Personal Training at the YMCA

Carol

Qualifications:

• Canadian Fitness Professionals (CanFitPro)
• British Columbia Recreation & Parks Association (BCRPA)
• Diploma - Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant
• Urban Poling Inc - two Nordic Walking certifications: Fitness Technique and Rehab/Activator Technique
• Older Adults, Concept 2 Rower, YMCA/YWCA & Osteoporosis Canada "Break Through" program, Fraser Health "Healthy Heart"

What do you specialize in as a Trainer: Pre and post-rehabilitation/physiotherapy, new and/or returning exercisers, diagnoses such as arthritis, balance issues (early onset Parkinson's), etc.

What do you look for in a client: Alive, willing to put in the work and be challenged from time to time. Clients who are enthusiastic about becoming more active and less sedentary.

What do you like about working at the YMCA: Sense of community, wonderful staff and members.

Hobbies: I enjoy hiking and eating chocolate but not at the same time

Kris

Qualifications: YMCA Canada Certified Personal Trainer 

What do you specialize in as a Trainer: I have an interest in training for strength, and muscle development. I strive to help clients focus on proper technique, and long term results.

What do you look for in a client: I want to help clients take that first step towards their goals. They just need to be willing to take that step with me.

What do you like about working at the YMCA: The clean, welcoming environment—it’s a great place to start your journey to better health.

Hobbies: Cooking and eating (probably in that order!), and exploring different ways to train and stay fit.

Velina: 

Qualifications:

• BCRPA Certified Personal Trainer
• BCRPAS Certified Group Fitness Instructor
• NCCP Fundamental Movement Skills Coach
• Athletics Canada Run
• Jump and Throw Coach
• Choose to Move and Active Age Coach
• Osteofit Instructor

What do you specialize in as a Trainer: I specialize in older adult training, new to fitness, functional training, strength training for running and triathlon, core, and stability training. Certified since 1997 as a Group Fitness Instructor.

What do you look for in a client: I like a challenge and welcome individuals of all ages and backgrounds!

What do you like about working at the YMCA: The Y is a very welcoming, inclusive, and respectful place that supports leading a healthy lifestyle.

Hobbies: Hiking, fishing, and exploring new places with my family

Jacky Luong

Qualifications: National Academy of Sports Medicine, Certified Personal Trainer 

What you specialize in as a trainer: Performance training, general strength and conditioning, functional movement 

What do you look for in a client: Anybody who’s enthusiastic and shows up ready to work! 

Hobbies: I love playing sports like basketball, volleyball, hockey... and maybe some pickleball...?! Nonetheless, I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends. 

Fun Fact: I’ve dunked a basketball, and I have a big husky named Juneau

Reno Ranatunga

Qualifications: 

• NASM CPT (National Academy of Sports Medicine) Certified Personal Trainer
• NASM CNC (National Academy of Sports Medicine) Certified Nutrition Coach

Years as fitness professional: 9 years

What you specialize in as a trainer:  Strength training, Basic Kickboxing

What do you look for in a client: Consistency and Interest to learn

Hobbies: Watching mixed martial arts, cooking and hanging out with my pets.

Fun Fact: I have two dogs

Shadi

Qualifications: American Council on Exercise, certified personal trainer, certified group fitness instructor, certified spin instructor, certified aquafit instructor 

What you specialize in as a trainer: Functional training, strength training and mobility training 

What you look for in a client and what type of client you like to work with: I look forward to working with clients who are motivated about their fitness goals and keen to put in their 100% 

What you most like about working at the YMCA: Directly working with people in a meaningful and impactful way in a friendly environment. 

Hobbies out of work: Pottery, taekwondo and yoga 

Fun fact: I love watching martial artists break concrete blocks! 

Cesar

Qualifications:

• ISSA Strength and Conditioning Coach
• ISSA Personal Trainer
•  ISSA Sports Nutritionist
• Precision Nutrition Pn1

Years as fitness professional - 4

What you specialize in as a trainer - Strength, muscle growth and aerobic conditioning.

What do you look for in a client? - A commitment to the process, and a person who shows up even in small ways to eventually build amazing health habits for a lifetime.

What do you most like about working at the YMCA - The sense of community and the wide variety of activities available to members.

