Saturday, May 31, 2025 | Calgary Petroleum Club
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your fitness career, this event will ignite your spirit and leave you feeling motivated, educated and inspired.
This year promises to be our best ever, featuring top presenters from all across Canada covering fitness, business, nutrition, and inclusivity with active discussions and activities.
CECs will be offered for BCRPA, Fitness Alberta and SPRA.
Mark your calendars and join us for a day that celebrates the power of fitness – and then join us for our evening 2025 Canada’s Top Fitness Instructors AWARDS GALA! Everyone is welcome!
Conference ticket includes all sessions listed below:
MORNING SESSIONS
FITNESS
8:00 AM – 8:50 AM
Jodi Barrett, Calgary, AB – Kettlebell Swing Master Class
About Jodi: After more than a decade as a full‑time, stay-at-home mom, Jodi Barrett shifted gears in 2017 by founding Kettlebell Kickboxing Canada. She opened her flagship studio and developed a resilient online‑hybrid training model at the height of the pandemic, hosted two sold‑out wellness retreats in 2023, and published her first memoir that same year. In 2024 she launched the KBSTRONGER™ Training & Certification Program, empowering trainers worldwide.
Driven by a deep passion for movement and a steadfast commitment to service, Jodi was honoured as one of IMPACT Magazine Canada’s Top Fitness Trainers in 2021. She holds a BA in Physical Activity Studies (Fitness & Lifestyle major) and is certified as a KBIA Master‑Level Trainer (Kettlebell Certification Program) and an MKC Trainer (Maxwell Kettlebell Certification). Her mission is clear: to guide, inspire, and elevate others through transformative fitness.
Master the kettlebell swing. Join us for an immersive Swing Clinic where we demystify the kettlebell swing—arguably the most powerful yet most misrepresented movement in strength training. Whether you’re new to kettlebells or a seasoned swinger, this workshop will equip you with the fundamentals and fine-tune your technique for maximum impact and safety.
You’ll begin by mastering the three non‑negotiable foundations of a safe, efficient, and explosive swing before you even grip a kettlebell. From there, you’ll progress through practical drills designed to rewire your movement patterns, so you work smarter, not harder, and learn proven troubleshooting strategies to correct the most common swing faults, ensuring you—and your clients—get every ounce of benefit. As a special bonus, you’ll uncover heart‑pounding cardio‑mobility sequences straight from our KBSTRONGER™ Program, designed to boost endurance and dynamic flexibility.
Bring your questions and leave your doubts at the door. This is your opportunity to slow down, hone your mechanics, and build unshakable confidence—one perfect swing at a time.
NUTRITION
8:00 AM – 8:50 AM
Zuzana Fajkusova, Vancouver, BC – Beyond Diets: Helping Fitness Clients Thrive with a New Model of Nourishment
About Zuzana: Holistic Nutritionist, Natural Healing Advocate, and Nature Enthusiast, Zuzana Fajkusova has been championing holistic health and natural healing since 2000, guiding clients back to the innate wisdom of their bodies through simple, sustainable choices. As a lifelong student of nature’s remedies, she understands that true wellness begins when we return to the essentials: nourishing real food, intentional movement, and a profound connection to the natural world.
For Zuzana, every meal is more than a nutrition chart or passing food trend—it’s our most fundamental link to the earth, an opportunity to awaken curiosity, deepen awareness, and empower individuals to honor their bodies, minds, and spirits. Drawing on expertise in sports nutrition, raw cuisine, personal training, and yoga—alongside mentorships with visionaries like Dr. Zach Bush and Brendan Brazier—she blends science, soul, and simplicity to cultivate vibrant, resilient health from the inside out.
Let’s move beyond diets. Step away from the rigidity of diet rules and calorie counting to embrace a whole‑systems model of true vitality. In this engaging session, you’ll discover how to guide your clients back to real, nourishing foods, rebuild trust in their bodies, and transform eating into a joyful, sustainable practice.
