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.

​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."

Sports and fitness have always been a huge part of Brandon’s life. He’s played competitive hockey, basketball, and lacrosse and is currently an active rugby player and competes in Powerlifting.

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Among being a certified personal trainer, Brandon is a judge for the World Powerlifting Congress, a certified NSSAF coach, and hosts Strongman competitions.

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At Strides, you’ll find Brandon running our fantastic youth program for beginners all the way up to advanced athletes. This program is a fantastic way to kick-start young people on their fitness journey or will take their game to the next level. Brandon also teaches classes in our state-of-the-art MX4 room, and H.I.I.T (High-Intensity Interval Training) classes. His number one goal for classes is to bring a very intense and safe workout, developing functional strength but still having a low impact on the joints.

“I’m proud to be part of such a great team, in a fantastic facility! Come to a class, and let’s start crushing goals!”

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

Darin started his wellness/fitness journey quite a few years ago, and it actually all started at Strides!! He loved the facility, staff and all the classes. In particular, he loved the Zumba so much that he and his wife, Shelley decided to become certified Zumba Instructors. Since then, they have
also taught and became certified instructors for Kids, Aqua, Toning and Step variations of Zumba. There is just something special about the Latin music, rhythms and dancing that makes you feel good right away. Darin's number one
goal is for everyone to always just smile, move and have fun at a pace and fitness level you are comfortable with ... just let the music move you, its fitness in disguise.  Darin, along with Lorraine Martin, teaches our Fit Fab Fun classes Mon, Wed, Fri 10:30-11:30am.

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!