Canada’s Top Fitness Instructors 2025 – Prairies

    Canada’s Top Fitness Instructors 2025 – Prairies

    Once again, after months of anticipation, we are proud to present to you Canada’s Top Fitness Instructors 2025.

    This is our eighth year recognizing some of the best in our industry from across Canada. Each summer nominations go live for you to nominate your favourite personal trainer, or group exercise instructor (alternating years) who has excelled in their profession, and contributed to the health and well-being of others. This year did not disappoint—every single nominee deserves recognition and we have highlighted them all below.

    Nominees were scored by merit and equally across the board. This included areas such as education, certifications and accreditations, years in the industry, philanthropy and community service. Additional questions included ‘their why’ and personal fitness philosophies which were ‘blind-scored’ by our professional, expert panelists who spent many hours reading these inspirational stories. What has never been part of the scoring criteria is how many social media followers one has, or how many nominations one received.

    Fitness trainers have a wealth of education and expertise to share, but above all they are genuinely passionate about helping others live their healthiest lives. Every trainer has an inspiring story to tell, and has given back to their community in a unique  and positive way.

    Congratulations, our deepest respect and recognition goes out to all nominees this year—we celebrate you! Thank you for your passion and dedication.

    Fueled By Brooks
    Rahmi Rahma Rahamata Diomande
    Photo by lily Kwok

    RAHMI RAHMA RAHAMATA DIOMANDE | 45

    Owner of Rahmi Fitness, Instructor at YMCA, Vivo, Gold’s Gym and Various Recreation Centres
    Calgary, AB
    Instagram | Facebook

    Fitness is such a passion for Rahmi Rahma Rahamata Diomande that she devotes her time to not only instruct over 40 classes a week—from Zumba, Strength and Spin to TRX and Yoga—but she presents at multiple conferences and is a leading Yoga certifier. Losing her mom at an early agehas led her to help others overcome adversity and pain. “I use my pain in a constructive way by being a good instructor who can motivate, inspire and help people with different health conditions to have a better life. In my class, I welcome and invite participants who are dealing with a stroke, Stiff Person Syndrome, work or car accidents as well as those who just want to maintain their fitness level or be fit.”

    I see the recovery
    and the progress happening with each class and this
    is why I became a
    fitness instructor.


    SHERYL FIELDSTONE | 59

    Instructor at Westside Recreation Centre
    Calgary, AB
    Instagram | Facebook

    Sheryl Fieldstone started in the fitness industry 42 years ago “to satisfy my artistic side as a dancer and to fulfill the need to be active and healthy.” While her reasons may have changed over the years her passion for delivering fitness to all ages hasn’t. “Today, I recognize that the needs of our communities are great. Beginners need a supportive environment so they can feel comfortable starting their fitness journey. Intermediates need to stay inspired, to embrace new fitness knowledge, and to be challenged. Those who are aging need to understand functional fitness so they can continue to engage in their daily activities and live quality lives.”

    Fitness should never discriminate by age
    and ability; it is truly beneficial for everyone no matter their stage in life.


    Nicole Goldmann
    Photo by WNBF Canada

    NICOLE GOLDMANN | 49

    Instructor at The Glencoe Club, DJD, Urban Athlete Fitness, Suncor Energy, Plains Midstream
    Calgary, AB
    Facebook

    Growing up with the aerobics scene of the 1990s, Nicole Goldmann developed a love for the energy and vibe of the gym. This passion now transcends into creating challenging and powerful CrossFit workouts for clients. “My classes and personal training sessions are always well-prepared, and my clients and studios can count on me. Approaching 50, I feel strong, healthy, and more knowledgeable than ever about recovery, nutrition, and managing personal goals. I now channel this experience into helping others—whether through coaching, supporting my family, or guiding my kids in their sports endeavours.”

    The fitness Community,
    my colleagues, and the energy we share to help people reach their full potential makes
    every day fulfilling.