Hobbies - Amateur Powerlifter and artist/designer on the side.

Fun Fact - As a child in a family of Doctors, the person I looked up the most was my mother, a pediatrician, and her spirit of service lives on with me and the people under my care.

Mary

Qualifications: American Council on Exercise (ACE) Certified Personal Trainer. Studying in Kinesiology. 

Years as a fitness professional: 13

What you specialize in as a trainer: Functional training, orthopedic exercise and youth fitness training specialist. Aquatics groups and personal training catering to individuals or groups with health conditions and pre & post-natal.

What you look for in a client: Any individual or group with the drive to change for the better. Clients enjoy exercising for stress relief, weight loss, health improvement/maintenance or just enjoyment.

What you like most about working at the YMCA: The people! From staff to clients, everyone is welcoming and warm. They make me feel like I am more than just part of the community; but part of a family.

Hobbies: Sports including volleyball, swimming & playing billiards. I love hiking and strolling in the park and the beach on a bright sunny weather.

Fun fact: I am a foodie with lactose intolerance.

Jeunesse

Qualifications 

• American Council on Exercise.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Counselling.
• 1^st year anatomy and biology.

What you specialize in as a trainer: Functional, strength, and mobility training.

What you look for in a client and what type of clients you like to work with: Someone interested in learning new exercises and enjoying the process.

What about the Y you enjoy: The kind community.

Hobbies outside of work: Contemporary Jazz dance, walking the sea wall, snowboarding, and reading.

Fun fact: The core stabilizes the body and is your best friend.

Kiara

Qualifications: BCRPA/NASM Personal Training Certification

What you specialize in as a trainer: Beginners and those looking to lose weight or improve their current routines.

What you look for in a client and what type of client you like to work with: Clients who are motivated and committed to the process. I am passionate about dismantling and re-establishing limiting beliefs that can form in relation to how we think about our bodies and exercise. My goal is to empower my clients' mind/ body connection while getting fit!

What you most like about working at the YMCA: The YMCA is passionate about inclusivity and accessibility for everyone in their community. What's not to like about that?

Fun fact: I have been a semi-professional vocalist/ musician and theatre performer since I was six. 

Dan

Qualifications: BCRPA Personal Training Certification

Years as a fitness professional: 13 years of experience

Years with the Y: 5 years

What you specialize in as a trainer: Beginner clients, those new to exercise and those whose main goal is weight loss

What type of client you like to work with: I prefer working with clients who are self-motivated to put the work in and we can focus on the plan and trusting the process. The fitness quest is not a comfortable one, but with my clients, we work on that quest in a controlled, well-thought-out way.

What it is about the Y you enjoy: The YMCA creates a welcoming and down-to-earth work environment, and also is an organization as a whole that takes an active role in supporting the community.

Hobbies outside of work: Work even more!

Fun fact: I take everything too seriously, so can’t think of anything fun!

Aras

Qualifications:

• Performance Therapy and Training Specialist
• ACE Certified Personal Trainer

Years as a fitness professional: 5 years

Years with the Y: 4 years

What you specialize in as a trainer: Optimizing Movement, functional stability training, mobility work, rehabilitation. Beginners in the gym/to exercise or advanced clients with a specific goal.

What type of client do you like to work with: Just be ready to listen & learn, whether you are a beginner or advanced, and show a passion for what I am teaching you.

What it is about the Y you enjoy: The people who I work with.

Hobbies outside of work: CrossFit.

Favorite quote: “Work for free or full price, never for cheap!”

Andrew 

Qualifications:

• CFES - Certified Personal Trainer
• CFES Certified Weight Trainer
• MOSSA Group Power Certified Instructor

Specializations: Weight training, Functional Training, and Weight Management.

Years with the Y: Since 2017 February as a volunteer, June 2017 hired as a PT/Fitness staff

What you look for in a client and what type of client you like to work with: Clients who are humbled, willing to learn/follow, committed, motivated, and persevering to work out/reach fitness goals.

What it is about the Y you enjoy: They are my second family. A community of respectful and uplifting staff and members.

Hobbies outside of work: Working out, watching movies and anime, hiking, Dragonboat paddling, volunteering with community, and supporting 2SLGBTQIA+.