We’ll begin by examining the pivotal role of the microbiome in metabolic and immune health, then explore how food choices directly shape mood, energy levels, and longevity. You’ll learn strategies for cultivating intuitive eating habits that honor natural rhythms, along with meal‑planning frameworks and body–mind awareness exercises.
By the end of this talk, you’ll walk away with actionable tools and insights that empower your clients to thrive, not just survive, on their wellness journey.
FITNESS
9:00 AM – 9:50 AM
Ning Gao, Calgary, AB – Restorative Yoga Master Class & Workshop
About Ning: Ning Gao is a Forrest Yoga Teacher, Ambassador for Forrest Yoga in Canada, and founder of Yoga Beyond. Born in northeastern China, she earned a law degree and spent eight years as a High Court lawyer before leaving everything behind for Canada in 1996. A year later, a stranger’s kindness—offering her a free basement space in downtown Calgary—sparked her first yoga studio.
Over nearly 30 years, Ning has built and sustained three successful Calgary studios. When the COVID‑19 pandemic and uncooperative landlords forced her to adapt, she transformed her home into a beautiful studio and continued teaching.
On May 11, 2024, at age 60, Ning survived a serious motorcycle accident that required two major surgeries and left her with 100 stitches. Determined to walk—and teach—again, she devised a Yoga + Pilates workout program that supported her rapid recovery and return to teaching in just two months. Today, Ning shares this simple, powerful program to help others rebuild strength, resilience, and joy through movement.
Take your anatomy knowledge and your yoga practice to the next level. A comprehensive and inclusive course designed for health professionals, yoga teachers, and bodyworkers, this workshop offers in-depth training in Meridian Therapy and integrative healing techniques. You’ll gain valuable tools to support clients experiencing chronic pain, recurring injuries, and physical imbalances, while also deepening your own connection to the body and its innate healing potential.
Through this course, you’ll explore how yoga can relieve pain by improving flexibility, building strength, and reducing stress. You’ll develop a more intuitive understanding of conditions such as back pain, arthritis, and fibromyalgia, and learn to work with them more effectively. Whether you’re aiming to refine your personal practice or expand your professional expertise, this class provides the foundation to help you move with greater awareness, teach with more precision, and support healing from the inside out.
BUSINESS
9:00 AM – 9:50 AM
Jessie Thomas, Halton Hills, ON – How to Run a Successful Fitness Business Without Scales and Mirrors
About Jessie: Jessie Thomas is the visionary behind Farm Girl Fitness, a unique boutique indoor and outdoor fitness studio nestled on her family’s farm in Halton Hills, Ontario. In response to the challenges posed by the pandemic, Jessie founded Farm Girl Fitness in the summer of 2020, creating a haven for individuals seeking a holistic approach to fitness. Farm Girl Fitness offers small group training classes and corporate wellness events in a beautiful rural setting that helps people feel calm, confident, and comfortable in their own skin.
Since entering the fitness industry in 2007 as a fitness instructor and coach, Jessie has made a lasting impact. As a TRX Master Trainer for canfitpro, she plays a key role in certifying fellow fitness professionals. Her achievements have earned widespread recognition, including being named one of IMPACT Magazine’s Canada’s Top Fitness Trainers in Canada in 2022. In 2023, she proudly received the prestigious Sharon Mann Inspiration Award at the canfitpro conference.
Jessie is known for her unwavering commitment to values such as caring, collaboration, and positivity. She is a beacon of encouragement in the fitness community, with a mission centered on empowering others to build confidence, develop a love for movement, and embrace a positive body image.
Let’s talk business. In an industry that has long relied on weight loss challenges, scales, mirrors, and before-and-after photos as standard marketing tools, many fitness professionals are starting to question whether there’s a better way. Is it truly possible to build a thriving, profitable fitness business without relying on aesthetic-based messaging? This powerful and thought-provoking workshop explores that very question—and offers a resounding “yes.”
