MILEAGE: I’ve been teaching fitness, dance and yoga across North America for over 25 years. I was a professional actor for 30 years, and much of my career was spent on stage and set, where I still work as a choreographer for film and tv. As an entrepreneur, I founded Dynamic Retreats, Seventh Stage Theatre, co-founded LaRouge Entertainment and worked on biz development for various fitness companies. I was the 2018 & 2019 Canfitpro Fitness Professional of the Year Finalist and have appeared as a Fitness Expert on the Dr OZ Show, CBC Radio & TV, BNN, CTV Your Morning, CP24, CBC, BTV and more! Certifications: Canadian Federation of Coaches, ACE, Canfitpro and AFAA (Group & PT), RYT and more. Major in Religion & Politics, HBA in Acting/Theatre, and MA in Drama Studies from University of Toronto. More about me HERE.
WHAT GIVES YOU SOUL: Empowering people through movement. I believe your pain can be converted to power by positively empowering yourself and others. This has largely and proudly been my life’s work. My son Samuel and husband Dan are the heart and soul that empower me.
WHAT’S YOUR FUEL: Moving bodies to music! I’ll gladly honky tonk to bad country, head bang to trashy 80s rock, twerk to hip-hop, twinkle my toes to Tchaikovsky…Dance is my easiest access to joy. I’m also fuelled by great story telling in all forms, be it book, film, play or someone telling me theirs.
MILEAGE: As a dancer, I was always drawn to the preparation and training of the body for movement. At 16, I joined my first gym and have been strength training ever since. I’ve been a professional Hawaiian and Tahitian dancer for over 12 years and I love all types of Latin Dancing. I encountered some challenges along my journey which birthed a deeper fascination with heath compelling me to hours of research. Fascination turned into passion and so I decided to get my personal training certification through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Just call me a “Fitness Freak” - that’s me!
WHAT GIVES YOU SOUL: I’m a creative soul and that gives me SOUL! I love dancing, acting, writing and connecting with people. Putting a smile on someone’s face really lights me up! If I can be a part of encouraging someone to feel more free, strong or empowered in their body or mind, that is such a gift to my heart. I believe that we can overcome insurmountable odds and I love being a cheerleader for others on their journey toward greater health & fitness.
WHATS YOUR FUEL: If there’s a beat, you’ll see me dancing! Dancing (& music) is JOY to me and probably my greatest source of fuel although it comes in other forms too: Good quality, nourishing foods - Traveling & experiencing other places & cultures - Being by the ocean - Spending time with family/friends/nature - Meditation & being alive in the present moment.
MILEAGE: I’ve been teaching fitness classes for almost a decade, everything from HIIT, Spin, TRX, Boocamps, Lifting and Stretching: movement is my jam. I have a BA in History, but Fitness is my true vocation. Certifications: Canfitpro (PT Specialist), TRX and more. Certified Plant-Based Nutritionist.
WHAT GIVES YOU SOUL: Plant based food/fuel has led me into a new passion towards healthy eating and lifestyle. But travel, the ocean and nature have my soul - I love being under water and I love diving.
WHAT’S YOUR FUEL: Exercise, movement, getting strong physically and mentally. This should be accessible to everyone and enjoyable for everyone! I’m fuelled by empowering people to feel the immense benefits of movement and strength that I’ve felt in the studio and in life.
MILEAGE: I have been teaching fitness classes full-time for 10 years. My certifications range from dance to kick boxing and from aqua to HIIT (and a whole bunch in between). I have had the pleasure of presenting at fitness conferences both in Canada and US. Also I spent some years as a Master Trainer for an aqua program and was featured in some of their instructional DVD’s.
WHAT GIVES YOU SOUL: Aside from fitness, the 2 things I love are Doritos and white wine. Classy and affordable and a little faux bougie. I also don’t mind creating some fierce lip sync content on my social media. Actually, creativity in any form excites me, from choreography to costume making with household items.
WHAT'S YOUR FUEL: I lead everything I do in my life with the principle that ‘we must be the change we wish to see in the world.’ I believe that as humans we are called to leave the world a little bit better than we found it.
MILEAGE: I grew up dancing competitively and I started the dance program at an energetic school in Brampton. I have a History and Drama degree from McMaster and my education degree from OISE. I get to be on stage every day teaching school age kiddies how to love themselves, work together and find a passion in life through my dance program. I am a certified POUND and Generation POUND instructor because rocking out those green drum sticks is something I have to share with people daily. I love teaching the Dance AQ through York University to help teachers bring the love and creativity of dance to their programs.
