Innovative Personal Fitness
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Fitness Team

  • Each fitness consultant associated with the Innovative Health Group has been selected on outstanding academic and practical experience in their field, exceptional inter-personal skills, as well as their ability to work as a team and share our core values.
  • The Innovative Health Group invests in each fitness consultants ongoing education in their specialty area. This includes supplementary education, conference participation, re certifications, and on-site health education seminars.
  • Each member of our team has unique skills and areas of expertise and it is this diversification that creates solutions for many client fitness challenges.
  • To become a member of our fitness team the selection process consists of three stage interviews and the invitation to the theoretical and in-depth company seminars. This is followed by an extensive practical component – with only the most qualified being offered a position on the team.

Innovative Personal Fitness Training Team


Brad Barcham
Personal Trainer
BA, BSc (Kinesiology & Psychology), University of Lethbridge
CFCS Weight Training Instructor
Occupational First Aid/CPR-C

Brad has been involved in athletics and fitness for most of his life. Originally from B.C., Brad attended the University of Lethbridge where he completed a B.A.Sc. He has been involved in the fitness industry and working as a trainer since 2002 in Nelson B.C. and in Calgary AB. Brad has worked with many different demographics including the elderly, rehab patients, and elite athletes for sport specific training. His athletic background includes Jr. B hockey in Nelson B.C. He is also an avid water skier, downhill skier, runner and weight lifter. Brad believes that anyone can reach their fitness goals and with his guidance and dedication he will help each individual reach those goals.


Whitney Merrill
Personal Trainer
Bachelor of Human Kinetics, majoring in Movement Science, University of Windsor

Committed to helping others achieve their goals and overcoming challenges, Whitney has dedicated herself in making a difference in other people’s lives.  Experiencing first hand, the vulnerability of the human body to disease, age, and everyday strain, she has focused her educational and professional paths working with special populations, elderly, rehabilitative patients, and the everyday athlete. After spending half her life training and competing in dance, Whitney is currently completing her older adult fitness and aqua fitness instructor’s certification, and plans to expand her knowledge in resistance training and other forms of alternative fitness techniques.  Along with a passion for dance, Whitney played competitive soccer for many years, enjoys running, skiing, rock climbing, and any other activity that involves the outdoors. Whitney is an energetic and outgoing individual, who sees no limits to success.  She thrives on accomplishing the unattainable, while keeping the workout a positive and motivational experience for all.


Stan Peake
General Manager, Innovative Personal Fitness
Personal Trainer
BA Kinesiology, University of Calgary
PFCT, Mount Royal College

Stan Peake came to the Innovative Health Group in 2006 from Innovative Fitness in West Vancouver, where he had been the Sales and Facility Manager since early 2004. Stan's background in fitness is based largely on sport science applications, and human resource/leadership models. Stan has been employed in the fitness industry since 1998 as a trainer and fitness consultant. His educational background includes exercise physiology at the University of Calgary, and the Personal Fitness Trainer Program of Mount Royal College, where he was one of the inaugural graduates. Stan believes firmly in changing people's lives through incorporating a balanced and healthy lifestyle, and he is passionate about challenging people to better themselves in all aspects of their lives as he is within his own life.

Darren Pardy
Personal Trainer
Bachelor of Kinesiology (Bkin), MemorialUniversityof Newfoundland,
St. John’sLevel II Sea Kayaking Certification

Darren joined our team after completing his Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from MemorialUniversity in Newfoundland.  A life-long outdoor enthusiast, Darren has vast experience in a number of physical pursuits. He has participated in adventure races, extended hiking expeditions, and mountain climbing. Darren is also a certified Kayaking instructor and tour guide. He as led many trips through the East coast of Canada on extended Kayaking tours, and is an avid surfer as well. Professionally, Darren has broad background in rehabilitation and sports-therapy, having worked as a physiotherapy assistant and with varsity athletes as a sports therapist. He has also worked with children with special needs. In addition, Darren has participated in, and conducted classes in boxing and conditioning camps, all skills which he applies to his clients on a daily basis.  An easy-going person by nature, Darren combines humour and insight with a strong work ethic to get the most out all he comes in contact with, and is a welcome addition to our team.

Willie Williams
Personal Trainer
International Fitness Association (IFA) – Personal Training, Strength Conditioning.

