Canada’s Top Fitness Trainers 2026 – East

After months of review, debate, and careful consideration, we are proud to unveil Canada’s Top Fitness Trainers, Class of 2026!
Every year, this project reminds us just how extraordinary our industry truly is. From coast to coast, nominees continue to raise the bar, not only in technical excellence, but in leadership, integrity, and community impact. The depth of talent this year was remarkable. In fact, the scores were so exceptionally close they were separated by literally the slimmest of margins, reflecting just how strong and competitive this year’s field truly was.

Because of that razor-thin margin, we will be formally recognizing the finalists at this year’s AWARDS GALA and Canadian Fitness Industry Conference on May 30, 2026 while celebrating the official Canada’s Top Fitness Trainers, and presenting Finalist Honours.

New this year, we will present Achievement Awards and Rising Star Awards, celebrating both established leaders and emerging voices shaping the future of Canadian fitness.

Now in its ninth year, this national recognition program continues to spotlight professionals who exemplify what it means to lead in fitness today. Each year we have invited you—our readers and industry peers—to nominate trainers and instructors who are making a measurable difference. The 2026 nominees delivered inspiring stories of resilience, innovation, education, and service. Their combined experience spans decades, disciplines, and diverse communities, yet they share a common purpose in elevating others and empowering Canadians to live healthier, stronger lives—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Our evaluation process remains thorough and independent. Nominees are assessed on education, certifications, tenure, philanthropy, leadership, and community contribution.

Personal philosophies and written submissions are blind-scored by our expert panel to ensure fairness and integrity. Social media following and popularity metrics are not part of the equation. Substance matters here.

At their best, fitness professionals are mentors, advocates, safe spaces, and catalysts for confidence. They shape culture inside their facilities and far beyond their walls.

To every nominee, finalist, award recipient, and member of this year’s class—thank you for the work you do and the lives you change. We are honoured to celebrate you. The stage is set. Let’s begin.

Anita Ivic | 43

Founder of Imprint Pilates
Toronto, ON
Instagram | Facebook

Since 2008, Anita Ivic has focused on the intersection of movement conditioning and rehabilitation, helping clients achieve better daily function through precise alignment and stability. Whether working with beginners or Olympic athletes, Anita’s expertise ensures that every movement pattern is sustainable and resilient.“I saw how empowering it is when people learn to move without pain or return to the activities they love. That impact inspired me to dedicate my career to guiding others through that process and helping them find lasting ways to feel better.”

Training is not just about exercise; it’s about transformation, resilience & helping people reconnect with their bodies in meaningful, lasting ways.

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Paul Nam | 47

Owner at The Workout Loft
Toronto, ON
Instagram | Facebook

Paul Nam is a 24-year veteran of the fitness industry whose expertise spans bodybuilding, martial arts, and holistic health. A prolific author of 21 books and a seasoned studio owner, Paul’s career began with a competitive spark at age 18, leading to a first-place bodybuilding win by age 19. Over the next two decades, he competed in more than 25 shows before transitioning his focus toward longevity and sustainable health. Today, Paul is a recognized international media guest who leverages his extensive background in health sciences and sport nutrition to build comprehensive fitness courses. “When you simplify training and nutrition, results happen. After years of competing at the highest levels, I’ve shifted my focus to helping people become both physically and mentally stronger in a healthy, sustainable way.”

Seeing people become physically and mentally stronger makes me happy.

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Kat Ostroumova | 37

Founder and CEO at Kat International Wellness
Toronto, ON
Instagram

With close to a decade of experience, Kat Ostroumova has redefined what it means to live well with a hormonal disorder. A true embodiment of resilience, Kat transformed her own 20-year battle with hypothyroidism into a mission-driven career, eventually reaching the competitive stage as a multiple top-three WBFF athlete. As an award-winning specialist, Kat focuses on the intersection of metabolic health and mindset coaching. “My mission is to empower women through science-backed fitness and nutrition programs tailored to their unique biology. I’ve lived the struggle of feeling ‘down and out,’ and I’ve learned that transformation is possible. I want to inspire women to not just manage their symptoms, but to flourish and thrive.”

Mental and hormonal health leads to physical wealth.

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Simon Paige | 39

Pro Trainer, Canadian Fitness Professionals Inc & Personal Trainer, GoodLife Fitness

Toronto, ON
Instagram | Facebook

Simon Paige is an award-winning Strength and Conditioning Coach and Fascial Stretch Therapist whose influence extends from professional turf to the classroom. With a resume that includes coaching the Toronto Wolfpack and Canada Rugby League, Simon balances high-performance athletics with a prolific career in education. He is an instructor for some of the world’s leading fitness education companies and mentors thousands of aspiring professionals and clients each year.“I became a trainer to impact the community and the people around me, striving to serve everyone I work with to the highest level possible. Through the principles of positive guidance, accountability, and the right physical and emotional support, everyone has the ability to achieve their goals.”

Investing time into your health is one of the most important gifts you can give yourself.

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Carmen Puyo | 48

Group Fitness Instructor, Equinox
Toronto, ON
Instagram | Facebook

Since 1997, Carmen Puyo has built her career around helping people discover their own strength and feel at home in their bodies. Having struggled with her weight and low self-esteem as a child, she found that fitness was the first place where she felt truly strong, capable, and confident. This life-changing transformation sparked a lifelong mission to help others experience that same sense of empowerment and belonging. “I don’t believe fitness is about perfection. It’s about growth, resilience, and feeling proud of what your body can do.”

