Our Coaches

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Learn about Our Coaches

Tony Nguyen

Tony Nguyen

Co-Owner of F.R.E.E. Fitness and Personal Trainer

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Tony’s favorite pastime when he is away from the gym is fishing. He was born and raised in Whitehorse, Yukon, and moved to Alberta after high school to play college basketball for the University of Alberta’s Augustana Faculty in Camrose.

He began personal training at World Health Club in 2015 and enjoys training the general population and basketball players. He has competed in both powerlifting and Olympic weightlifting in recent years and is still involved in many team sports.

Favourite Book

Millionaire Teacher: The Nine Rules of Wealth you Should Have Learned in School by Andrew Hallam

Favourite Meal

Phở

Favourite Quote

“Danger? Hah! I walk on the wild side. I laugh in the face of danger.” – Simba, The Lion King

Role Models

“My parents immigrated to Whitehorse, Yukon, over 30 years ago during the Vietnam War. They learned how to speak English in a foreign country during a very difficult transition in their lives. They taught me the true value of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. I’m also a die-hard Kobe Bryant fan. R.I.P.”

Tyler Khan

Tyler Khan

Co-Owner of F.R.E.E. Fitness and Personal Trainer

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Tyler has been in the fitness coaching industry for four years. And in these years, he has focused his training on scientific-based programming, functional fitness, and prehab. His training is centralized around weightlifting and powerlifting movements and focuses on long-term measurable goals. His process results in strength development, improved body composition, and pain-free movement.

Tyler’s mission is to be the best personal fitness coaching experience worldwide. To accomplish this, he has committed himself to having a transparent, personable, and scientific-based approach to all his programming, as well as striving to build a supportive fitness community for all. He does not let age, finances, or current fitness level get in the way of his clients becoming the best version of themselves.

Favourite Book

Freewill by Sam Harris

Favourite Meal

Sweet Potato Burritos

Favourite Quote

“Never say never, because limits, like fears, are often just an illusion.” – Michael Jordan

Role Models

Michael Jordan, Dmitry Klokov, A.S Medvedev, Bob Takano, Sam Harris

Max Larocque

Max Larocque

Co-Owner of F.R.E.E. Fitness and Personal Trainer

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Max’s favourite activity outside of the gym is either playing a round of golf or tossing a Frisbee on a nice sunny day. Max was born in the small town of The Pas, Manitoba. He has since lived in eight different cities across Canada, including Hay River, Northwest Territories, and Ottawa, Ontario.

He played hockey for 14 years and has since been consumed by the sport of Olympic weightlifting for the last four years! Max is our Olympic weightlifting coach and has a growing number of athletes who compete in this sport.

Favourite Book

Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer

Favourite Meal

A perfectly cooked, medium rare steak, asparagus, and sweet potato

Favourite Quote

“Some people want it to happen, some people wish it would happen, others make it happen.” – Michael Jordan

Role Models

“Lu Xiaojun is my sports role model because he is the 77 kg (169 lbs) Olympic lifting world record holder. He recorded a successful 176 kg (387 lbs) snatch, 204 kg (448 lbs) clean & jerk, and a 380 kg (836 lbs) lift total. As it stands, there are no other weightlifters in Lu’s class that come close to reaching his two-lift total.”

Jordan Pariseau

Jordan Pariseau

Co-Owner of F.R.E.E. Fitness and Personal Trainer

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Jordan’s passion besides personal training is hip-hop (JusJrdn) and music. His favourite M.C. and rapper is Kendrick Lamar. He has three siblings—a younger sister, a brother, and a twin brother!

Jordan has competed in men’s physiques and is our main F.R.E.E. Fitness Bootcamp instructor!

Favourite Book

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

Favourite Meal

Lean steak, sweet potatoes, and asparagus

Favourite Quote

“Don’t practice until you get it right. Practice until you can’t do it wrong.” – Unknown

Role Models

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Sean “Diddy” Combs

Don He

Don He

Personal Trainer of Pinnacle Strength and Conditioning

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Growing up, I was always the smallest player on every sports team. In high school, I decided I needed to make a change and started to pump some iron! Not much has changed since then since I’m still the smallest person on the F.R.E.E. Fitness team. However, since I started working out, I have become more curious about the fitness industry and how I could help more people pay attention to their health and wellness.