Led by two experienced women who have successfully built high-end fitness businesses while staying body-neutral in their messaging, this session dives into why this approach matters now more than ever. You’ll explore the growing cultural shift away from appearance-driven fitness and learn how centering your business around inclusivity, empowerment, and authentic connection can increase client trust—and revenue. The workshop will also provide actionable insights into how to market your services on social media in a body-neutral way that resonates with the right audience and drives real sales. If you’re ready to rethink what success in fitness looks like, this is the workshop for you.
FITNESS
10:00 AM – 10:50 AM
Fyonna Vanderwerf, Muskoka, ON – How to Coach, Train, and Support Clients with Special Health Needs + Inclusive Assessments That Actually Work
About Fyonna: Fyonna Vanderwerf is a two-time recipient of IMPACT Magazine’s Canada’s Top Fitness Trainer/Instructor awards, with over 29 years in the wellness industry, more than 100 certifications, and a legacy of inclusive coaching. A multi-IRONMAN athlete, triathlete, marathoner, and bodybuilder, but more importantly, she’s trained clients navigating Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, diabetes, mental health, cancer, menopause, arthritis, and more. Fyonna is the founder of The Bee’s Knees – Muskoka’s only fully accessible, all-gender boutique studio. She specializes in adaptive coaching, inclusive assessments, and training clients with complex health conditions. Her workshops fuse science, sweat, and soul—giving fitness pros real-world tools to lead with strength, empathy, and purpose.
Replace those one-size-fits-all assessments that leave clients overwhelmed or overlooked. This session is your game plan for inclusive, adaptive coaching that works, and leaves the client empowered and seen. Learn how to modify movement, hold space for clients with complex needs, and create assessments that build trust—not intimidation. Fyonna brings real-world strategies, powerful case studies, and hands-on tools you’ll use right away. If you coach real people with real challenges, this session will change how you train and build on the amazing skills you already use.
You will learn how to transform assessments into empowering, inclusive experiences; the connection between foot function, mobility, and long-term movement potential; how to recognize bias before it enters your space—and how to address it with clarity.
We will also cover adaptation strategies that genuinely meet your client’s unique needs; how to support both clients and caregivers without draining your own energy; communication techniques that foster trust, autonomy, and lasting rapport; interactive group discussion and hands-on movement practice.
If you’ve ever felt like traditional assessment tools fall short for many bodies—you’re not alone. This session equips you with the confidence, language, and strategies to coach with greater impact, deeper empathy, and sharpened skill. You’ll leave with tools you can use right away—and the energy to show up even stronger for those you serve.
BUSINESS
10:00 AM – 10:50 AM
Rob Balasabas, Vancouver, BC & Jodi Barrett, Calgary, AB – Fireside Chat – The Recurring Revenue Playbook for Fitness Creators
About Jodi: After more than a decade as a full‑time, stay-at-home mom, Jodi Barrett shifted gears in 2017 by founding Kettlebell Kickboxing Canada. She opened her flagship studio and developed a resilient online‑hybrid training model at the height of the pandemic, hosted two sold‑out wellness retreats in 2023, and published her first memoir that same year. In 2024 she launched the KBSTRONGER™ Training & Certification Program, empowering trainers worldwide.
Driven by a deep passion for movement and a steadfast commitment to service, Jodi was honoured as one of IMPACT Magazine Canada’s Top Fitness Trainers in 2021. She holds a BA in Physical Activity Studies (Fitness & Lifestyle major) and is certified as a KBIA Master‑Level Trainer (Kettlebell Certification Program) and an MKC Trainer (Maxwell Kettlebell Certification). Her mission is clear: to guide, inspire, and elevate others through transformative fitness.
About Rob: Rob Balasabas serves as the Head of Creator Partnerships & Community at Uscreen, overseeing Sponsorships, Influencer Relations, Content Collabs, and Uscreen’s Membership+ Community.
As a passionate content creator himself, Rob shares tutorial videos and live streams on his personal YouTube channel (over 1 Million Views to date) and hosts the “Coffee with Content Creators” podcast.
Join Jodi Barrett, Founder of KB Stronger, and Rob Balasabas, Head of Partnerships at Uscreen, for an inspiring and tactical conversation on
how to launch and grow a profitable online membership.
