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Introducing the Class of 2026
BY SHARON ADAIGBE, LOUISE HODGSON-JONES AND ELAINE KUPSER
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fter months of review, debate, and careful consideration, we are proud to unveil Canada’s Top Fitness Trainers, Class of 2026! Every year, this project reminds us just how extraordinary our industry truly is. From coast to coast, nominees continue to raise the bar, not only in technical excellence, but in leadership, integrity, and community impact. The depth of talent this year was remarkable. In fact, the scores were so exceptionally close they were separated by literally the slimmest of margins, reflecting just how strong and competitive this year’s field truly was. Because of that razor-thin margin, we will be formally recognizing the finalists at this year’s AWARDS GALA and Canadian Fitness Industry Conference on May 30, 2026 while celebrating the official Canada’s Top Fitness Trainers, and presenting Finalist Honours. New this year, we will present Achievement Awards and Rising Star Awards, celebrating both established leaders and emerging voices shaping the future of Canadian fitness. Now in its ninth year, this national recognition program continues to spotlight professionals who exemplify what it means to lead in fitness today. Each year we have invited you—our
readers and industry peers—to nominate trainers and instructors who are making a measurable difference. The 2026 nominees delivered inspiring stories of resilience, innovation, education, and service. Their combined experience spans decades, disciplines, and diverse communities, yet they share a common purpose in elevating others and empowering Canadians to live healthier, stronger lives—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Our evaluation process remains thorough and independent. Nominees are assessed on education, certifications, tenure, philanthropy, leadership, and community contribution. Personal philosophies and written submissions are blind-scored by our expert panel to ensure fairness and integrity. Social media following and popularity metrics are not part of the equation. Substance matters here. At their best, fitness professionals are mentors, advocates, safe spaces, and catalysts for confidence. They shape culture inside their facilities and far beyond their walls. To every nominee, finalist, award recipient, and member of this year’s class—thank you for the work you do and the lives you change. We are honoured to celebrate you. The stage is set. Let’s begin.
Congratulations to All 2026 Nominees & Finalists
Nicole Adjeleian, Sean Allt, Tammy Andersen, Wendy Ashe, Justina Bailey, Denise Beatty, Janelle Brade, Maureen Brintnell, Damien Cachia, Rae Cameron, David Campbell, Cassidy Carson, Cassidy Conaghan, Simon Creasey, Kate Czerwenka, Chad Deines, Jean Diaz, Laurel Dickson, Rahmi Diomande, Logan Dube, Zita Dube-Lockhart, Lemar Durant, Peter Estabrooks, Kenton Exner, Michelle Falzone, Luis Fitz, Hannah Fletcher, Laura Flood, Kim Gibas, Ryan Grant, Louise Green, Bara Haban, Toni Harris, Yana Hempler, Rich Hill, Julie Hodge, Curtis Howden, Ally Hunter, Katarina Hyndman, Chris Hynes, Anita Ivic, Nick Jacobson, Krista Johnston, Dawn Joseph, Shamila Kamaldeen, Ewa Kieras, Vanessa Klassen, Karen Kobel, Ines Kortebi, Ken Kotyk, Chrystal Ladouceur, Noelle LeBlanc, Rex Lopez-Henthorn, Janice MacAulay, Rafal Matuszewski, Cory Maystrowich, Nate Montey, Jenn Moore, Sherri Motohashi, Nick Mueller, Mitch Murphy, Liz Naccarato, Paul Nam, Jennifer Neil, Victor Nuñez, Michelle O'Brien, Nick Ontkean, Kat Ostroumova, Simon Paige, Michelle Petrovic, Terese Pratt, Carmen Puyo, Crispin Redhead, Tasha Reiter, Logan Rempel, Theresa Rindress, Ace Rodriguez, Taras Rushchak, Amy Russell, Daniel Salazar, Scott Salling, Priyanka Sharma, Ronnie Shiu, Vyshnavi Sivakumaran, Nathan Skoufis, Geoff Starling, Naz Tabibi, Rithik Tarika, Samantha Thompson, Jennelle Thomson, Drew Tyler, Uli Webster, Olson Werenka, Joe Woods, Rosanne Woods, Marie Young, Cindy Yu, Ania Ziemirska.
38 I Inspiration Issue 2026 I IMPACT MAGAZINE