After becoming certified through the International Sports Science Association (ISSA), I enrolled in the Personal Fitness Training Program at N.A.I.T. I found a new passion in helping people reach their fitness goals, whether it be weight loss or any form of corrective exercise!

Favourite Book

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Favourite Meal

Phở

Favourite Quote

“You miss every shot you don’t take.” – Michael Jordan

Role Models

My Dad, Joe!

Albert Liaw

Albert Liaw

Boxing Instructor of Azn Assasin Boxing

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I was born in Brunei and moved to Canada at the age of two. At the age of 34, I suffered a stroke as a result of overtraining for a boxing match. Before my stroke, I worked as a marketing manager for various companies (United Cycle being the most notable). I was also a boxing instructor and marketing manager for Panther’s Gym.

I loved being part of the boxing scene so much that I quit my job as marketing manager at United Cycle and transferred to Panther’s Gym full-time. One thing led to another, and I soon found that I was involved with all aspects of boxing. I loved coaching boxing, especially the technical aspects of sparring.

During this time, I upped my own training. I would run five miles to the gym every day before sparring with my clients. I’d teach boxing drills for three hours and self-train for another two hours a day. This was my love and passion before enduring my stroke.

Since my stroke, I was forced to put my career as a boxer and coach to the side and opened a family restaurant called Golomein Noodle House with my brother. However, I’m back and ready to take on more as a boxing coach!

Favourite Book

Dragonlance – Laura & Tracy Hickman

Favourite Meal

Anything from Golomein Noodle House!

Favourite Quote

“Float like a Butterfly and Sting like a Bee.” – Mohammed Ali

Role Models

My dad, for his willingness to sacrifice daily for our family. As well as Benny Swanson for his inspirational work ethic and approach to life.

Janelle Martens

Janelle Martens

Personal Trainer of Move Free Personal Training

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I grew up in a small town in Saskatchewan playing various sports such as volleyball, soccer, and track and field. But after graduation (like most people), my health and fitness barreled downhill. I got to a place where I finally had enough of how poor I felt and wanted to make health a priority in my life.

It was four years ago that I dove back into health and fitness. My whole life transformed; my energy, confidence, and outlook on life improved. This gave me the motivation to explore various avenues of fitness.

I recently competed in my first powerlifting competition in November 2019. I’m excited to share my passion for fitness and help people make health a priority in their lives.

Favourite Book

Mark of the Lion Series & Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

Favourite Meal

Thanksgiving dinner!

Favourite Quote

“Don’t take life too seriously, you’ll never get out of it alive.” – Elbert Hubbard

Role Models

My parents. They are some of the most compassionate, genuine, and selfless people I know, and their childlike sense of adventure keeps them young!

Daniel Mighty

Daniel Mighty

Personal Trainer of Mighty Core Fitness

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I am adventurous, and I love to try new things that are challenging and exciting! I have over six years of experience in “Filipino” Martial Arts that I would love to share with you.

I strongly believe that fitness is for everybody and that it should be enjoyed by everyone. I have been coaching kickboxing for three years, and I have seen so many physical and mental benefits, including it in your regular workout program.

I am excited to have the opportunity to help people reach their fitness goals!

Favourite Book

The Go Giver by Bob Burg by Bob Burg

Favourite Meal

Honestly, I just love to eat anything good! ?. Not a fan of seafood though.

Favourite Quote

“Think all you speak but never speak all you think.” – My Grandpa

Role Models

My Momma!

Jessica Yee

Jessica Yee

Registered Kinesiologist & Personal Trainer

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Jessica was born and raised in Edmonton and began her training career at Propel, learning and growing while in school for her Bachelor of Kinesiology at the University of Alberta. She has always been passionate about movement at an early age participating in many activities such as dance, basketball, and ringette.

Injury prevention is what she is most passionate about and fits right in the middle of the Rehabilitation and Performance continuum.

