LFS TEAM
-
"My favourite thing is seeing people accomplish something they had no idea they could do. And you know what? It happens a LOT!"
Sydney is a fitness "generalist" - she loves to be very strong, very flexible, very powerful. She tries not to adhere to specifically to one particular fitness discipline, and loves learning new ones.
When Sydney created LFS, she wanted other women and non-binary folk to find strength training, and the freedom it gives you to DO MORE - not weigh less. She also wanted to create a space where people felt comfortable trying things they hadn't done before, and everyone can laugh at themselves and encourage all efforts big and small.
Kettlebells, powerlifting, mobility and calisthenics are where Sydney's heart lies, and how she tends to train. She loves a punk-y girl rock jam, but will also vibe out to some disco tunes.
When not at the gym (which is rarely - she's a small business owner!), Sydney can be found adventuring with her dog, being a karaoke rockstar, playing pool and watching way too much Drag Race.
Sydney is a certified Canfitpro Personal Trainer, Agatsu Lvl. 2 Kettlebell Instructor, Agatsu Movement and Mobility Instructor, Older Adult Fitness Specialist, and Functional Range Conditioning Instructor.
-
As an actor, fitness is something that has always been a part of Alison’s life, and she is constantly looking to new ways to better herself both physically and mentally.
In her quest, Alison has found running to be one of her favourite ways to get fit and zone in to a focused mind. Learning to let go of expectations, push herself and take it easy on her body when neccesary, are what has kept Alison striving to be the best runner she can be.
Running is something very special to Alison’s heart, especially after completing her first Half Marathon at her favourite place on earth: Walt Disney World, and she is so excited to share her passion with the community at La Femme Strong.
Alison is a CanFitPro Personal Trainer Specialist and POUND Instructor.
-
Katie is an avid traveler, outdoor enthusiast, food lover and karaoke master. Originally from the small town of Kingsville, she graduated from the University of Windsor. Armed with a BFA in acting she moved to the big city, ready for big adventures.
While trying to find a fitness regime that worked for her body and lifestyle, she stumbled upon Pilates.
Her passion for the discipline came while learning the classical repertoire at Supernal Home Studio. After training for the last three years her thirst for knowledge brought her to Body Harmonics, where she became a certified Pilates instructor. Katie’s classes are fun and challenging with a focus on individual attention to help build and maintain strong and healthy bodies.
Katie is so excited to be a part of La Femme Strong’s community of dynamic women!
-
Mackenzie has a background in pole fitness and barbell training.
Her personal journey with fitness was a long and bumpy road. Having lived experience with obesity, eating disorders, chronic dieting, and trauma, Mackenzie has taken an approach to fitness that celebrates what our bodies are capable of instead of what society expects them to be. Mackenzie strives to help others to navigate away from the pressures of diet culture while encouraging movement and balanced nutrition for long term physical and mental wellbeing. She believes that fitness is about building strength, energy, freedom of movement, empowerment, and self-efficacy.
When Mackenzie is not at the studio, she enjoys spoiling her dog and collecting many houseplants!
-
Mac is passionate about strength and conditioning and believes that anyone can achieve their fitness goals if they are willing to work for it. In 2023 they were awarded a grant from the CCA and spent three months in Seattle training contortion full-time with their two coaches. They are thrilled to bring all the strong and bendy knowledge into their coaching practice.
As a naturally inflexible human, their tenacity and progress in contortion training over the years makes them the perfect flex coach for beginners and those who are worried it might not be possible for them. Tight back, stubborn splits, and progress plateaus, Mac has been through it all and can guide you through as well.
Mac started coaching in 2019, and teaches all over Toronto as well as online. Mac commutes by bike, watches too much anime, and rotates through contortion, aerial, hand balancing, martial arts, and weightlifting in any given training week.
-
Allie is the “energizer bunny” in human form. She loves doing home DIYs, and coming up with creative ways to move the body…but when the battery needs to recharge Allie is often reading, listening to true crime podcasts, knitting or going on adventures with her dog!
Allie completed her undergraduate degree in Criminology & diploma in Social Service Work; and has spent the last 10 years working in the social services as a youth mental health counselor and a teachers aide.
"Yoga has always been a part of my life - and has helped me gain confidence in my life both on and off the mat! After I completed my last job in the SS I was burned out and needed a change in environment. Completing my Yoga Teacher Training was the perfect solution as it blended my passion for helping clients as well as my passion for the physical practice."
Allie personally likes to practice yoga more vigorously- but is also extremely passionate about teaching all levels and styles of yoga to meet the needs of others!
-
Melissa has always been interested in physical activity. She began kickboxing as a teenager and has dabbled in numerous other forms of martial arts, weight/cardio training and yoga throughout her life.
However after multiple injuries, and worsening arthritis, Melissa was introduced to Pilates as a way to help with injury recovery and support day to day functional movement/mobility. Pilates soon became an essential part of her physical practice. She completed her Pilates Teacher Training in 2019 at the Mindful Movement Centre. She is also a certified Personal Trainer.
She is very excited to be teaching classes again (post pandemic) and to be part of the La Femme community. Melissa is currently completing her Barre Teacher Training with BarreWorks.
-
Lesley is an explorer at heart: she loves visiting unfamiliar places (near and far), eating, drinking, and exercising her way through the world!
She believes these things connect us, help us stay grounded, and that movement really is medicine; and just like medicine, the prescription can (and should) change according to time and conditions. She loves the fact that there are so many different modalities available and is especially excited to be a part of a community that reflects this.
She believes we should do things that scare us and challenge us, but in equal measures find time for comfort, familiarity, and fun!Lesley’s certifications include: CanFitPro personal trainer, 500hr Yoga Alliance RYT, Pilates Mat Level I, and is working towards her Agatsu Level II Kettlebell certification and Pilates Level II.
-
Lauren believes that everyone should try martial arts at least once in their lifetime and is passionate about making this accessible to everyone!
With a 2nd degree black belt in kempo karate and 10+ years training/teaching kickboxing, Lauren is an avid martial artist who loves helping folks find confidence and strength through striking.
Lauren’s love for kempo karate stems from its focus on self-defence. In University she majored in Women’s and Gender Studies and studied gender-based violence. She runs intersectional self-defence classes using her expertise from both karate school and her academic schooling.
When she’s not kicking things Lauren enjoys playing metal music, walking nature trails to discover new birds and plants, and finding the best baked goods in the city.
-
Anshita believes movement is one of the most powerful ways to connect with yourself - building strength, resilience, and presence. Her wellness journey has been shaped by mindfulness practices, but Pilates quickly became her anchor.
For her, Pilates is more than exercise - it’s a practice of awareness. It’s about finding ease in effort, paying attention to breath, and discovering how small, intentional movements can create lasting change in both body and mind.
Outside of Pilates, Anshita enjoys painting and other creative outlets that allow her to slow down and recharge. She’s passionate about making wellness approachable and creating a supportive space where everyone feels welcome.
Anshita is a certified Pilates Mat Instructor.