Introducing the Defy Functional Fitness team

Head Coach / General Manager

Chris has been dabbling in fitness and Martial arts for 20+ years, starting with Taekwondo and Fitness Kickboxing, then Kettlebells and Strength Training, until finally finding functional fitness several years ago. Challenging himself physically and mentally has become an outlet for Chris to balance out his busy lifestyle, making him a better dad, husband, coach and athlete. In 2020 Chris took the leap, stepping out from behind the desk as a Logistics Manager and into the fitness field full time where he can make more of a difference in people’s lives. Chris’ passion for fitness drove him to become a personal trainer so he could help others improve their life through movement and wellness. Coaching group classes for the last 8 years has enabled him to expand his reach beyond 1 on 1 sessions and help more people reach their full potential. One of the things that brings him an immense amount of satisfaction is taking a client that has never touched a barbell or kettlebell (may even be a little scared) to becoming comfortable, proficient, and stronger than they ever imagined. On his quest to find a new gym to take his training and career to the next level and be part of a tribe of like-minded, strong, passionate individuals, he found Defy. He looks forward to continuing his fitness journey and helping as many people as possible Get Better At Life.

Qualifications

• Brand X Professional Youth Coaching Certification
• CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
• Agatsu Inc Kettlebell Instructor Certification Level 1
• Agatsu Inc Kettlebell Instructor Certification Level 2
• CanFit Pro Certified Personal Training Specialist
• FightFit Certified Fitness Kickboxing Instructor

Coach

A lifelong health and fitness enthusiast, Stéphane has always believed in being physically active, eating well, and taking care of his health. After many years trying different types of workouts, he discovered functional fitness and high intensity interval training and never looked back. What really drew him to functional fitness is the constantly varied workouts, the multitude of skills to learn and develop, and the sense of community and camaraderie that inevitably forms between members of a gym. But what actually kept him going, were the impressive results he got, as for once he was getting noticeably stronger and fitter. Eventually, Stéphane realized that he also really enjoyed sharing his experience and knowledge with new members, and decided to get his training certificate and become a coach. An avid reader, he also strives to always keep learning about health and fitness in general, and to further expand his knowledge base. As such, he attended the highly recognized and respected Power Monkey Fitness Camp, where he got the opportunity to learn from and train with some of the best, world-class trainers in the fitness world. Recognizing the major role that nutrition plays in achieving and maintaining good health, Stéphane is also currently working on a nutritional certification. Stephane likes to say that joining Defy as a coach was one of the best decisions he ever made, and he is very grateful for the opportunity to coach and help the amazing community of members at Defy reach their health and fitness goals. Stephane also enjoys various sports and activities, such as running, cycling, downhill skiing, soccer and hockey.

Qualifications

• CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
• Precision Nutrition Level 1

Coach / Fascial Stretch Practitioner

Growing up playing sports was a large part of Xochil’s childhood. Her competitive spirit always helped her push harder and have the courage to take on new challenges. Many of those attributes lead her towards fitness and with it grew a passion to live a healthy lifestyle and to help others find that same passion. Xochil believes everyone deserves to live a life in which you have confidence in your body, not just aesthetically but physically. From chasing after your children to hiking to the top of a mountain or simply putting on that bathing suit you’ve had in your closet for 5 years. Xochil has been in the fitness industry for over 10 years and found fitness is not only about losing weight or building muscle, but what really keeps people coming back and falling in love with the hard workouts is the community. The bond you share, in what can seem a very intimidating place like the gym, is such a crucial aspect to staying consistent which makes achieving our goals that much easier.

Qualifications

• Fitness and Lifestyle Management, George Brown College
• CrossFit level 1
• Poloquin BioSignature
• Holistic lifestyle management level 1
• Adaptive Body Work (AB)
• Certified Frederick Fascial Stretch Practitioner

Coach

From a young age Adam has had a passion for Martial Arts. Once he hit high school weight training began to rival that passion. Adam’s desire to help people lead him to taking Health and Fitness promotion in post-secondary school and the knowledge he learned there has helped him turn that desire into a reality. Helping people achieve their goals to living healthier more quality lives is the reason he joined Defy and loves being part of the team. Adam believes in fitness from a holistic approach, looking great is secondary to feeling and moving great.

Qualifications:

• Fitness and Health Promotion, George Brown College
• CFES certified Personal Trainer
• NCFIT Coach Like a Pro

Dir. of Youth Training / Coach