Willie has an extensive background in athletics, and has been involved in sports since the age of six. Originally from the United States, Willie was born in Queens, New York, but was raised in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. While attending high school in Florida, he excelled in a multitude of sports. An all-star in football, track, and Greco Roman Wrestling, Willie received the Brian Piccolo Award for combined excellence in sport and academics as a senior, along with being a first-team all-star in Broward County in football. After spending a year at Youngstown University, he transferred to the University of Calgary where he currently plays for the Dino’s football team and is studying science. As a personal trainer, Willie delivers a diversified session, combining his knowledge of athletics with resistance training to get results. His energy and humor provide a great atmosphere, and his intensity drives all those who train with him to greater achievements.

Ryan Hamilton
Personal Trainer
MSc (Sport & Exercise Science)
Honours (Exercise Physiology), Waikato Institute of Technology, New Zealand
Level II Exercise Physiologist, Sport Science New Zealand
Fitness Professionals Certified United Kingdom and New Zealand
Cert II Coaching New Zealand
Certificate in Adult Teaching and Learning New Zealand

Ryan is a Personal Trainer from New Zealand who has a solid grounding in many areas of the exercise and fitness industry including the training, teaching, physiology, research and rehabilitation fields. Ryan has worked as a Personal Trainer in New Zealand and the United Kingdom before moving to Calgary in February 2008 and working at Innovative Fitness for the year. Ryan spent 2009 tutoring at the New Zealand Institute of Sport, before returning to Innovative Fitness in March 2010. Ryan has a strong academic background including a Masters Degree in Sport and Exercise Science which he completed in New Zealand before working in the UK for 2 years and is a level II certified Exercise Physiologist and registered personal trainer. Ryan has published work in peer reviewed scientific journals for his research work with sport specific resistance training of elite level distance runners and immune function and heat stress in a group of half Ironman athletes. Ryan has experience in musculoskeletal rehabilitation of special populations such as clients with acquired brain injury. Ryan's main sporting interests are rugby, triathlon and snowboarding. Ryan is a very supportive trainer; his training philosophy is based on a holistic and individualized approach to program design and implementation. He believes in building relationships and working hard as a team in order to achieve desired outcomes as well as incorporating a fun aspect into training.

Kaitlyn van Mastrigt
Personal Trainer
Professional Fitness Certification, University of Georgia, Athens
American College of Sports Medicine Personal Trainer
TRX Professional Certification

Kaitlyn joined the Innovative personal training team in 2008 after completing her professional fitness certification through the University of Georgia, in addition to studying Fine Arts at the University of Calgary. Kaitlyn’s early passion was in dance, which led to her competing locally and nationally for more than 16 years. Alongside dance, Kaitlyn was a member of the William Aberhart swim team and participated provincially on teams in synchronized swimming, volleyball and track and field. Today, with a passion and desire to help others realize their full potential, Kaitlyn works to empower clients to take control of their physical well-being, while realizing their capacity for personal growth, connection and happiness. As a member of the Innovative team, Kaitlyn enjoys participating alongside clients in trail running events, triathlons and road races, with a personal goal to complete this summer’s 2010 Penticton Ironman. With a passion to inspire others, Kaitlyn supports each client's journey as they continually push past boundaries and conquer both physical and personal challenges.

Anna Prockiw
Personal Trainer
Bachelor of Education, University of Alberta

Anna was born and raised in Edmonton, where she participated in a variety of sports from a very young age. After competing in figure-skating for ten years, Anna found an interest with rugby in high school. While completing her Bachelor of Education degree at the University of Alberta, she also played for the women’s varsity rugby team. During her four year career, The U of A won three Canada West titles, and medaled three times in the CIS nationals, including a gold medal in 2005. In addition to playing rugby for the university team, she also played for the Alberta provincial team, and a club team in Edmonton. While teaching high school in Edmonton, she coached wrestling, rugby, and junior club rugby. Aside from sport, Anna is passionate about the outdoors. She enjoys mountain biking, snowboarding, and hiking. She has completed the West Coast Trail twice and considers it her favorite backpacking adventure. She has recently started triathlons and kayaking, and is looking forward to doing more. Anna has an enthusiasm for adventure, healthy living, and fun. She brings these attributes, along with her professional teaching skills, to all of her clients; balancing aggressive workout sessions with caring and knowledge.
 