Fun fact: I like food, sweets, and my beloved airfryer.

Qualifications: Personal Trainer YMCA certified

What you specialize in as a trainer: Weight management, Resistance/Weight training, Functional/mobility training.

What do you look for in a client: Clients who are willing to learn and committed to their wellbeing no matter what age or stage of life. 

What do you most like about working at the YMCA: The collaborative and friendly environment. 

Hobbies:Fashion, working out, healthy cooking, hiking, watching shows/movies, listening to podcasts, volunteering in the community. 

Fun Fact: I love personal styling, and modelling.

Tony

Qualifications: 

• American Council of Exercise Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor
• Certified Spin instructor
• Certified Zumba instructor
• Certified Strong Nation Instructor
• Certified BollyX instructor 

Years as a fitness professional: 7 years

Years with the Y: 7 years

What you specialize in as a trainer: Bodybuilding, Weight loss, Injury Rehab, Functional Training, and Sport Conditioning.

What you look for in a client and what type of client you like to work with: Looking for clients that are coachable, have the drive, and are dedicated.

What is it about the Y you enjoy: I enjoy the Y because it feels like a community and everyone is friendly.

Hobbies outside of work: Outside of work I like to compete in bodybuilding, play pickleball and volleyball, and dance.

Fun fact: You'll notice me as the instructor because I am the one with the most luminous outfit!

Philosophy: It’s not easy, but it’s worth it!

Bob

Qualifications:

• National Academy of Sports Medicine
• Certified Personal Trainer & NASM
• Corrective Exercise Specialist 

Years as fitness professional: 11 years

Years with the Y: 9 years

What you specialize in as a trainer: Corrective Exercise, Performance Training, General Strength and Conditioning.

What you look for in a client and what type of client you like to work with: Anyone that shows up with a positive attitude, ready to put the work in, desires results, and can handle some tough love. I like the challenge of teaching a novice trainee what it takes to perform well.

Hobbies outside work: Art, Travel, Leisure, and developing my craft as an educator of human performance and movement.

Fun fact: I am a pro graphic designer.

Daniela

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Training.
• ISSA Certified Personal Trainer. 
• ISSA Strength & Conditioning Coach.
• ISSA Nutritionist Certification.
• ISSA Corrective Exercise Specialist Coach.
• CPR & First Aid Certified.
• Over 5 years of international experience working with older adults, general population, and athletes.

What do I specialize in as a trainer? I specialize in strength training, functional fitness, and conditioning programs designed to improve performance, confidence, injury prevention and overall well-being. I focus on safe, effective, and personalized training for all fitness levels.

What do I look for in a client? I look for people who are committed, open to guidance, and motivated to improve their health or performance. Whether the goal is staying active, gaining strength, or enhancing athletic performance, consistency and trust are essential.

What do I enjoy about working at the YMCA? I enjoy being part of a community-focused organization that values inclusion, health, and lifelong wellness.

Hobbies Swimming, cycling, strength training, hiking, running, and spending time with friends.

Qualifications: American Council of Exercise Certified Personal Trainer, Zumba Instructor

What do you specialize in as an instructor? I specialize in strength training and functional fitness. My goal is to help members gain strength, improve endurance, and boost vitality through safe and effective routines.

What kind of clients do you enjoy working with? I value clients who bring motivation, are open to learning, and have a positive outlook. 

Why I love the YMCA: I appreciate the YMCA's strong sense of community and inclusivity. It's inspiring to see people of all ages and backgrounds coming together to improve their health and support one another.

Fun Fact: When I'm not training, I love being outdoors. Hiking, cycling, softball, and volleyball are some of my favorite activities.

IBRAHIM

Qualifications:
• K11 Diploma in Personal Training
• NASM Certified Personal Trainer
• Certified Nutrition Expert

Years as a Fitness Professional: 4+

What I Specialize In:
• Muscle building & physique transformation
• Fat loss with sustainable nutrition strategies
• Strength & functional training
• Helping beginners build confidence and consistency

What I Look For in a Client: I work with individuals who are ready to invest in themselves — whether you’re starting from zero or aiming to push past a plateau. If you’re committed, coachable, and serious about results, I’ll provide the structure, accountability, and expert guidance to get you there.

