Our Team

Strides Health & Fitness Club was established in September 2006. We doubled in size in 2014, adding more space and amenities to our Club. As a life long resident of East Hants, it brings great pleasure to be able to offer a high-quality fitness facility and Spa and Wellness Centre to our growing community.

I am proud to introduce our faculty members below. Each staff member brings a different personality and flare to our Club.

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Like many others, when COVID hit, I found my routine abruptly shut down. I began working from home and sitting on my butt WAAAAAY too much. My passion has always been group fitness, and with Strides having to close, the couch was my best friend! Fast forward to the beginning of 2022, I was out of shape and feeling crappy. Determined to get back out there and make some positive changes, I decided to fulfill a lifelong dream, and I completed my Fitness Instructor Certification. There is no better feeling than standing in a room full of people who all share the same passion for Fitness as you do. The sense of community. The energy. The victories. The failures. The sweat. The tears. It's everything.
At Strides, I enjoy using my experience to promote healthy physical activity that is suitable for all backgrounds, ages, body types and experience levels—all while focusing on proper technique and providing a motivational climate. I am instructing at Strides because I love sharing my passion for movement and, of course - music! From strength and conditioning to spin and aerobics, bringing music and movement together is my jam ;)
I truly love and thrive sweating with people, and I want to share with others the joy of exercise, good music, and awesome friends, culminating in an amazing workout!
When I'm not teaching or working at my day job, I love taking my chihuahuas (Pork & Beans) for walks, cooking, planning events, and spending time with my family and friends."

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Fitness and sports have always been a big part of his life growing up but never took fitness seriously until just a few years ago.  Exercise has given Curtis positive outcomes in life and he wants to help others feel the joy and health benefits exercise can bring.  He strongly feels that exercise needs to be fun and enjoyable, so people stay motivated to make exercise a regular habit.

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Just recently, Curtis obtained his spin instructor’s course with CanFitPro.  His 45 minute indoor cycling class combines speed, strength and power intervals set to the beat of thoughtfully curated playlists (the beat sets the RPMs).  This class is high-intensity, high vibe, and so FUN!

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Spin is a low impact cardio workout that builds cardiovascular stamina and leg strength.  You will sweat!  But more importantly it is a great way to let loose, clear your mind and enjoy the music!  All fitness levels welcome as riders have an option to go at their own pace. 

Fitness and Yoga have been part of my life for many years. I developed hip issues due to cycling, and my therapist advised me that I should incorporate stretching into my rehabilitation program.

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I went to my first Yoga class and LOVED it immediately! Since then, my passion for Yoga has grown as well as my desire to share it with others. I have been a Certified Hatha Yoga instructor since 2006 and received my Chair Yoga certification in 2017.

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The benefits of practicing Yoga can improve flexibility and energy, strengthens and tones your muscles, detoxifies your body, and lessens your Stress by encouraging relaxation.

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It is my mandate that everyone leaves class with more peace of mind, feeling stronger, both physically and mentally. It is a joy for me to share this beautiful practice we call Yoga.

Namaste

Lorraine practiced yoga on and off as a hobby until 2016 when she deepened her practice by completing her 200 hr Yoga Teacher Training, as well as Seniors Chair Yoga, children's yoga, Yin Intensive, Mindfulness in Schools and is also a "Girl on Fire" facilitator.  Lorraine has added certified Strong by Zumba to her repertoire.

Whether in practice with young athletes to explore meditation and mindfulness and making body-breath connection,  leading seniors or building strength and flexibility, She leads from the heart, using creativity sequenced classes to create a positive experience regardless of ability or skill level.  The goal is always to improve mood and how the body feels afterward.

Lorraine, along with Darin Purcell, teaches our Fit Fab Fun classes,10:30-11:30am.  We welcome you to come  and enjoy the fun!

I have always lived an active lifestyle, with energy to burn.  In my 20’s, I became a certified fitness instructor…BEST DECISION EVER!  The past 10 years, I have been part of the Strides team.  Here, I can connect with many individuals in a group setting and train clients one on one.  Having the opportunity to help people see the benefits of exercise and movement in general.  
 
Over the years, I have taught an array of classes: everything from step aerobics, spin, strength and MX4, it’s all a blast!  Being part of the Nova Scotia Fitness Association has allowed me to certify in many areas.  My most recent is Adaptation and Diversity in Fitness certification (Formally Older Adult Fitness).  I was also fortunate enough to obtain a Mental Health First Aid during the past couple of years.
 
Having an air-conditioned space ad a lot of equipment to use in classes is such an asset from an instructor’s point of view, so come on in and give a class a try!

Christina is originally from Cape Breton and has moved to East Hants to build on her health and fitness career.  She always had an interest in fitness and joined her first gym at the age of 13.

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Christina has competed in 2 body building competitions in the bikini division and came home with a 3rd place this April in Moncton.  Her special interests are: strength and endurance, hypertrophy training and weight loss/weight gain training. 

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She is currently enrolled in the NSCA Personal Training Certification and has just recently obtained her Certified Fitness Instructor’s Certification with CanFitPro.

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Christina will be teaching cardio/strength and MX4 classes in mornings, afternoons, and evenings. 

She is looking forward to this new chapter and meeting you all!