Personal Trainer
BSc Kinesiology / Health Promotion - University of Montevallo
 
Born and raised in Calgary, Amber ventured south of the border to go to school and play college soccer. She finished her four year soccer career and graduated in Montevallo, Alabama. During her career, her team made it to the Conference Tournament three times. Her Senior year, her team won the Gulf South Conference Championship and made it to the Elite 8 game. Amber has a passion for giving back to the community. During her journey in Alabama, she worked for the University's Athletic Department. She was the director of operations for the women's basketball team, as well as, the assistant to the athletic director. During her time, she organized various events involving Habitat For Humanity, Children's Hospital, and the Susan Komen - Breast Cancer Awareness. Amber also worked for a sports performance clinic where she was involved with training athletes of various sport backgrounds at all levels. She also aided in the development in performance products. Amber is a young, energetic, teacher, and coach who has a passion for helping others.
 
 
B.A. Personal Trainer
Red Cross First Aid / CPR
CanFitPro Fitness Instructor
 
Tony joins the Innovative Fitness team from London, England, where he had a strong background in Amateur Boxing. He has competed at both the National and International level in boxing. Career highlights include winning a National silver medal in 2000, becoming a regional champion and representing London against a select British Army team – winning gold in 2003. Internationally, Tony represented London at the renowned Nevada Amateur International Tournament in Las Vegas in 2000, taking home the gold for his weight class. In the gym, Tony enjoys working with clients regardless of there fitness level, motivating each individual to reach there own personal fitness goals. He understands the need to be in a healthy state both mentally and physically in order to achieve one’s aim. His intensity and passion is matched by his good humor and caring demeanor. Tony has worked with people of all demographics, from teaching youth the fundamentals of boxing, to conditioning and general fitness work with seniors. He is a wonderful addition to our team, and brings a wealth of international experience to Innovative Health Group.
 
 
Personal Trainer BSc. Exercise Science, William Woods University
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
 
Justin was born and raised in Medicine Hat and has recently moved to Calgary to further his education in the health and fitness field. He has a very extensive background in athletics and fitness. In high school Justin was an all-star in basketball, volleyball, and baseball. He attended the University of Lethbridge and competed with the Prairie Baseball Academy for two seasons. In 2005 he accepted an athletic scholarship to William Woods University in Fulton, Missouri. While there Justin earned recognition as the distinguished scholar within Exercise Science Faculty. He received athletic recognition as a first team all-conference second basemen and third team All-Canadian Selection. Justin was also selected by the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a Strength and Conditioning All-American Athlete. In addition to organized sport Justin enjoys the outdoors. He is a PADI certified open water diver and enjoys rock climbing, hiking, and fishing. Justin strongly believes in exploring new challenges, pushing the body, and living a healthy, happy lifestyle.
 
 
Personal Trainer
Can Fit Pro Certification
Registered Massage Therapist
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology
Carleton University, Tennis Canada Instructor
 
Vanessa is a personal trainer and registered massage therapist with Innovative Health Group. Vanessa hails from a small town in Ontario where she grew up playing sports, with a special focus in tennis. Tennis allowed Vanessa to develop her competitive side, while providing her the opportunity to see the world. At 17, Vanessa traveled to Seychelles, Africa to join one of her coaches while training and competing. In 2006 Vanessa completed her B.A. in Psychology from Carleton University in Ottawa. In realizing her passion for athletics and desire to help others, Vanessa furthered her education with the completion of her Massage Therapy Diploma in 2009 from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy in Bedford, Nova Scotia, where she excelled in musculoskeletal anatomy. Massage therapy is Vanessa's passion and she loves educating her clients, while being approachable by nature. Vanessa believes that being fit and healthy in all body systems is crucial to being happy with oneself and is a welcome addition to both the health and fitness team.
 

Meredith Page
Personal Trainer
Mount Royal University, PFT Program
CanFitPro Certification

Originally from Prince George, B.C., Meredith has a lifetime of experience in the field of dance.  Meredith's natural talent and dedication led her to dance among several of Canada’s most prestigious dance companies and choreographers in Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver. Meredith was awarded 'Dancer of the Year' while in Prince George and was also selected on several occasions to represent Northern B.C. in the Provincial Arts Festival. Meredith is currently attending Mount Royal University’s Personal Fitness Trainer Program, in addition to having completed her CanFitPro Fitness Trainer Certification. Meredith plans on furthering her education in the area of Pilates instruction, upon completion of her studies with Mount Royal University. Meredith believes that fitness is central to learning about oneself in discovering how to push past personal boundaries and overcome physical obstacles. Meredith currently has her sights set on completing her first half marathon in May, 2010 and looks forward to the many adventures that lie ahead!