With a background in corrective exercise prescription in a clinical setting, and strength and conditioning in a gym setting, she is well-rounded and looks forward to fixing, preventing, and increasing performance in specific areas, whether it be a movement or physiological deficit.

Favourite Book

Love You Forever by Robert Munsch

Favourite Meal

Anything from McDonald’s

Favourite Quote

“One day, in retrospect, the years of struggle will strike you as beautiful.” – Sigmund Freud

Role Models

Jacinda Ardern, Janis Irwin, Mark Cuban, Jason Glass, and Lance Gill

Michael Sobkiw

Michael Sobkiw

Owner and Personal Trainer at Function First Fitness

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I’m 44 years old and a father to a wonderful 19-year-old son. I have a passion for helping others, enjoy golfing and time with family and friends, and try not to take life too seriously. I spent 20 years of my working life in the construction industry and decided I needed to change after personally battling with my health and fitness, losing over 70 lbs, and rebuilding who I am today.

I made the difficult decision to go back to school and educate myself through personal training and nutritional coaching, so I could help others feel and live better. I understand firsthand some of the struggles people go through when it comes to health and fitness and take a foundational and practical approach to a consistent mindset.

My mission is simple: to improve people’s quality of life in a manageable and practical way.

Favourite Book

The Alchemist

Favourite Meal

Steak & Lobster

Favourite Quote

“Live your life like you’re the hero in your own movie.”

Role Models

My Support Network. Who I aspire to be and who I have become is a result of who’s around me.

Matthew Wong

Matthew Wong

Personal Trainer of RPC Personal Training

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I grew up in Medicine Hat, and I was always physically active playing all different types of sports. Throughout high school, I played team sports such as basketball and volleyball, but I also enjoyed golfing and skiing.

I started my fitness journey in my first year of college, and I quickly started to see the physical and psychological benefits of exercise. In my second year of post-secondary, I moved to Camrose to complete my Kinesiology degree at the University of Augustana.

I have been doing personal training for three years, and each year I’ve grown to love it more and more. I want to help people achieve their goals, build confidence, and accomplish things they never thought were possible.

Favourite Book

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Favourite Meal

Hard to pick, too many good ones. But I love anything with rice.

Favourite Quote

“Everything Negative, Pressure, Challenges… Is all an opportunity for me to rise.” – Kobe Bryant

Role Models

My parents

Hailey Doucette

Hailey Doucette

Personal Trainer of Hailey Doucette Fitness

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Growing up in Medicine Hat, physical activity and sports would have easily made the top five list of things I dreaded doing. Frankly, I avoided it for as many years as possible. However, after moving to Edmonton in January 2019 and recognizing that something needed to change in my life, I embraced a lifestyle change that helped me lose approximately 150 pounds.

Embracing joyful movement through weight training and other activities in partnership with a moderate approach to nutrition has allowed me to live an enjoyable and sustainable lifestyle, while still achieving my personal performance and health goals. My goal as your trainer is to help enable you to do the same.

Currently completing my bachelors in Psychology, I embrace the idea that sustained behavior change is driven by mindset change, and I strive to help you to acknowledge your capacity to succeed and the self-efficacy you have and will develop in working towards your goals.

Fitness saved my life, and now I want to help support and nurture that change in others. My priority is to make you feel comfortable, confident, and knowledgeable, knowing YOU can sustainably manage all areas of your life related to fitness, nutrition, and mindset going forward, no matter what your starting point.

Favourite Book

The Wisest one in the Room – by Lee Ross and Thomas Gilovich

Favourite Meal

The Apulo pizza, with extra honey, from Sepp’s

Favourite Quote

“Sacredness binds people together and then blinds them to the arbitrariness of their practice.” – Jonathan Haidt

Role Models

My mom for showing me what true selflessness and perseverance when faced with the insurmountable is.

Stephen Ling

Stephen Ling

Personal Trainer of Moveable Methods

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My journey into the fitness industry began with my involvement in the sport or discipline known as parkour. It was so different from the traditional sports that I played growing up, a refreshing take on physical activity that inspired me to learn more about health and fitness.

