Personal Trainers

Faress Barraquias

Certifications:

• Can-Fit-Pro Registered Personal Trainer
  
• Emergency First Aid and CPR
  
• Bachelor of Tourism Management, Major in Recreation
  
• Recreation and Sports Management Diploma

Michelle McDonald

Michelle has been a Trainer since 2005. In addition to her Personal Training certificate, Michelle is a certified Aerobics Instructor and Nutritional Counsellor through Can-Fit-Pro Canada. Michelle possesses a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do through the World Black Belt Bureau and she also teaches Kickboxing and is certified through Fitness Kickboxing Canada. Currently, Michelle is working on all certifications through BCRPA as well as her Pilates certification.

Michelle's specialties include; strength training, weight loss and lifestyle coaching, specializing in post natal wellness and beginner through intermediate programs. Michelle looks forward to working with each and every client, seeing them meet their goals and being a part of each unique success story.

Chris Joseph

Chris is a registered Personal Trainer, Weight Trainer, Group Fitness Leader, Sport and Conditioning Specialist and Pre/Post Natal Instructor through BCRPA.

Chris was the Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Nanaimo Clippers from 2004-2009.

Chris has been involved in fitness for over 12 years, and since receiving his professional accreditation has decided to bring his wealth of knowledge to the public. Chris' passion and drive to help others reach their best physical potential keeps him constantly working and learning to find new ways to ensure the success of all who would seek his help. Chris has helped many people with weight loss, rehabilitate old and nagging injuries, and he has been instrumental in starting many on the road to fitness.

Gay Northway

Gay is qualified as a Personal Trainer with the American Council on Exercise (ACE). Gay is also certified with BCRPA as a Weight Room Instructor, and a third age trainer. She is also certified in Rehabilitation after joint replacement and in the BC Women's Hospital Osteofit Program for the prevention and treatment of Osteoporosis . With a PHD in Pharmacology and 25 years teaching experience in Medical Schools, Gay has a special understanding of the effects of medications on rehabilitation and exercise programs.

Gay's specialties include; Personal Training, Osteoporosis prevention, joint replacement rehabilitation, core strengthening for back pain, balance and posture training.

Victoria Dirksen

Victoria Dirksen was raised in a family passionate about health and fitness. The foundation of her desire to “strive to achieve and believe in oneself” was cemented in her belief system since day one. In school, Victoria excelled in soccer, cross-country, field hockey and track and field. Naturally, she decided to follow her instincts and pursue a career in health and fitness.

Victoria is approachable, uplifting, a positive motivator and an example of why active health should be a lifestyle choice. Her passion is to help others succeed with all of their health and fitness goals.

Victoria is registered though British Columbia Parks and Recreation Association in Fitness Theory, Group Fitness, Weight Training and Personal Training. Through her vast knowledge in fitness she will help you reach your goals in a creative and fun atmosphere.

Always striving to be the best, Victoria continues to broaden her horizons in the health and fitness industry. Her latest accomplishment is becoming a Yoga Fitness Leader, which she will be certified as of Spring 2012.