In this session, Jodi shares her journey of turning her passion for kettlebell training into a thriving online business that delivers real
results to hundreds of members around the world — all while generating recurring revenue every month. Whether you’re a fitness coach, content creator, or simply curious about monetizing your expertise online, you’ll walk away with actionable insights, proven strategies, and a peek into the tools and mindset needed to build a scalable, sustainable membership business.
FITNESS
11:00 AM – 11:50 AM
Rebecca Garland, Calgary, AB – Strong, Smart & Changing: What Every Fitness Instructor Needs to Know About Training the Midlife Woman
About Rebecca: Rebecca Garland is a Midlife Health and Fitness Transformation Coach and founder of Élan Performance Inc., specializing in strength, nutrition, and whole-person wellness for women navigating midlife. She is a Certified Fitness Menopause Specialist and Health & Fitness Menopause Specialist (MedFit) and holds a Bachelor of Kinesiology from the University of Calgary. Her additional certifications include Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC), Level 2 Master Nutrition Coach (Precision Nutrition), Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA), Grief Movement Therapy Practitioner (Grief Yoga®), and Woman-Centered Coaching through Dr. Claire Zammit’s Feminine Power methodology.
Creator of many popular programs and author of Nourish, a whole foods recipe book, she is a two-time recipient of IMPACT Magazine’s Canada’s Top Fitness Trainer award.
Known for her compassionate, science-driven approach, Rebecca helps fitness professionals and high-achieving women thrive — physically, mentally, and emotionally — through every season.
In this session, learn how to better support the midlife woman. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of how hormonal shifts impact women’s bodies—and why many popular fitness approaches miss the mark for this growing demographic. As hormonal changes influence how the body adapts to exercise, your coaching strategies must evolve to meet the unique needs of women 40 and beyond.
You’ll walk away with science-backed tools to enhance strength, recovery, and confidence—specifically designed for midlife clients. We’ll also explore why focusing solely on behavior change isn’t enough to drive lasting transformation—and what motivates sustainable results instead.
With this knowledge, you’ll be equipped to help your clients achieve better outcomes, while fostering deeper loyalty and long-term engagement. This session offers essential insights for every instructor working with one of the most underserved—and most powerful—demographics in fitness today. By mastering the science of midlife health, you’ll position yourself as a trusted resource for women seeking real, lasting change.
FITNESS
11:00 AM – 11:50 AM
Sean Sweeney, Calgary, AB HYROX – Where Endurance, Strength, and Sport Intersect – training your clients for the demands of this dynamic sport
About Sean: As the owner of CORFit Hybrid Athletics and a certified HYROX Affiliate Trainer, Sean Sweeney is passionate about creating a high-performance training environment that empowers athletes of all levels to reach their full potential. Specializing in functional fitness, endurance training, and competition preparation, Sean helps individuals push their limits and achieve peak performance. At CORFit they blend strength, conditioning, and skill-based programming to offer a dynamic and challenging fitness experience. Whether you’re training for HYROX, pursuing personal fitness goals, or preparing for elite competition, they provide expert coaching and foster a supportive community to help you succeed. “Let’s train smarter, push harder, and redefine limits—one workout at a time.”
Dive into the future of competitive fitness. We will examine how the landscape has evolved beyond traditional endurance and strength-based disciplines. With the rise of events like obstacle course racing (OCR) and HYROX competitions, we are witnessing a shift in how athletes train, compete, and push their limits. We’ll explore the driving forces behind this transformation and what it means for athletes, trainers, and the fitness industry. As the fitness world continues to innovate and adapt, new opportunities are constantly emerging. Whether you’re an athlete, a trainer, or a fitness professional, this growing trend has a direct impact on how you approach training, competition, and even your business strategies. Join us as we take a closer look at where the industry is headed and what the future holds for those who are ready to evolve with it.