WHAT GIVES YOU SOUL: I am the mom of two incredible boys with the sweetest husband and all three of them fill my soul with laughter, love and adventure. Being active outside brings me joy and a makes me feel powerful. I live my life by my Mama's motto "Move your feet and your mind will follow".
WHAT’S YOUR FUEL: Building a sense of community through movement is my passion for life. We are all superstars and I make it my mission to show kiddies and adults I work with that they were born to shine.
MIILEAGE: Seven years ago as a career-chef with a passion for personal fitness, I stumbled into a heated ashtanga yoga class. Invigorated by the practice, I was thrown into a whole new world of possibilities. Two years later I gave up my catering business and went to Goa, India to take my Yoga teacher training and haven’t looked back since! Since then I’ve gone from an Ido Portal movement training seminary’s in upstate New York, to practicing Muay Thai on a remote Thai Island. In the last 5 years I’ve been teaching yoga, mobility and personal/group fitness all over the GTA, and am hoping to one day become a qualified physiotherapist.
WHAT GIVES YOU SOUL: I love to give people the same ‘A-ha!’ Moments in their movement practice that I constantly achieve in my own practice. I love seeing people have epiphanies during their practice as we find the interconnectedness between mind and body. I want to help people heal their bodies through movement and find empowerment through strength.
WHAT'S YOUR FUEL: Movement is my life! Everything from strength training to mixed martial arts to yin yoga. Beyond that, I’m passionate about plant-based cooking, live music (if it ever exists again:), rescuing stray dogs and reading anarchist philosophy.
MILEAGE: I grew up performing in plays and dance groups around the world with the Toronto Slovak Dancers and rhythmic gymnastics. In my late teens I also coached rhythmic gymnastics. I later went to the University of Toronto and completed a biophysics degree and later a business degree and became a Certified Financial Manager. However, I always knew I would go back to a career in fitness and seven years ago I "retired" from finance and started that career. I teach HIIT classes and all levels of strength training as well many forms of dance fitness. Although I love the high energy classes the last few years I have also moved into providing safe strength training for older adults and those completely new to any form of exercise.
Certifications: CanFitPro FIS group fitness instructor, Strong Nation, Zumba (Basic, Gold, Step, Sentao, Aqua)
WHAT GIVES YOU SOUL: Mountains!!! I never feel more alive and intune with myself as I do on a mountain. I love to travel and most of my vacations entail ultra running trail races or multi day hikes. Last summer I did a solo trek of Killarney. I speak multi languages and love engaging with international racers at events worldwide. Such as Portugal, Lavaredo 125km ultra in Cortina d'Ampenzzo in Italy, Mont Blanc 101km traversing Italy, Switzerland and France, Mozart 100 in Salzburg, New Zealand and hopefully more to come.
WHAT'S YOUR FUEL: Encouraging and empowering those around me to fully express themselves through movement and body awareness. When a participant does something they never thought they could, the sense of accomplishment and elation they feel is unparalleled and spreads to all aspects of their life. It's a beautiful thing to be a part of and witness.
MILEAGE: Since 1999, I've been teaching group fitness classes in the GTA and internationally. I'm known for my infectious and contagious fiery energy, while demonstrating excellence in teaching technique that comes from my investment in education, training, and years of experience. Some of my awards include the 2021 IMPACT Magazine Canada’s Top Fitness Instructor Award, 2019 canfitpro New Presenter of the Year, 2017 canfitpro Fitness Instructor of the Year. I've been featured in Sway Magazine, Metro News, Breakfast Television, SNAP Magazine, canfitpro Magazine, CP24, Toronto Star, City TV, Rogers TV and more.
WHAT GIVES YOU SOUL: I get it from MY MAMA! 😉 Seriously…what moves me each day is constantly remembering how finite our lives are. I don’t ever take a day, minute or second for granted. I’m unapologetic about living my life OUT LOUD and squeezing out every bit of juiciness I can get whether I’m reading a new book, discovering a new nook in the city via bike or on a run, wine tasting, salsa dancing or enjoying some natural herbs, I marinate and embrace each moment, while not sweating the small stuff.
WHAT'S YOUR FUEL: Meditation is the key to elevation, and I do it every day. Not only do I feed my mind and spirit, but I also invest in my temple by properly nourishing it and engaging in activities such as running, cycling and dancing my bootaaay off! And YES, I drink WINE and love it!
MILEAGE: My first love has always been dance. I attended Ryerson University for the dance program and graduated from Randolph College Triple Threat program. I worked as a professional dancer for about a decade and along the way got into acting. I adore film and television. I had the pleasure of acting in film, tv and commercials for several years before my love and interest in movement lead me down the path of a fitness career. I'm a Can Fit Pro Certified trainer, certified prenatal/ postnatal and Diastasis recti and pelvic floor exercise recovery specialist.