Leah Ferguson
Personal Trainer
Mount Royal University, PFT Program
CSEP (Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology)

Sport and fitness has always been an essential asset in Leah’s life. Leah began her journey at a young age of 7 years old as a competitive gymnast. Her desire to continue competing and exploring other avenues of sport, lead her to the unique and thrilling sport of luge and has traveled North America representing the Canadian Jr. National Luge Team. When Leah’s luge career as an athlete came to an end, she decided to continue working in the luge community as the head coach of the Canadian Novice Luge Team. Working so closely with athletes inspired her to become a personal trainer and has since been a Personal Trainer for the past 5 years. She has completed her Personal Fitness Training Certificate through Mount Royal University, is a Certified Personal Trainer though CSEP (Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology), has mentored under some of Calgary’s best fitness trainers, and has trained a vast variety of individuals from athletes to rehabilitation clients. Leah previously worked at Innovative Health Group from May 2007 to April 2009 and is now returning after a one year around the world adventure with her husband. During this time Leah has accomplished many personal goals such as hiking the Inca Trail in Peru and a 25 day hike to Mount Everest Base Camp and back. She is also excited to incorporate new stretching techniques which she acquired from an extensive Thai Massage Course in Thailand. Leah is proud to be back on the Innovative Team and with her new life experiences hopes to break down the barriers of the typical exercise programs and help clients reach their goals by stepping outside the box. 

Dean Daly
Personal Trainer
Mount Royal University, PFT Program
Computer Information Systems & Business Diploma

Dean comes to Innovative Health Group after completing his Personal Training Certification through Mount Royal University. In addition to a deep passion for fitness and training, Dean has an extensive background in computers and technology, completing his Computer Information Systems & Business Diploma at Mount Royal University. Despite the gap between these two varied interests, Dean believes the two compliment his passion and natural talents well and has pursued personal training with great enthusiasm. For more than 9 years Dean played competitive hockey and today jumps at the chance to play a game of shinny whenever he can. In addition to hockey, Dean's current physical pursuits extend to Muay Thai kickboxing, traveling to Thailand to train in Muay Thai for 3 months and looks forward to competing in this form of martial art in the near future. Dean enjoys pushing himself physically and continually looks to accomplish and learn in abilities outside of his comfort zone. Dean takes great joy in witnessing the progress and achievements of clients and believes that the right type of motivation is key success. Dean's easy-going attitude and good-natured personality aim to provide a unique and individual training experience. Dean's caring demeanor is well balanced to his encouraging training style, which pushes everyone to reach their inner potential. 

Mallory Faul
AFLCA Certification
B.A Justice Studies from Mount Royal University
CPR and First Aid

Born and raised in Saskatchewan, Mallory’s passion for fitness started at a young age when she began playing soccer. After years of hard work and dedication to her training she made it to the provincial level. After experiencing a serious neck injury, her soccer career ended abruptly. Although the injury didn’t slow her down, she looked for other sports to fuel her fitness frenzy. She began competing in snowboarding and wakeboarding competitions, hiking, biking, swimming and most recently finished the Canmore half marathon. Mallory’s next fitness endeavor is to complete her first triathlon in the summer of 2010 in Kelowna, B.C.

After working in the criminology field, Mallory felt she wasn’t being challenged enough and was left unfulfilled. Mallory put her passion into action and started her own bootcamp business in 2008, and has successfully changed her client’s lifestyles and helped them achieve their fitness milestones. Being a business owner herself, Mallory values the care, passion, creativity and education needed to help her client’s achieve their goals. Mallory believes a creative approach to training is necessary to ensure client satisfaction and results. Fitness is a way of life and balance is crucial in achieving your goals.

Kelsey Rieger
R.H.N Registered Holistic Nutritionist
BCRPA Certified Personal Trainer

Originally from Kelowna British Columbia, Kelsey developed her passion for fitness and an active lifestyle at a very young age as a competitive dancer. This passion took her all over the world traveling and performing as a dancer and aerial acrobat. As an aerial acrobat, Kelsey developed unique skills for specialized strength and flexibility training. Being a professional performer, Kelsey knows first hand the importance of keeping her body nourished and conditioned. This need for optimal performance drove her to pursue an education and career in health and fitness. She has received the designation of Registered Holistic Nutritionist from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition and is a BCRPA certified Personal Trainer. Kelsey loves staying active and embarking on new adventures especially if they take her outside in nature. Her positive outlook and holistic approach to health and wellness, are inspiring to anyone wishing to reach their health and fitness goals.

 

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