Once again, after months of anticipation, we are proud to present to you Canada’s Top Fitness Instructors 2023.

This is our sixth year recognizing some of the best in our industry from across Canada. Each summer nominations go live for you to nominate your favourite personal trainer, or group exercise instructor (alternating years) who has excelled in their profession, and contributed to the health and well-being of others. This year did not disappoint—every single nominee deserves recognition and we have highlighted them all below.

Nominees were scored by merit and equally across the board. This included areas such as education, certifications and accreditations, years in the industry, philanthropy and community service. Additional questions included ‘their why’ and personal fitness philosophies which were ‘blind-scored’ by our professional, expert panelists who spent many hours reading these inspirational stories. What has never been part of the scoring criteria is how many social media followers one has, or how many nominations one received.

Fitness instructors have a wealth of education and expertise to share, but above all they are genuinely passionate about helping others live their healthiest lives. Every instructor has an inspiring story to tell, and has given back to their community in a unique  and positive way.

Congratulations, our deepest respect and recognition goes out to all nominees this year—we celebrate you! Thank you for your passion and dedication.

Fyonna Vanderwerf | 52

Owner and Group Fitness Instructors at Hive Muskoka, Bracebridge

As a kid, Fyonna Vanderwerf was uncoordinated; she struggled with team sports. “People wrote me off,” she says. “Being written off as someone without merit in their movement ticked me off. Everyone has an ability, and just because you cannot do five pushups, does not mean you cannot find joy and achievement in movement.” Fyonna now has 90 fitness certifications and leads a fitness community in Ontario’s cottage country.

“I remember what it felt like to be laughed at during my first step class, and I vowed never to shame someone for not knowing a triple repeater. So I learned how to teach it. … Movement is joy. No one likes to be put in a category and having people come to your class is such a community builder: to give back a fire, a joy, an energy, and a sneaky groove that makes you smile however you do it.”

For the full article with the biographies of the other nominees, visit this link.