WHAT GIVES YOU SOUL: Empowering other's through movement. It fills my heart with joy when I see people come into their own through movement. I am grateful and honoured to be part of people's fitness and dance journey's. Building communities where people feel honoured, respected and welcome. Helping people uncover and unleash their strength and love for their bodies. Since becoming a mother myself it has become my passion to help mama's have an empowered birth and recovery. I also love understanding how movement works and the science of it. I am big on empowering people with the understanding of movement, function and proper form.
WHAT'S YOUR FUEL: Family. I love being with those I love! Laughing till I am crying. Enjoying all the precious little everyday moments especially with my daughter. Sun on my face. Any music with soul makes me want to dance. Spontaneous dance parties. Feeling sexy. Creating communities where everywhere is welcomed, invited and encouraged to thrive. Chocolate, definitely chocolate.
MILEAGE: The first time I tried to wander into a yoga class was at Extreme Fitness and I was late so she said, come back. And since then my practice has been grounded in this idea of coming back - each time I do there is always something new to learn, something new to observe. This was about 10 years ago and in 2017 I completed my first 200 hour pilates training in a studio *that is no longer in operation*. Since then I’ve completed a 225 hour Hatha + Vinyasa training at Union Yoga, a 40 hour chair + accessible yoga teacher training, 40 hour restorative + nidra training, 40 hour mental health sensitivity + foundational trauma-informed yoga teacher training and level one + two reiki attunement. All the while continuous yoga philosophy satsangs with my primary teacher Hali Schwartz. My offerings are a by-product of my own practice, as I aim to share what I know: to: encourage others to be in the same experience of witnessing Self.
What gives you SOUL: I am deeply moved by the totality of self. I am also deeply curious and in constant examination of what it means to be a person beyond what I can understand from my very limited vantage point so I often turn to philosophy, movement, conversation, meditation and community. My biggest influences are connection and responsibility to land, self + community (some folx may call this decolonization and I would agree) along with yoga philosophy. These two things are my *secret ingredients* in my *secret sauce* in all things that I consciously do.
What gives you FUEL: I am fueled by the awareness that I am the Filipinx womxn I’ve been searching for in wellness spaces in a sea of others that don’t look, talk, move or look like me. I am fired up knowing the space I occupy isn’t made for me, but I rock it better than I have ever imagined. I wonder who else is looking for a way of moving that is familiar - yet denied. I wonder who else is looking for freedom in their form - yet denied. If you are reading this, I humbly welcome you: all of you -- just as u are.
MILEAGE: My first love was running - I lived, breathed and fuelled for running for the better part of 25 years; I did yoga, Pilates and strength training to improve my running. In my late 30s, I was sidelined by chronic pain and injury. In that time, and over the course of experiencing my body change in pregnancy, I came to Pilates in a much bigger way. Getting certified as a Pilates instructor and Personal Trainer helped me understand the true importance of cross training, injury prevention, and core strength for day to day living. I was recently certified in pre/post natal fitness, and this helps me tailor my classes and PT sessions for clients who are pregnant and returning to fitness from pregnancy.
WHAT GIVES YOU SOUL: My happy place is in the middle of the lake at my cottage, on a paddle board or in my rowing skiff; breathing in the fresh air and detached from the rest of the world. I treasure the gift of mind-body connection; now in my 40s, I can finally say that I'm getting better at talking to and listening to my body. I trust my intuition and do my best to let it guide me.
WHAT'S YOUR FUEL: People! I was a school teacher and running coach for many years, I’m a mom of 3, and I love working with people. I live for my family and friends, and I love making connections - this is what fills my tank.
programs, and reinvention of public green spaces, we are determined to give Toronto that small-town feel, and put the neighbour back in neighbourhood – now more than ever.
MILEAGE: Yoga and wellness have been a part of my life for the last 10 years. I have a BA in Health Sciences, and I’m currently studying to become an Acupuncturist and Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner. I completed my 200-hour YTT in Koh Samui, Thailand, where I learned the value of prāṇāyāma and meditation, discovered the strength in stillness, and developed a more mindful approach to movement. My practice quickly evolved from sweaty vinyasa flows and inversions into a practice that focuses on the breath, and to listening and honouring the body and heart. I’m currently in the GOODBODYFEEL 200hr Teacher Training + Empowered Embodiment Program. I took Rachel Ricketts' online course Spiritual Activism, New Leaf Foundation’s Reaching In, Reaching Out, a trauma-informed training, and continue to work towards dismantling systems of oppression within the wellness industry.
