Fitness Fusion Studio: Instructors

Jackie Gravel, Owner/Manager Jackie has over 22 years experience in the fitness industry as a group fitness instructor, a personal trainer and a master trainer. Jackie has taught thousands of classes at various clubs and corporate sites throughout the city. Anyone who has ever been to one of Jackie's classes can attest to her tireless energy and endless enthusiasm. Anyone who has ever been one of her personal training clients can attest to her knowledge, expertise and dedication. She has recently completed her Kettlebell Instructor Level 2 certification through the KBell Training Academy and has been very enthusiastic about implementing this new skill to the Fitness Fusion Studio schedule. Certified Fitness Instructor Certified Personal Trainer Certified Kettlebell Instructor Level 1(KBell Training Academy) Certified Kettlebell Instructor Level 2(KBell Training Academy) Yoga Alliance Certified First Aid, CPR, AED Certified (Heart and Stroke) Bellyfit Trainee

Catherine Friesen, Assistant Manager Catherine studied and danced with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens and continues to dance in a touring company from Montreal. Movement is her life! Through her ballet career she took up Pilates which helped to rehabilitate from injuries while developing strong back and abdominal muscles. She now helps others strengthen their core through personal pilates mat and reformer sessions. Catherine is also a certified personal trainer and fitness instructor. You will find that she is extremely energetic, positive and very accommodating for all fitness levels. She loves to include dance in her workouts, so Zumba is definitely one of her favorite classes! For more information regarding private and semi private pilates sessions, please visit: www.ottawapilates.info Certified Personal Trainer Certified Fitness Instructor Certified Pilates Mat Instructor Certified Zumba Instructor First Aid, CPR, AED Certified (Heart and Stroke)

Jo-Ann Oosterman, Yoga Instructor Jo-Ann is a yoga teacher at Upward Dog Yoga Centre, and at the University of Ottawa. She discovered yoga on a camping trip when she saw her friend do a morning sun salutation. It convinced her yoga was an avenue she would like to explore. She became a certified yoga instructor in 2001. Each class she teaches is an exploration of the self. She encourages her students to turn off their minds so they can listen to their breath and feel their body. Cerfitied Hatha Yoga Instructor

Alexis Given, Yin Yoga Instructor Alexis is a yoga instructor who trained through the MindBodyWarrior yoga teacher training program, specializing in Yin yoga. She has been practicing yoga her entire life, but she has become more involved in the last few years. Alexis enjoys yoga because it gives her a time where she can focus on herself, and be in tune with her mind, body and breath. Alexis keeps busy as a Ph.D. student in Neuroscience at the University of Ottawa, and is an active volunteer in the community with Let's Talk Science and Science Travels.

Nicholas Pepin, Cardio Thai Boxing Instructor Nick began his martial arts journey at the age of 5, training in Tae Kwon Do and later in Kung fu. Interested in expanding his martial arts knowledge Nick began training in Thai boxing in 2005. In search of deeper understanding of this sport, Nick packed his bags and left for Thailand in 2007, where he studied, trained and competed professionally in Thai boxing. Nick's classes promise to make you sweat, make you laugh and make you fit.

Pascale Poirier Pascale is a highly motivated and driven fitness professional. A certified Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, Qualified Zumba Instructor and Martial Artist - Pascale uses a variety of training practices to promote fitness and hollistic wellbeing. "Being fit and healthy is very much a state of mind. I am am advocate for goal setting; Reaching for the moon and landing among the stars. I believe in the power of positive thinking and support the idea that optimal health begins with a willingness to appreciate who we are and embrace our full potential." In 2010, Pascale was the founder and and sole proprietor of Good Better Best Body and Boot Camp in the Cornwall area. Currently studying Educational Counseling at the University of Ottawa, Pascale is happy to be back in Ottawa, surrounded by the energetic, genuine and driven members of Fitness Fusion.

Heather Kuhl, Zumba Instructor Heather has been a Zumba instructor since March of 2009 and licensed with one of the top trainers out of Orlando, FL. Since launching herself into the Zumba world, Heather has taught classes all over with the city with a diverse group of people from ages 5 to 85, and has recently had a honour of being selected as the first and only Zumba Jammer in Ottawa and one of a select few in Canada. As well, Heather is First Aid, CPR and AED certified and maintains a safe and exhilarating class. The high energy found in a Zumba class motivates participants to have fun, get sweaty and keep your body moving even after class has finished. Heather's passion for Zumba works to spread the Zumba philosophy of health, happiness and loving everything you do, especially your workout. Join us for a class and get moving to a new beat!

Lisa Tougas, Kettlebell Instructor Lisa first heard about kettlebell training in October 2009 and came to Fitness Fusion Studio as a participant in March 2010 to try a kettlebell class. She was blown away by the intensity of the workout and quickly immersed herself into training at Fitness Fusion. In March 2011 Lisa completed her Kettlebell Instructor Training and is excited to share her enthusiasm about kettlebell training.

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