training, coaching or continuing to learn, you’ll likely find Kent sipping his latest cup of coffee and enjoying his next Eggs Benedict.

Training Philosophy

Smarter training is better training.

A hard workout doesn’t automatically equal great results. Rather, a well-designed training program – done consistently – is the key to lifelong results.

Something Interesting About Yourself

I love lifting heavy weights, helping people get stronger, and I’m a crème brulée connoisseur.

Certifications

• Pilates
• Yoga
• Yuma rolling practitioner
• Holistic Coaching

Why do you coach at Repsol Sport Centre?

It enables me to use my skills and knowledge to help athletes preform at their optimum, injury free.

What is your favourite part of Sport?

Sport helps individuals nurture themselves both physically and mentally.

What is on your bucket list of challenges/races and why?

Qualifying for the Boston Marathon!!! Why? I have overcome a few bumps in the road health wise and I want to prove to both myself and others if you set your mind to a realistic challenge it is achievable.

What super human power would you have and why?

Healing touch!  Would it not be awesome to just use a gentle touch and you have healed an injury both mentally and physically.

How do you create the best coaching experiences for your athletes?

By listening to my athletes; understanding their needs and goals and keeping myself informed and up to date.

Qualifications

• Bachelors of Exercise and Sport Science
• CSEP-CPT

Fitness History and Experience

Loreen earned a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Sciences degree and has been working as a personal trainer at the Repsol Sport Centre since 2006. She takes a more holistic approach with her clients by considering their stress levels, sleep patterns, past injuries, nutrition and sources of motivation in creating a more personalized training program. With a focus on proper technique and safety, Loreen strives to make the training environment fun and comfortable, while ensuring her clients reach their goals.

Her greatest satisfaction comes when she has motivated a client to push beyond their own perceived abilities to accomplish goals they never thought were possible.

Training Philosophy

“I am committed to helping my clients become the best versions of themselves through safe, effective, and individualized programming. I enjoy the unique challenges each client presents and try to empower them with the knowledge and skills it takes to lead a healthy and active lifestyle. I approach my clients with a "Never Say Never" attitude, and that with hard work, commitment and dedication, they can achieve far more than they ever thought possible”–Loreen Mazur.

Trainer Fun Facts

As a former national rhythmic gymnastics team member, coach and provincial level judge, she has always been very active and now enjoys spending her time training and racing triathlons alongside her husband. Loreen has completed more Ironman’s than she can count in one hand. 

Qualifications

• American College of Sports Medicine CPT
• Functional Movement Systems - FMS
• Canadian Fitness Professionals CPT
• Master of Kickboxing - 5th degree black belt
• Tae Kwon Do - 4th degree black belt
• NGA certified master personal trainer

Specialization

MMA, Kickboxing, Strength and Conditioning, Hypertrophy, Weight Loss, and Overall Strength

Fitness History and Experience

Philip has over 26 years of fitness experience in personal training, martial arts instruction, and group conditioning programs. He has always been passionate about fitness, even building his own weight training machines and opening a gym in his native Uganda fresh out of college. He has worked in Canada for the past 20 years where he runs martial arts programs and is the creator of BodyReno Group Conditioning Program.

Fitness has always been a key focus for Philip, he is a former top-level athlete and was on both the Ugandan National Kickboxing and Tae Kwon Do teams, competing in many international events. 

Trainer Philosophy

"I am very fortunate to be doing what am doing, helping people realize their potential and bring their greatness through fitness.  If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you"-Philip Ndugga

Something Interesting About Yourself

Philip spends his summers improving educational opportunities for young children and their families in Uganda and East Africa through The Ssubi Foundation.

Please note: Philip Ndugga is not accepting clients at this time

Qualifications:

• National Strength and Conditioning Association’s -Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA CSCS)
• Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology - Certified Personal Trainer (CSEP – CPT)
• National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP)  - Olympic Weight Lifting Coach In Training
• Personal Fitness Trainer Diploma
• Bachelor of Design

Fitness History and Experience:

Priti completed a Diploma in Personal Fitness Training from Mount Royal University in 2018 obtaining the CSEP-CPT certification afterwards. After completing a semester long strength and conditioning internship, she earned the NSCA-CSCS certification in January of 2019. She has worked with athletes from various sports and levels of experience, as well as with clients looking to increase their physical fitness and improve their body composition.

Priti enjoys working with people who are looking to unlock their full potential. From increasing speed, strength and agility in sport performance, to simply living injury free and feeling more energetic throughout the day. Every client is an opportunity to showcase her talents.

Training Philosophy

“My primary goal is to be an educator to my clients. I provide challenging, safe, and effective programming with an emphasis on technique and sport-specific movements. I help my clients surpass their goals and live injury free in sport, and in their day to day lives.” –Priti Sharma

Trainer Fun Facts

Not only is Priti an exceptional trainer, she is also a very talented artist with a degree in photography and a love of axe throwing!

Qualifications

• Master of Science in Sports Science/Kinesiology
• Bachelor of Arts in Sports Science/Kinesiology
• Certified Basketball Coach
• Completed Strongfirst Kettlebell Course
• Completed Strongfirst Barbell Course

Fitness History and Experience

Helping individuals achieve their goals has always been a passion for him. Since Roman was 16, he’s been educating others about how to improve their physical performance, health, and body composition, while relying on the most current scientific research.

His coaching career began in his teens when he was hired to train a youth team in basketball for a sports club. He knew he’d found his passion for coaching immediately. For years he played semi-professional basketball in Germany which helped him understand that besides his technical skill, physical skill is key for top performance. This motivated him to get an education that helped him understand this relationship and how to improve it.

Since he was fortunate enough to study at one of the elite universities in Germany, he enjoyed receiving a top education and also conducted a lot of research. While attending school, his university hired him as a fitness trainer and later as the Head of the Strength and Conditioning Department. Through those positions he learned how to work with individuals with diverse backgrounds including professional athletes. Through various internships he gathered a lot of knowledge regarding injury rehabilitation as well as wellness for elderly people. These experiences match his qualifications and help him to be an advocate and mentor for health and fitness. 

Since moving to Canada Roman has worked as a Personal Trainer in Red Deer. He won the Employee of the Year Award and was voted Personal Trainer of the Year 2017, voted by the Red Deer Express newspaper

Training Philosophy

“My true nature is to help others. It doesn’t matter where you are in life, there is always a way things can be done better and you can improve. I will meet you wherever you are and I will help you to get where you deserve to be. ”–Roman Thauern

Trainer Fun Facts

Roman absolutely loves art and besides coaching, music and painting is a favorite past-time of his. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Health and Physical Education
• Canfitpro PTS Certification
• Massage Therapy Diploma (in progress)

Fitness History and Experience

I began working out when I was 16 and have been in the gym ever since. I have worked for the past 18 months at Repsol Sport Center as a Fitness Consultant where I have expanded on the knowledge learned in school and have taught Adrenaline classes for a year.

Something Interesting About Yourself

I played many different sports growing up, but always had a passion for baseball, competing on the Midget AA team in Grande Prairie when I was 17.

Trainer Philosophy

I believe that everyone belongs in the gym. Although we may not all have the same capabilities or goals, everyone deserves not only the opportunity to pursue the very best version of themselves, but to have someone in their corner believing in them every step of the way!

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