Private Trainers

Diana Destounis

With over 15 years of experience in fitness and in teaching group classes, I bring a vast amount of knowledge into my training sessions. I am goal-oriented and bring challenge and fun into my work. I am certified in group fitness and personal training, and have certifications in the Stability Ball, Yoga, Indoor Cycling and Gymstick. My approach is to target overall gains in fitness and wellness through functional training.

I am presently the group fitness coordinator at the Westmount Y centre and a trainer for the YMCA FIT certification program in group choreography. I also give workshops to instructors on variety of group fitness topics.

• YMCA FIT certification - Group Fitness (Fitness Instructor Training)
• Can Fit Pro certification - Personal Training

Gilles Dorais

I received my private trainer certification in 2000 and have been working full-time ever since. I provide my services to the Westmount and Notre-Dame-de-Grâce Y centres, the YMHA, and I also help clients train in their own homes. I work with clients of all ages, and I am also very interested in older clients who wish to adopt a more active lifestyle.

• YMCA FIT certification (Fitness Instructor Training)
• American Council on Exercise certification (ACE)

Rosalie Fagen

I derive my greatest satisfaction from seeing you reach your goals; this is what I have been doing at the YMCA since 1999. While the exercise room is the place to help you get there, I will also help you change your perspective on health and fitness in your daily life. For 25 years I have been playing competitive tennis, and I also captained my team during international competitions. I know how to motivate, encourage, and support the people I work with in order to help them improve their physical and mental well-being.

• YMCA FIT certification - Individual Conditioning (Fitness Instructor Training)
• YMCA Active Lifestyle Coach
• CLSC Balance & Fall Prevention (2007)

Daniel Fischer

A former marathon runner, I am specialized in sports-related fitness activities and in many other areas including corrective conditioning. I enjoy keeping abreast of the latest fitness trends and I regularly attend classes and workshops. My clients appreciate my experience as a private trainer and as a fitness specialist. My knowledge of sports and exercises allows me to help all of my clients, regardless of their fitness level. Whether it is to get into shape, to reach and maintain a healthy weight, to train for a marathon, participate in strength training, or simply to improve your lifestyle, I am here to help.

• A.E.C. from Champlain College in the FPS program
• Certifications: CSEP, YMCA, YM – YWHA, Can-Fit Pro, SPEEDO and TWIST trainer
• YMCA FIT certification (Fitness Instructor Training)

Sébastien Gaudet

I began training for wrestling and judo at the age of 16; this marked the start of my passion for fitness. I have been working in the natural foods industry for 13 years, and my knowledge of nutrition and sports supplements helps me develop personalized fitness programs. I promise to keep you motivated with a challenging program and help you reach your goals!

• Corrective Conditioning certification »
• YMCA FIT certification (Fitness Instructor Training)
• Can-Fit pro certification

Fari Graeeli

I practiced Yoga in India and taught it for many years, and I played professional and semi-professional soccer in many countries. I also participate in the martial arts and in self-defence. My experience and knowledge in a great number of sports and fitness activities allow me to meet the needs of my clients, regardless of their fitness level. Looking forward to working with you!

• YMCA FIT certification (Fitness Instructor Training), since 1990

Yaffa Gruia

I have been an instructor and personal trainer at the Westmount Y centre since 1995. I have worked with clients of all ages and fitness levels and believe that my communication skills and attention to detail have inspired and empowered young adults to reach their potential. I have also helped seniors regain their strength and mobility, thereby improving their quality of life.

• YMCA FIT certification - Individual Conditioning (Fitness Instructor Training)

Réal Guérin

I have had the pleasure of working with clients of all ages at the Westmount Y centre since 2001. A large part of my work takes place in the exercise room. However, I also teach a Pilates class (with ball) and a complete strength training class using a stabilizing ball. I also regularly attend fitness workshops and conferences.

• YMCA FIT certification – Group and individual fitness (Fitness Instructor Training)
• Private trainer certification YMCA-YWCA of Ottawa
• Yoga Fit certification, Level 1-4
• Physical Mind Certification in Standing and Mat Pilates

Hyongok Kent

Whether it is for cross-country skiing, cycling, running, hiking, or for yoga, I always find new ways to improve my fitness programs. I integrate principles of functionality; minimizing muscular unbalance, adopting good posture, strengthening of the back and thoracic belt, flexibility, and minimizing speed when training. I believe that it’s a very effective way of avoiding injury, having better control of one’s body, and improving well-being. I have been a certified private trainer for a number of years and my clients of all ages and fitness levels have benefitted from my tailor-made fitness programs.

