because health coaches and instructors

I am a 34 year old mom to a handsome 5 year old boy. I am from shelburne, however found myself moving to Barrington 4 years ago.

I have had great personal and professional changes through the last 9 years, but one thing that stayed consistent was my love for this sport. So 3 years ago when I was presented the opportunity to open my own fitness facility, I never gave it a second thought. 

I’m the type of person who always wanted to be an athlete, tried every sport but simply wasn’t “good” at anything. I believe this is why my love for CrossTrain is so strong, you don’t have to be “good” at it to play. It’s an individual sport where no one else depends on you. It’s you against you and there’s always a skill to work on and a goal to chase. 

So much beyond that is the social interactions & friends you meet inside these walls. Each class is full of laughs and good conversation. 

But my favourite part is how everyone celebrates each other’s wins.

This is so much more than a sport to me. Its changed my life and I wouldn’t be me without it. 

I've always been active in every sport when i was young. I always loved being coached by people so that i know i’m working to my full potential. 

I started crossfit in 2018 when a gym opened up in barrington. At first, I found this sport to be unfulfilling only due to the fact that i wasn’t taking it seriously or committed enough. I stopped crossfit then shortly after COVID hit. Without school sports or being involved with a gym I quickly gained weight and that hindered my confidence and mental health immensely. I decided to make a change in February 2021 and I haven’t looked back since. 

I was devastated to hear that my original crossfit gym was closing so I decided it was time to go out on my own, I did open gym for a couple of months and then found out about this new gym, Because Health, opening up. I couldn’t be more excited since i’ve missed the gym community. After a month of Because Health being opened I was approached by Paige and she asked me if i would be interested in coaching and i couldn’t have been more ecstatic. 

Since I’ve started dialling in and really focusing on my health and fitness I have hit so many mile stones in my fitness journey. 

Being a coach has meant a lot to me, I love being in a position that i have admired for so long. I’ve really enjoyed all the new people i’ve met through this sports and I’ve really loved watching so many people hit goals and milestones that they never thought was possible. It means so much to me to have such an amazing and strong community in our small town.

I started my fitness journey at an early age, thanks to my mom, who was deeply involved in the fitness world. Like most teenage boys, I hit the gym and did the classic "bro split"—chest and arms, every single time.

When I got to college, I started taking exercise more seriously. But after years of working out with minimal results, I found myself constantly searching for the perfect workout program—without much luck. Then, my mom and stepdad got into this thing called CrossFit. After watching them compete in the Open, I was immediately hooked. The moment I graduated college, I joined my local CrossFit gym—and I haven’t looked back since.

At first, I wanted to be the best at everything. I hyper-focused on learning every movement, watched every CrossFit Games from the very first recorded year, and practiced non-stop. I was obsessed.

But while my journey started on a high, I quickly learned the hard way that pushing too hard without proper recovery leads to burnout and injury. I ignored my body's need for maintenance, which led to setbacks, injuries, and eventually a downward spiral during COVID, where I stopped exercising for over a year and lost the strength and progress I had worked so hard for.

Then, this wonderful place called Because Health opened up. It took me months to work up the courage to get back into the sport I love, but I finally did. I trained for three months before Paige asked me if I wanted to coach. That decision took another three months of courage-building—but eventually, I said yes.

Becoming a coach at Because Health has been the most rewarding experience of my life. I get to share my passion for fitness with an incredible community and play a part in each member’s fitness journey. And I wouldn’t trade that for anything!

Hey everyone, I'm Jonny, and I'm pumped to be part of the amazing coaching team here at Because Health!  My own fitness journey started a bit unexpectedly. I was never a "sports person" growing up – actually, I never did anything physically demanding until I joined the gym in 2019. But once I took that first step and joined, I realized how much energy (and stress relief!) I got from moving my body. And let me tell you, there's nothing quite like the feeling of getting stronger and seeing yourself improve little by little, accomplishing things I thought were impossible for someone my size and ability.

I started out knowing completely nothing. I couldn't even skip rope! So believe me, I get it if you're feeling intimidated. But with the right support, you'll be amazed at what you can achieve. These days, I'm all about functional fitness – helping people build strength and mobility for everyday life.