My goal has always been to create a space where people feel supported, seen, and encouraged.

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Crispin Redhead | 62

Owner, Gyrotonic Toronto by Crispin
Toronto, ON
Instagram | Facebook

Over the last 40 years, Crispin Redhead’s career has been an evolution of movement, beginning with elite performance at the Toronto Dance Theatre and transitioning into a pioneering role in the fitness industry. After an injury cut his professional dance career short, he transformed his setback into a mission of resilience, becoming one of the first male certified Stott Pilates instructors and later a Master Trainer in the GYROTONIC® Expansion System. Over the years, he has helped individuals from all walks of life regain independence and strength. “For me, true success comes from helping others feel their best physically, mentally, and emotionally along with building
a supportive, caring community along the way.”

When I see someone gain strength, confidence, and joy through movement, I know that my work has been meaningful.

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Logan Rempel | 27

Co-owner and Founder, T3 Fitness and Kinesiology
Charlottetown, P.E.I.
Instagram | Facebook

A former professional basketball player and collegiate all-conference athlete, Logan Rempel’s career was reshaped by two knee surgeries that deepened his understanding of recovery and resilience. Today, he manages a thriving practice that bridges the gap between clinical rehabilitation and everyday wellness. Logan specializes in evidence-based programming for clients managing chronic conditions, motor vehicle accident recovery, and transitions from physiotherapy back to sport or work.“I realized through my own recovery and my time playing professional basketball that movement and coaching are about much more than performance; they are about empowerment and quality of life. My education allows me to guide even the most complicated cases, ensuring that exercise is never ‘one size fits all.”

I am dedicated to helping people of all ages build long-term resilience and strength.

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Theresa Rindress | 37

Founder, TRxrcs
Montreal, QC
Instagram | Facebook

Originally a competitive water polo player, Theresa Rindress initially sought certification to improve her own strength before discovering a natural talent for one-on-one connection and program coordination at the YMCA. Over the last decade, she has expanded her expertise across TRX, group fitness, and specialized certifications, eventually launching her own online training and group business, TRxrcs, in 2020. Her approach is defined by adaptability and a deep commitment to the individual journey, whether the goal is competitive excellence, injury rehabilitation, or mental health support.“I believe we are all on a fitness journey—whether to age well, excel in sport, or fight illness—and I became a trainer because I truly care about the stories behind those goals.”

Show up for your session in whatever state you are and we will carry you forward on this journey together.

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Vyshnavi Sivakumaran | 36

Owner and Lead Coach at Fitness In Place
Toronto, ON
Instagram | Facebook

Vysh is a powerhouse in the Toronto fitness scene, using her platform to champion South Asian women and all individuals who face barriers to health and wellness. As a Functional Strength Coach, she leverages her powerlifting expertise to help others own their strength. Her business, Fitness In Place, stands as a model for inclusivity, providing live, interactive community workouts in a body-positive, safe environment. “Representation matters and I aim to be a voice for those who feel unseen. By offering scholarships and sliding-scale access, we ensure that movement is a right, not a privilege, and that every person can feel powerful in their own skin.”

Movement heals. Kindness matters. And showing up—for people and with people—can change someone’s life.

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Nathan Skoufis | 31

Owner, Guelph Family Martial Arts
Guelph, ON
Instagram | Facebook

A29-time world martial arts champion with nearly three decades of experience, Nathan has translated his elite competitive background into a life’s work of compassionate, individualized coaching. He bridges the gap between high-level conditioning and inclusive wellness, specializing in supporting clients navigating autism, ADHD, trauma, and mental health challenges. His approach is rooted in the belief that true progress begins with building stability and trust, ensuring that his gym remains a judgment-free environment for families and individuals of all abilities. “I know what it feels like to start from a place of self-doubt, and I never forget that when I’m working one-on-one with someone.”

My mission is simple: meet every individual where they are, and help them move toward where they want to be.

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Drew Tyler | 51

Co-owner, F45 Port Credit
Mississauga, ON
Instagram | Facebook

After a distinguished basketball career that took him from varsity play to professional courts across France, England, Holland, and Belgium, Drew translated the discipline of elite athletics into a 23-year career in fitness. Eventually co-founding F45 Port Credit with his wife, Alicia, his transition from professional athlete to coach was driven by a desire to provide the same life-changing mentorship he experienced as a young player. “I aim to equip every individual with the tools, confidence, and understanding required to live a healthy and fulfilling life for decades to come.

Seeing individuals overcome obstacles and achieve things they never thought possible is what fuels me.

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Joe Woods | 27

Head Coach, Reach Personal Training; Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, Cheer Canada’s Co-Ed and All-Girl national teams
Toronto, ON

Instagram

Joe Woods’ career is rooted in the belief that chronic pain does not have to be permanent. After pivoting from a path in physiotherapy, Joe dedicated himself to personal training as a way to provide more proactive, long-term support for his clients. Now, he helps individuals move past the fear of movement that often follows an injury.“I originally wanted to be a physiotherapist, but I realized there was so much untapped potential in the gym to help people both physically and mentally. So many people live in daily pain because of our modern sedentary world, and I want to show them it doesn’t have to be that way.”

The gym is for everyone, and exercises can always be simplified to meet a person’s current abilities.

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More 2025 Features
Canada’s Top Fitness Trainers – British Columbia
Canada’s Top Fitness Trainers – Prairies
Meet the 2026 Panelists