    NATALIA LECOURS | 39

    Instructor at Movati Athletic Windermere, Movati Athletic Manning & Windermere, F45 Training Riverbend & Westmount, NML Wellness
    Edmonton, AB
    Instagram | Facebook

    It is a testament to Natalia Lecours commitment to fitness that in addition to her full-time job as a paralegal, she teaches a yoga class before and after work, getting up at 4:45 a.m. For over 10 years Natalia had taught a variety of classes because she loves the fitness community and the camaraderie around it. “My gym friends have become my friends outside the gym. If you not only love the studio and exercises, but the people that keep us accountable, it’s such a win. The energy, smiles, gratitude, and positivity radiating through the room is undeniable.”

    I was changing people’s lives and building a community that purely felt like fun.


    Carla Mia Lalonde
    Photo by Brennan Lalonde

    CARLA MIA LALONDE | 43

    Owner of FiT FOUNDATION Youth Health Club and Instructor at GoodLife Fitness 130th & Shepard and Canyon Meadows
    Calgary, AB
    Instagram | Facebook

    Carla Mia Lalonde’s passion for fitness is all about her giving back—whether it is to the community in the classes she teaches, or to the youth she mentors as part of the FiT FOUNDATION club she founded. “Our health club is a place where different cultures, ethnicities, athletic and fitness backgrounds, ages, and kids with physical, mental and emotional special needs are building their fitness, strength, knowledge and confidence. Sharing my ability to lead people, to coach, motivate and educate them is without
    a doubt my favourite way to give back to the world.”

    Fitness is a necessity—for everybody and for every age if their objective is to live a long, fulfilling and healthy life!


    Janice MACAULAY
    Photo by Jeff Burgess

    JANICE MACAULAY | 42

    Owner and Instructor at Centrefit and Team Smandych Muay Thai & Kickboxing
    Calgary, AB
    Instagram | Facebook

    Janice MacAulay believes in empowering active women to be the best they can be, building confidence and achieving goals, while finding a balance inside and outside the gym. Her adventurous spirit and holistic approach motivates her clients to aim high. “I am deeply committed to making a positive impact on women’s lives, by fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where every woman feels empowered to achieve their goals. My goal is to remove barriers and provide every woman with the tools and confidence she needs to prioritize her health and thrive.”

    Beyond fitness, my mission is to create
    a sense of Community where women feel seen, valued, and supported.


    Wendy Peterson
    Photo by Mark Agius

    WENDY PETERSON | 46

    Instructor at Urban Athlete Fitness Studio
    Calgary, AB
    Instagram | Facebook

    Wendy Peterson’s philosophy is to keep it simple. Stick to the basics emphasising quality over quantity. With 25 years in the industry—initially trained in Classical Pilates—she instructs a range of classes helping clients stay agile. “I believe in focusing on efficient, purposeful movement that enhances strength, mobility, and longevity. Fitness isn’t just about how you look; it’s about feeling good in your body and living a balanced, healthy life for the long term. Over the years, I’ve carried my passion for empowering others, constantly learning and adapting while staying true to my belief in sustainable, realistic fitness.”

    Movement isn’t a short-term goal—it’s a lifelong commitment.


    Tanya reid
    Photo by Bliss Photographic Inc

    TANYA REID | 42

    Instructor at Trico Centre for Family Wellness, MidSun Community Association, Paperny Family JCC
    Calgary, AB
    Instagram

    Tanya Reid attributes her strength and commitment to the fitness industry to her overcoming physical and mental challenges when she was a single mom of two. As an instructor of holistic body-positive classes, she is able to promote healing and resilience, help clients overcome obstacles and generate a positive attitude through exercise and yoga. Tanya’s classes are a safe space where every individual is empowered to flourish. “I’ve been told that I am empathetic and understanding in ways that people resonate with, and they find inspiration when I share pieces of my journey.”

    My fitness philosophy is that every body deserves to move to the best of its Ability.