My coaching style? I'm all about encouragement and finding what makes fitness FUN for each person. I love to see the smile on people's faces as they kick ass! We'll also celebrate every victory along the way, no matter how small.

What I love about Because Health is the sense of community. We are all truly friends. It's not just a place to work out; it's a place where people support each other and achieve amazing things together. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting out, I'm here to help you discover your potential and reach your goals. Don't be shy – come say hi! Let's make some fitness magic happen!

Hi I'm Jill, my fitness journey started about three years ago. I decided to start going to the gym because it’s good for your mental and physical health. I had no goals when I started, all I had was a really good friend named Shae, who is also an amazing trainer at the gym who helped me get started! 

After a year and a half of going to the gym, I decided to go for my personal trainer certificate along with many other certificates! I thought well; if working out is helping me out with mental and physical health, why not teach and help people who are fighting their own battles, give them a safe place and an  escape everything else going on in the world!

Now that I’ve been teaching she shred and personal training for a couple months, I can say the best feeling as a coach is seeing everybody hit new goals, get stronger and being to see them feel better about themselves! 

P.s. if anyone ever wants to skip or practice any movement before or after class I will show up early or stay late 😊

 I am 26 years old, mama to a handsome little boy, and busy as a bee. Working 2 jobs and raising a 2 year old isn’t for the weak, but I wouldn’t want it any other way. I work full time in accounting at Kenney & Ross, and you can find me coaching a strong group of ladies here 3 nights a week. 

I started my fitness journey a couple years ago, not only was I looking for a new hobby, but I also wanted to put on some weight, work on my mental health and be able to do one single push up. Shortly after I became addicted, and decided to further my education by taking my personal training masters. I didn’t have a clue what I would do with it, but just as I was finishing my course I seen Paige make a post about opening a new gym. I believe it was all meant to be, after reaching out, Paige decided to take a chance on me. 

So I’ve had the pleasure of being a part of the team at Because health since the doors opened, it quickly became so much more than just a job to me. It’s more like a hobby, a place where I can make a difference. I’ll be honest, It’s a special feeling to watch members show up, and crush their goals. I love being able to provide a safe place with no judgement, where people can come and forget about the world outside of those gym doors. Like many others, I deal with mental health issues daily, so the gym has become my happy place. There’s not a night I walk out after class without a smile on my face. So as much as the members thank me for teaching class, I’d like to thank them for always lifting me up. You never know what your presence alone can do for someone else ❤️

My fitness journey began in January 2019 after having two children and realizing the need for more physical activity and better nutrition. The goal was to find a gym but there was uncertainty about where to start or how to plan an effective workout routine. Local CrossFit communities were recommended as a solution, providing a coach, a structured workout, and a group of individuals working towards the same goal: Improving health.

I’m not going to lie, the first few weeks were tough. I felt unfit, and my perceived poor performance made me cry several times out of disappointment. This is when I began to realize that… it’s not suppose to be easy! Nothing good in life has ever been given, it has been earned.

Balancing roles as a mother, wife, and ER nurse, I NEEDED this time for myself. No work, chores, or distractions—just me.

From then on, I committed fully to my workouts. I gained confidence, experienced mental and physical transformations, and felt a sense of belonging. In less than a year, I went from 200lbs to 157lbs. I had more energy and a better understanding of my body and the nutrition it desperately needed.

As is life, after a few years of routine and feeling my best, life threw my family a curve ball when my son was diagnosed with cancer. My whole world came to a crashing halt and my health was put on the sidelines for a time. 

I knew that my mental health needed me to get back to the gym once the dust had settled, and Because Health welcomed me with open arms. It felt like a breath of fresh air walking through the doors and it was exactly what I needed.

After years of gym experience and a desire to help others, I became a fitness coach. It has been the most rewarding way to give back to our community.

In summary: No one's journey is linear. There will be twists, turns, ups, downs, and complete madness in between. 

As long as you can support yourself, we at Because Health will be there to encourage you at any step of the journey.