AFTERNOON SESSIONS
BUSINESS
12:00 PM – 12:55 PM – Keynote Luncheon Presentation (light lunch buffet included)
Geoff Starling, Calgary, AB – Inclusivity & Diversity in the Fitness Industry + Discussions
About Geoff: Geoff Starling is an Exercise Physiologist and the Founder of Every Body STRONGER. He began his journey as a fitness professional in 2007, driven by a passion to create a safe, welcoming, and judgement-free space for individuals looking to become active—whether for the first time or after a long break. Geoff’s mission is to provide a supportive, predictable environment where people of all backgrounds can confidently embark on their fitness journey and achieve their goals.
In 2017, Geoff created Every Body STRONGER (EBS). A hyper-inclusive fitness operation committed to making exercise accessible to people living in bodies of all sizes, ages, abilities & identities. EBS now incorporates physio, chiro, massage, and yoga, and has become a hub for inclusive body care.
Since his 20s, Geoff has lived without a stomach and most of his left lung after a series of medical events attempted to take his life. In 2014, he battled with the loss of his younger brother to homicide and has supported his wife through multiple miscarriages before their two children were born. The key to his journey since then has been embracing these challenges as trials—not only to live, but to thrive despite them and honour their legacies.
For his own training, Geoff is a competitive Strongman and Powerlifter proudly sporting a 1000lbs+ total and 405lbs Atlas Stone.
Embrace inclusivity & diversity in the fitness industry. This 50-minute presentation will explore what it means to create a Size-Inclusive, Queer-Friendly, and Trauma-Informed fitness environment, and why it is essential to incorporate these practices into your fitness operations. We’ll dive into the significance of fostering a space that prioritizes the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of all individuals, regardless of their size, sexual orientation, or past experiences. In addition to this, the course will cover best practices for ensuring inclusivity across various dimensions such as Age, Ability, Identity, and Neurodiversity. You’ll learn actionable strategies to cultivate an environment where all clients, regardless of their background or challenges, feel supported, respected, and empowered. Whether you’re a fitness professional or business owner, this course will provide you with the tools to create a more welcoming and inclusive space for everyone who walks through your doors.
FITNESS
1:00 PM – 1:50 PM
Zita Dube-Lockhard, Edmonton, AB – Stopped in Our Tracks: Understanding Exercise Avoidance Through a Trauma-Informed Lens
About Zita: If there’s one thing that Zita Dube-Lockhart (CSEP-CPT, IMPACT Magazine’s Canada’s Top Fitness Trainer, 2024) knows better than exercise, it’s stress – and, more specifically, how stress impacts exercise and health behaviour.
As co-owner of Action Potential Fitness and co-founder of the Centre for Trauma Informed Fitness, Zita has dedicated her career to helping people move beyond barriers by bridging the gap between neuroscience, behavioural psychology, and exercise science. Through her ground-breaking development of the 6A Framework for Trauma-Informed Fitness Training, Zita challenges conventional understandings of dysfunctional patterns such as chronic sedentarism and over-training syndrome, calling professionals to dig deeper into the “why” behind their clients’ behaviour so they can build safer, more compassionate pathways to sustainable, whole-person health.
Zita is currently completing her MA in Counselling Psychology practicum at the Alberta Wellness Centre for Eating Disorders, where she specializes in body image, motivation theory, and the safe re-introduction of exercise for populations with complex physical and mental health conditions.
Understand exercise avoidance through a trauma-informed lens. Many fitness professionals encounter clients who disengage from programs, miss sessions, or describe themselves as “unmotivated” — yet the root cause is rarely laziness. This workshop explores the neuroscience behind exercise avoidance and aversive behaviors, reframing these patterns as protective responses linked to chronic stress, trauma, and nervous system dysregulation.
Participants will learn how to identify hidden barriers to movement, recognize nervous-system cues of distress, and implement practical, trauma-informed strategies to create safer, more supportive environments that foster long-term engagement. Grounded in current research and real-world application, this session empowers fitness professionals to move beyond behavior-focused approaches and toward deeper client-centered care.
By the end of this session, participants will understand how chronic stress and trauma influence exercise behavior and motivation, recognize signs of exercise avoidance as nervous system responses, and apply trauma-informed strategies to create a psychologically safe environment that fosters trust and supports sustainable behavior change through a biopsychosocial lens.