After helping to build the world’s first parkour gym, I decided to attend school in Toronto to become a personal trainer. I have a passion for teaching movement and enjoy helping people achieve their fitness goals.

Favourite Book

The Push by Tommy Caldwell

Favourite Meal

Moroccan lamb tagine

Favourite Quote

“Give a person a fish, and you feed them for a day. Teach a person to fish, and you feed them for a lifetime.”

Role Models

All of my incredible family, friends, and mentors.

Jessica Bejcar

Jessica Bejcar

Group Fitness Coach and Personal Trainer of Badger Fitness

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I was born and raised in the Edmonton area, playing Basketball during my younger years. After completing my Kinesiology degree, I quickly fell in love with group fitness and the team aspect of it.

I love helping people become more comfortable in the gym, moving their bodies and creating long-term healthy habits.

Favourite Book

Can’t hurt Me – David Goggins

Favourite Meal

Tacos!

Favourite Quote

“Takin’ on a challenge is a lot like riding a horse. If you’re comfortable while you’re doin’ it, you’re probably doin’ it wrong.” – Ted Lasso

Role Models

Ted Lasso

Julie Nunez

Julie Nunez

Personal Trainer of Julie Nunez Fitness

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I was always an active child growing up. I played many different sports, and I’ve always loved fitness. However, I wasn’t truly passionate about a sport until I found callisthenics, more specifically, freestyle callisthenics.

I fell in love with the movement and admired the strength it takes to execute the skills. Callisthenics and fitness have given me the strength to overcome some of the toughest times in my life and have taught me that there’s nothing that you can’t do if you set your mind to it. I saw the impact that it’s made on my life, and I immediately knew that I had to share my passion with others.

Favourite Book

The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma

Favourite Meal

Sushi

Favourite Quote

“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Role Models

My mom and all the other strong mommas out there.

  Chris Gilchrist

Chris Gilchrist

Personal Trainer of Chris Gilchrist Fitness

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I’ve always been active with sports and martial arts, but I was never really into health or wellness until I started to avoid certain activities due to pain or discomfort. At one point in my life, I had been living with a perpetual wrist “injury” that impacted my day-to-day life so greatly, surgery was contemplated. Fortunately for myself, I was shown an alternative path that would not only help regain full functionality and strength, but also avoided any sort of surgical route. I had gone from someone who enjoyed sports, exercise and movement as a whole to striving towards a greater understanding of the human body as a whole.

Over the course of 6 months, I had begun my own research into other sorts of concepts where people had learned to live with chronic injury or disfunction that led to a diminished exercise capacity or quality of life. After some deliberation, I switched my focus away from my current endeavors and towards health and wellness by applying to NAITs Personal Fitness Course. I was afforded an opportunity to broaden my understanding of the human body and its capabilities while showing others how good they’re meant to feel; training pain free.

Favourite Book:

Atomic Habits by James Clear

Favourite Meal:

Fajitas and Tacos

Favourite Quote:

“Look at situations from all angles, and you will become more open.” – Dalai Lama

Role Models:

My mom for being an example of mental toughness and determination while showing me that you can overcome any circumstance in life.

Jacinta Kostelnik

Jacinta Kostelnik

Personal Trainer of Encore Fit

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My love for fitness started early. As a child, I loved cross country racing and as an adult I have continued to run. In college, I was introduced to weightlifting and it became an important part of my life. After college, I worked a 9-5 office job for two years. I knew there had to be something better. Everyone around me was unhealthy and unhappy and I was determined to live a better life. That’s when I decided to make my favourite activity into a career.

Over the past 10 years, my fitness journey has taken me through several life changes, including two pregnancies and subsequent post-partum recoveries. I believe that my personal fitness journey, along with the privilege to coach others since 2016, has given me the experience I need to support my clients in all stages of life. There is more to your story. Let’s work together to make your goals come to life!

Favourite Book

The Laws of Human Nature – Robert Greene

Favourite Meal

Pasta

Favourite Quote

“How can you ask someone to sit with you, if you cannot first sit with yourself?” – Unknown

Role Models

The people who make their dreams into reality.