Training Philosophy: Training should be smart, progressive, and personalized. I focus on proper movement, intelligent programming, and nutrition support so you achieve real, long-term results — not quick fixes.

What I Love About Working at the YMCA: The YMCA is built on community and growth. I enjoy helping members feel comfortable on the fitness floor while empowering them to become stronger, healthier, and more confident.

Fun Fact: Results don’t come from motivation — they come from consistency and discipline.

NASM Certified Personal Trainer

Favorite quote: "The only way to achieve the impossible is to believe it is possible"

Fun fact: My favorite sport is and always will be Futbol (Soccer).

Years as a fitness professional: Since October 2024.

Years with the Y: Since February 2025 as a volunteer and since April 2025 as a Personal trainer.

What you specialize in as a trainer: Hypertrophy, strength training, and intense cardio/bodyweight workouts for fat loss. My focus is on pushing limits, breaking plateaus, and sculpting a physique that reflects your hard work. You’ll build lasting strength and confidence that carries over into all areas of life.

What type of client do you like to work with: Clients focused on becoming their best selves, both physically/mentally. Whether building muscle, losing fat, or getting stronger. My goal is to help clients develop the consistency, mindset, and habits for long-term success in fitness and life.

What is it about the Y you enjoy: The Y has a strong sense of community and inclusivity. It’s a positive, supportive environment where everyone is encouraged to grow, no matter their fitness level. The atmosphere fosters connection and motivation, making it a place where people uplift each other.

Hobbies outside of work: Working out and spending time with loved ones.

BCRPA - Personal Trainer

Favorite quote - “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” (by Zig Ziglar).

Fun fact - I am a dancer/choreographer.

Years as a fitness professional - Over 30 years

Years with the Y - SInce Bettie Allard Opened.

What you specialize in as a trainer – I’m a Certified Personal Trainer, Fitness Instructor, Third age instructor, Osteofit, Aquafit, Active hand instructor (for patrons with disabilities in all ages), TRX, Cycle, and Nutrition/Weight Loss adviser. I have the experience of being the number one community leader in the Filipino Community here in the Vancouver area. I graduated here in Canada with a TOTAL FITNESS LEADERSHIP EDUCATION (Diploma). Boot Camp/Gym Instructor

What type of client do you like to work with – Third Age and Youth

What is it about the Y you enjoy – It’s my second home

Hobbies outside of work – Volleyball and table tennis

Qualifications: ISSA Personal Trainer, Studied Body building specialist and Nutrition through ISSA

Favorite quote /Fun fact - Follow you dreams not your mood, and Always help with your heart, not just with your hands!

Years as a fitness professional - 18 years

Years with the Y - Started as a volunteer June 2024 and started as an employee July 2024.

What do you specialize in as a trainer - Rehabilitation for individuals with limited mobility, chronic pain management, performance enhancement and improvement, sports nutrition guidance.

What type of clients do you like to work with - Individuals who have limited mobility and injuries, individuals who do not like to exercise and individuals who are highly motivated to achieve a good physique.

What is it about the Y that you enjoy - The Y is a friendly and family environment where everyone feels comfortable.

Hobbies - Reading articles, podcasts, hiking, running, swimming, and cooking.

Qualifications - YMCA Certified Personal Trainer

Favorite quote - “Fitness isn’t about being better than someone else… it’s about being better than you used to be.”

Fun fact - I’m a total foodie. I’ll lift heavy weights, but I’ll never say no to trying a new restaurant!

Years within the fitness industry - Since September 2024

What do you specialize in as a trainer - As a trainer, I specialize in hypertrophy, strength training, and weight loss coaching. I’m passionate about helping clients build muscle, improve posture, and develop healthy habits that support long-term results — including targeted training for glute development to enhance strength, balance, and overall physique.

What type of clients do you like to work with - I enjoy working with individuals who are eager to transform their bodies and lives — whether their goal is to get stronger, lose weight, or move with greater confidence and alignment.

What I love about the Y - What I love most about the YMCA is the sense of community. It’s more than just a gym, it’s a space where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to grow stronger physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Hobbies - Fitness and strength training, dancing, personal development, spending quality time with my family and friends, helping others, self-care, and exploring new restaurants.