BUSINESS
1:00 PM – 1:50 PM
MJ Shaw, Toronto, ON – Running Your Own Fitness Business, The Entrepreneurial Side
About MJ: MJ Shaw is an award-winning entrepreneur and fitness expert with 28 years of experience in the ever-evolving fitness industry. She is the owner and founder of SOUL FUEL Fitness, a successful boutique studio in Toronto, home to over 1,000 clients and a team of 25 staff members. Before opening her own studio, MJ developed programs for other companies, created and led certification courses across North America, and taught at various studios. She has also been featured as a fitness expert and business owner on NBC, BNN, CBC, CTV, and BTV and holds an MA and HBA from the University of Toronto, with studies in theatre, dance, politics, and religion.
Her fitness credentials include certifications from the Canadian Federation of Coaches, the American Council on Exercise, canfitpro, Yoga Alliance (500 hours), Pilates Instructor Academy (Advanced Mat & Reformer), American Fitness Association, British Association of Teachers of Dancing (Ballet, Tap, Jazz), Menopause Fitness Specialist and more.
MJ led a wild, wonderful and varied vagabond life before happily settling into marriage and motherhood in her 40s. Now you can find her in bed by 9 and up by 5, working to make life happier and healthier for herself, her family and her community at large.
Maybe you’re an independent contractor for various studios and companies? Or you’re an employee for a franchise corporation? Or maybe you’re running your own small shop or online program and looking to grow your business? No matter how good you are at training people, being a professional in this industry means that you are your own business. Let’s dig into honing your leadership and entrepreneurial skills to carve out a clearer more empowered path to success.
This session will provide a comprehensive understanding of various forms of employment from both the employee and employer perspectives. We will dive into key legal, liability, and tax issues relevant to trainers and studios, ensuring you have the knowledge to navigate these complexities. The discussion will also cover authentic branding, marketing, and advertising strategies, helping you stand out in a way that aligns with your vision. You’ll gain insight into current industry trends, including what’s driving revenue and how you can tap into successful opportunities. Additionally, we’ll explore valuable small business resources to support you with accounting, insurance, budgeting, and funding, empowering you to run your business efficiently and effectively.
BUSINESS
2:00 PM – 2:50 PM
Connie Beaulieu, Ottawa, ON – Beyond Burnout: Sustainable Coaching for a Long-Term Career
About Connie: Connie Beaulieu is an award-winning Strength & Lifestyle Coach, Trainer, Presenter, and CEO of S.W.E.A.T.® Inc who has been featured on CTV, Rogers TV, Chatelaine Magazine, The Globe and Mail, Huffington Post, CHUO 89.1 and Personal Fitness Professional.
With over 25 years in the industry, she realized that it’s not just about weight loss, intensity, metrics, and measurements. It’s about creating a healthy, balanced lifestyle for all stages of life. It’s about wanting more for your health and not settling for less. Connie helps people who want to move better & feel better from the inside out find an effective, time-efficient and sustainable solution to fitness. She uses her strength & conditioning background to prepare others for the game of life! We all have an ‘inner athlete’ that can thrive through training.
Develop a plan to avoid burnout in your career: Passion may get you started—but purpose, systems, and community will keep you going. This empowering session will help you manage energy, set boundaries, and evolve from trainer or instructor to coach. Discover practical strategies for avoiding burnout and building a fulfilling, long-lasting career rooted in mindset, sustainability, and alignment.
We’ll save time at the end to have a dynamic group discussion, offering the opportunity to reflect on the insights shared and exchange ideas with fellow fitness industry pros. It’s a great way to close the conference portion of the day, fostering connections and sparking inspiration as we bring the day’s learnings to a meaningful conclusion.
ONE TICKET, ALL SESSIONS
2025 CANADA’S TOP FITNESS INSTRUCTORS AWARDS GALA
5:30 PM – MIDNIGHT
Join us for IMPACT Magazine’s Canada’s Top Fitness Instructors AWARDS GALA Industry Mixer and Show!