    HEATHER TEICHROB | 43

    Owner of Healthy with Heather, Instructor at GYMVMT, Her GYMVMT, Trico Centre for Family Wellness, LIV Unlimited, and Big Sky Fitness
    Calgary, AB
    Instagram | Facebook

    Heather Teichrob believes in inspiring individuals mentally as well as physically, enabling them to build confidence, overcome fears and forge their own future. Her philosophy revolves around making fitness accessible to everyone, regardless of their background. “Fitness leadership is about helping people create healthy minds and bodies while crafting an enduring identity as a strong, vibrant, intentional, and disciplined being, capable of achieving anything they put their mind to. I am passionate about helping people of all ages and fitness levels connect to movement.”

    My mission in fitness is to inspire clients
    to connect to the power they possess.


    Karen Samuels
    Photo by Don Charnaw

    KAREN SAMUELS | 65

    Instructor at Senior Residences, Community Leagues & Online
    Edmonton, AB
    Instagram | Facebook

    Karen Samuels has been inspiring fitness enthusiasts—including seniors, sports teams and young dancers—for over 40 years. Her teaching repertoire covers every gamut of class from high/low impact aerobics and body toning to outdoor boot-camps and older adult speciality programs. “It is so important for me to make a difference in people’s lives on a physical and emotional level, and share my areas of expertise in hopes of educating and improving the quality of life to all who I come across in my fitness journey. I love experiencing the transformation from individuals to community through relationship building with love, compassion and understanding amongst all.”

    I strive to encourage my clients to be the best
    version of themselves.


    Scott Wildeman
    Photo by Jana Miko – Miko Photography

    SCOTT WILDEMAN | 48

    Co-owner KidStrong Alberta, Instructor at Edgemont Athletic
    Calgary, AB
    Instagram | Facebook

    Inspiring kids and youth to embrace movement and exercise is a passion for Scott Wildeman. Whether he is teaching kids, instructing spin or coaching community football, he believes that physical literacy should be instilled from an early age. “I believe that physical literacy impacts the whole person. Physical literacy can increase self-efficacy and self-confidence, which can then translate to not only physical health, but social emotional health, cognitive health, career and relationship growth and a sense of well being and accomplishment.”

    My goal is to help others feel confident in themselves through physical activity.


    Cindy Yu
    Photo by Gord MacPherson

    CINDY YU | 49

    Owner of Cindy Yu Fitness, Instructor at Westside Recreation Centre
    Calgary, AB

    Instagram

    For 25 years Cindy Yu has combined her scientific background—she has a degree in microbiology—with her passion for movement to “empower people to be stronger, healthier and more confident.” Having worked across Canada she believes functional fitness enhances strength, endurance and flexibility. “Teaching fitness allows me to make a positive impact on others’ lives, helping them reach their goals, overcome challenges, and find joy in an active lifestyle. I prioritize fostering a sense of community and connection, recognizing that fitness is not just about physical transformation, but supporting one another in the pursuit
    of a healthier, happier lifestyle.”

    I work hard and strive to create dynamic, engaging workouts that challenge and inspire.


    More 2025 Features
    Canada’s Top Fitness Instructors – British Columbia
    Canada’s Top Fitness Instructors – East Coast
    Meet the 2025 Panelists

    IMPACT Magazine Inspiration Issue 2025

    Read This Story in Our 2025 Inspiration Issue
    IMPACT Magazine Inspiration Issue 2025

    Meet 36 outstanding recipients of Canada’s Top Fitness Instructors, Class of 2025 in this highly anticipated issue!

    Plus: Dr. Adam Tenforde dives into the health risks to consider before your first marathon; Dr. Sanjeev Goel, Canada’s “Longevity Doctor,” has the essential tips to optimize sleep habits in the winter months; learn the five-step secret to meal prepping success with nutrition coach, Erin Romeo; implement practical fitness hacks from professional athlete, Lisa Bentley; work out with two of our Canada’s Top Fitness Trainers and Instructors, Devin Wolfe and MJ Shaw; Dr. Syl Corbett explores the role of adaptogens in managing stress through diet; 59-year-old Athlete with IMPACT, DonnaJean Wilde inspires by breaking records in planking and push-ups; and more delicious and nutritious plant-based recipes!

    This just scratches the surface of what you’ll find in this issue, so dive into the DIGITAL EDITION and be empowered for a fantastic 2025!