WHAT GIVES YOU SOUL: So many things. I’ll try to list a few of them… Being present and authentic. Honouring all parts of me and feeling all the feels. Having a deep understanding that our joy is important and that "rest is a meticulous love practice" (see T. Hersey). Community. Music… lots and lots of music. Dancing in a dark room with flashing lights with my sweet friends. Laughter, sun and the ocean. Home cooked Filipino meals and food that grows from Mama Earth.
WHAT’S YOUR FUEL: There were many times in the past when I entered a movement space and thought: “I don’t belong here.” Because of the patriarchy and the way that society sets up expectations of how we define beauty, I would often feel bad about myself in that space of “wellness.” I am actively working to achieve the exact opposite feeling. Providing a safe, accessible and inclusive space is my main goal: a warm, welcoming, sacred space for each of our individual healing journeys, a space where you can show up as your authentic self, a space where you can move and rest and explore joy in your body.
MILEAGE: Ghazal first stepped onto a yoga mat in an Iyengar studio in her early 20s in her hometown of Tehran, while she was a philosophy student. Yoga has since become a significant part of her life. She has completed a 500-hour Hatha and Yoga Therapy training in India, a 200-hour Vinyasa Flow training at 889 Yoga in Toronto, a 10-day Vipassana retreat in Lumbini, Nepal and a 30- hour Advanced Ashtanga training at Downward Dog Yoga Centre.
WHAT GIVES YOU SOUL: In her classes, she challenges the practitioners physically, mentally & spiritually, guiding them to find their inner light and guru through asanas, pranayama and stillness.
MILEAGE: I’ve always been a competitive person whether it’s academics or extracurricular. From participating in Debating competitions to being a core member of my Dramatics society back in undergrad, I knew I was an extrovert and absolutely loved being on the stage trying new things. I like big data and I cannot lie as I am a CS student, currently pursuing Research Analytics at Humber and I hold a masters from Durham University, UK in MSc Data Analytics.
WHAT GIVES YOU SOUL: I believe strongly in kindness and empathy as what you give out to the universe comes back to you in unexpected ways. To maintain my life’s equilibrium, I practice yoga and do Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) every morning and try to meditate whenever possible. I knew I had to be here at SOUL FUEL as this place sparks joy to my heart.
WHATS YOUR FUEL: My plates never empty as I enjoy exploring new endeavours, travelling around the world, learning new cultures, and making a whole lotta friends. Being outdoorsy and a complete foodie fills my soul. I love to run, sleep, eat and repeat!
MILEAGE: Exercise has always been a big part of my life. From teaching myself the splits to swinging on the monkey bars at school, gymnastics kickstarted my love for fitness. I started off taking rec gymnastics classes, to then competing on the trampoline team at T. Dot Tumblers, and most recently, getting certified as a gymnastics coach. When I wasn't coaching, I was playing ultimate frisbee on school teams or skiing and snowboarding with my family. During Covid, I realized how much I love being outdoors and spent a lot of time going on fall hikes with my puppy, Simba. I have always enjoyed conditioning and strength training, and discovering the online classes at Soul Fuel has helped me continue to stay active and strong.
WHAT GIVES YOU SOUL: My passion for graphic design and social activism gives me soul. I always find ways to integrate diversity, representation and inclusivity into the work that I do as a student and young entrepreneur. I am currently running my own graphic design business JDDESIGNS, which I will continue to grow while attending Ryerson in the fall for Graphic Communications Management.
WHAT'S YOUR FUEL: Food and travel. Growing up as a vegetarian has inspired me to learn about nutrition, cook creative meals, and try new dishes. I am now a self-proclaimed foodie with a love for fresh, flavourful food with lots of spice! I recently travelled to Costa Rica where I hiked in the jungle, surfed on the beach, and drank lots of fresh coconuts. I love travelling to new countries and immersing myself in the culture, food, and language.
MILEAGE: I view exercise as a practice of care and community. It has never taken one consistent form throughout my life, but rather, has changed as I’ve grown. My motto is, “Try everything at least once!”, and following it has provided me with a wealth of positive experiences. I am always looking for a new adventure, and that is what brought me to SOUL FUEL! My previous work experiences, in training, teaching, and coordination, have taught me that success comes from collaboration and a welcoming environment. This is what I strive to bring to every new experience.
WHAT GIVES YOU SOUL: I love stories, in all capacities. I find life between pages, on stages and movie screens, and even through conversations with people around me. In addition, I have found meditation and yoga to be essential. No matter where I am, I always set aside time to meditate and do a short flow, every day.
WHAT’S YOUR FUEL: Interacting with others, whether it be a quick hello or a good chat, always makes my day! Being around others and doing something positive is what motivates me. And coffee, lots of coffee!