Just a few short years ago in March 2023, my wife and I began our journey into Cross Train at Because Health (she got the ball rolling) I hardly knew the difference between a barbell and dumbbell before joining but shortly after the first weeks i developed a strong passion for the sport. 

I jumped in head first and now i cant imagine not being apart of the because health team. I became a coach in July of 2024 and i have to say it is one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had personally, seeing a smile or a getting a good fist bump after a brutal workout is probably my favourite part of the day. 

As a coach, even if its only one person i feel I’ve helped achieve a goal or gave them the extra push for that day i look at it as an accomplishment! 

 I have one goal everyday i show up and that is to be the best coach/athlete/person I can be! 

My fitness journey began in April 2024 with She Shred classes, and by October, I had fully fallen in love with CrossFit. Before that, I’d never really connected with any sport or activity — but I knew I needed a change. I was tired of sitting still and struggling with my mental health, so I decided to challenge myself both physically and mentally, and it’s been life-changing.

My biggest motivation? My son. He’s my “why” in everything I do, and I’m committed to becoming the best version of myself for him. CrossFit has given me the strength, confidence, and drive to do just that.

I grew up just outside of Yarmouth, graduated high school in 2021, and welcomed my son shortly after. I started working full-time in 2023, and I’m excited to see where my fitness journey will take me next — in the gym and beyond!

I first came to yoga for the stretch. I didn’t know much about it — only that it was recommended for my frequent back issues. At first, I thought yoga was just about poses, but the more I practiced, the more I was amazed at how mindful movement and breath could transform the body. My curiosity grew so much that in 2012, I completed my 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training — not with the intention to teach, but to understand yoga more deeply.

I quickly learned that yoga isn’t about headstands or extreme twists — it’s about awareness, balance, and moving with intention. True healing doesn’t come from pushing into pain; it comes from working to the point of gentle stretch or mild discomfort — just enough to grow without harm. Yoga taught me body awareness: knowing how far to go, both mentally and physically.

Since then, I’ve expanded my knowledge through courses in prenatal yoga, yoga for runners, “Girl on Fire,” mindfulness in schools, and two separate 50-hour Yin trainings. I’ve also completed my CanFitPro Personal Training certification, Level 1 Kickboxing, and continue upgrading my skills every year — most recently with the Barbell Rehab course in 2024.

Now, I’m excited to coach again, blending yoga and training to help others build strength, resilience, and self-awareness. My goal is to guide people toward becoming the best version of themselves — inside and out.

I am a passionate fitness instructor, meditation teacher, and quantum coach who blends creativity, connection, and compassion into every class and session I lead. I love creating choreography and teaching Barre, Pilates, Somatics, Restorative Yoga, and Sculpt—always with the intention of giving you an amazing, uplifting experience.

I believe movement is essential to our lives, and I want everyone to feel they have access to it. That’s why I design my classes using modifications and universal design, making them inclusive for all bodies, abilities, and stages of life. My goal is to support you on your wellness journey—whether you’re building strength, improving flexibility, deepening your mind-body connection, or finding moments of stillness and peace.

In addition to my movement classes, I am a Quantum Numerologist, Quantum Meditation Teacher, and Universal Laws Coach. I guide clients to connect with the quantum field, their higher selves, and the deep truth that love is all we need. Every class and session I teach is about more than just the physical—it’s about empowerment, alignment, and living in your highest frequency.

Certifications & Education

• Barre Foundations – Merrithew
   
• Barre Pre- & Post-Natal – Merrithew
   
• Advanced Barre – Merrithew
   
• Somatics Foundations – [Josie McKenlay]
   
• Somatics Advanced – [Shana Neril]
   
• Restorative Yoga – YogaFit
   
• FIS – CanFitPro
   
• Quantum Numerology
   
• Quantum Meditation Teacher
  
   

I'm Courtney—a mom, former amateur boxer, and your new hype woman in the gym. 

I grew up throwing punches in Kentville, took 10 years off, and came back with gloves on and a mission: to help you get strong, build confidence, and have a blast while doing it. 

If you’re ready to sweat, laugh, and feel unstoppable, let’s get to work.