• YMCA FIT certification - Individual Conditioning (Fitness Instructor Training)
• Chi Running Instructor certification

Leona King

Fitness and well-being is what my work and approach are all about. I have been a trainer with the YMCA since 2001 and I am specialized in healthcare, individual fitness, and in creating highly personalized fitness programs. I mainly work with adults aged 40 and up who are often trying their hand at getting back into shape for the first time. My experience as a nurse coupled with my knowledge and expertise in fitness allows me to provide personalized services, and I am constantly looking to learn new approaches.

• YMCA FIT certification (Fitness Instructor Training)
• Can-Fit Pro certification
• Shiatsu Practitioner

Sam Maniatis

Ask anyone who I have worked with: my slogan is challenges + fun = results!

I have been teaching Level III of the fitness instructor program (individual) at the Westmount Y centre for many years. As a fitness instructor trainer, coordinator of the YMCA exercise room, and private trainer, I have to keep up-to-date with the latest approaches and techniques. It is for this reason that I am pleased to present the annual fitness conference for Can-Fit Pro which will be held in Montreal. My clientele is varied and includes people of all fitness levels and ages, who come from all over the island of Montreal and have different needs.

• Bachelor in Leisure Sciences (Concordia University)
• YMCA FIT certification (Fitness Instructor Training)

Veronica Nemeth

I started out as a professional dancer, and went on to teach dance before finally focusing on fitness. I was a coordinator for the Westmount Y centre's conditioning room and I still teach the fitness instructor program. I have studied human anatomy, kinesiology, sports nutrition, corrective conditioning, and life coaching. Over the last 25 years, I have trained people of all ages, and I have taught golfing, skiing, swimming, tennis, and mountain climbing. I also teach mom & baby aerobics, ballet, stretching, and I lead my own walking club. I enjoy developing personalized fitness programs that can easily be incorporated into the daily life of my clients.

• Bachelor in Dance (York University)
• YMCA FIT certification - Group and individual fitness (Fitness Instructor Training)
• YMCA Active Lifestyle Coach
• Corrective Conditioning
• Yogafit Level 1

Trudie Ogden

I am the Director of Health, Fitness & Recreation at the Westmount Y centre, and have been involved in the fitness industry for more than 30 years. Mostly, I train adults aged 40 and over to improve their posture and develop strength and flexibility. I also teach muscle toning, gentle aerobics and Pilates classes. I am active in many outdoor sports which include tennis, skiing and golf.

• Bachelor in Physical Education (McGill University)
• Graduate Diplomas in Sports Administration (Concordia University)
• YMCA FIT certification - Group and individual fitness (Fitness Instructor Training)
• YMCA Active Lifestyle Coach
• Can Fit Pro certification - Personal Training and Mind/Body
• Corrective Conditioning

Heidi Straessle

A certified nurse and mother of two school-age children, I am also an attentive and dedicated private trainer. I am constantly looking to develop fitness programs that are both stimulating and motivating in order to effectively meet the specific needs of each client. In particular, I work on improving their balance, posture, strength, and flexibility. I also encourage my clients to set realistic fitness goals for themselves and I try to find different ways to keep their motivation high so that they may quickly adopt a more active lifestyle and improve their fitness. And it works!

• Can- Fit Pro certification

Barry Sullivan

I have been working in the fitness industry for over 30 years. I am specialized in corrective conditioning, rugby, and in programs that are aimed at improving lifestyle. Furthermore, I am a TRX trainer, and I am skilled in balance training and in developing personalized programs. Whatever your age or fitness level, I can help you reach your goals.

• YMCA FIT certification (Fitness Instructor Training)
• TRX trainer certification

Hugo Vega

When I played high school football, I was often injured. It made me realize the importance of exercising regularly and I was able to see the beneficial results. Since 2000, I have been interested in strength training and in fitness. The impact that fitness training has on people is significant; this is why it is important to adopt a personalized approach to fitness. It brings me satisfaction to develop integrated programs that enable my clients to have fun while getting into shape.

• YMCA FIT certification - Individual Conditioning (Fitness Instructor Training)
• Corrective conditioning certification