LFS TEAM
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"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.
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Growing up doing musical theatre, fitness is something that has always been a part of Alison’s life, and she is constantly looking for new ways to better herself both physically and mentally. In her quest, Alison has found running and group fitness to be her favourite ways to get fit and zone into a focused mind. Learning to let go of expectations, push herself and take it easy on her body when necessary, are what has kept Alison striving to be the best athlete she can be. It's also always more fun to sweat with friends in a group setting!
Finding balance in her busy schedule is also important; as a high school teacher, she loves to find some time away from the chaos of the classroom at the gym or a park hang. It's not all grind and gains, sometimes you've just gotta let loose and have some fun along the way. Nobody's perfect, and you can find permission to let go and have a little fun in all of Alison's classes.
Alison is a CanFitPro Personal Trainer Specialist, Agatsu Kettlebell Instructor and POUND Instructor.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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Chi is a Pilates instructor known for her grounding, strength-focused flows that blend precision with ease. She emphasizes breath, control, and intentional muscle engagement to create classes that are challenging, uplifting, and accessible for all levels.
Chi’s teaching style is calm, clear, and empowering, helping students build strength in a way that feels both mindful and sustainable.
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Melissa has always been passionate about movement and helping people feel strong, capable, and confident. Her journey began with kickboxing as a teenager and expanded into a wide range of practices, including martial arts, weight and cardio training, and yoga—giving her a well-rounded understanding of movement from both athletic and functional perspectives.
After experiencing multiple injuries and the progression of arthritis, Melissa discovered Pilates as a powerful tool for recovery, pain management, and improving everyday mobility. This personal experience shapes her teaching approach today, with a strong focus on safe, sustainable movement that supports real life—not just workouts.
Melissa completed her Pilates Teacher Training in 2019 at the Mindful Movement Centre and is a certified Personal Trainer (NASM), specializing in Pre and Postnatal Coaching (GGS). She also holds certifications in Peri/Menopause Coaching (FCA), Barre (Body Soul Well) and Functional Kettlebell (PPSC), and has completed training in Cancer Exercise (CETI). In 2026, Melissa will be expanding her offerings to include Assisted Stretching Therapy, further supporting clients in improving mobility, reducing pain, and enhancing overall movement quality.
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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!
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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.
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Trinity is a movement artist, educator, certified Level 1 & Level 2 Stretch Therapist/ “body worker,” with over a decade of experience guiding students in the art of strength, sensuality, and self-expression. With an extensive background in pole, chair, twerk, somatic movement, stretch therapy, and flexibility conditioning, Trinity transforms every session into a journey of embodiment and empowerment.
As an educator both in and beyond the studio, Trinity approaches every space; classroom, rehearsal, workshop, or community setting; as an opportunity for learning, growth, and connection. Her teaching philosophy blends technical skill with emotional/ body awareness, creating environments where movement and mindfulness intersect.
Alongside her movement practice, Trinity has developed a deep love of calisthenic training;especially handstands and flexibility-focused strength work. Her passion for balancing, inversion, and flexibility conditioning informs her approach, inspiring students to explore their physical potential with curiosity and courage.
As a stretch therapist and body worker, Trinity centres inclusivity, body-positivity, and accessible fitness. Every experience invites students of all ages and abilities to develop flexibility, build strength, expand creativity, and explore movement in a supportive environment designed for growth, healing, and joy.
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Rowan is an enthusiastic traveler, having backpacked and roadtripped across most of the United States and Europe. Since starting dance at a young age, they have gained experience in gymnastics, martial arts, long distance running, and a variety of circus arts. Eventually gravitating towards contortion, they dedicate much of their practice to end range mobility and the eternal strengthening of the back and core.
A love of movement and learning has pushed them to move to Toronto from New York, where they have connected with many communities, from theatre to weight lifting.
A love of the outdoors has taught them about the need for rest and the need for action, and how a care for one's body can lead to peace of mind. They firmly believe that at the end of the day, fitness should be a fun.
They can be found most evenings either enjoying a good gym session or a cozy night with a horror movie or two. Teaching is their life long passion and they're always eager for a new experience.
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Growing up, Tess was an active participant in lacrosse, ball hockey, and competitive swimming. Then she found out firsthand how a health issue can set you back. She found her love of movement again through classes at La Femme Strong.
Since then, her passion for the gym and the community that comes with it has led her towards teaching. She believes in helping others achieve and surpass their fitness goals.
Tess is a registered CanFitPro Personal Trainer.
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I'm Jacquie ChenSmith, and I've spent my life surrounded by fitness and martial arts. I’m a second-degree black belt and have spent over eight years teaching Karate, kickboxing, fitness, and self-defense. During my coaching journey, I've had the chance to work with folks of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to seasoned athletes, both individually and in group classes.
Martial arts has been a big part of my life. I've led self-defense seminars and helped others not just build their physical skills, but also boost their confidence and sense of empowerment. In 2023, I also got in the ring myself for an amateur fight—and I won! That experience really made me appreciate how crucial preparation, resilience, and self-belief are.
In 2026, I earned my Fitness and Health Promotion Diploma from St. Lawrence College, which helped me deepen my understanding of exercise, health, and how to craft effective fitness programs that guide people toward their personal goals. That program also earned me my group-fit, yoga, and spin certificate.
I truly believe that fitness should be a space where you feel comfortable, supported, and confident, no matter where you're starting from. I aim is to foster an environment where you can push yourself, learn new skills, get stronger, and have a great time while doing it.
So whether you’re brand new to fitness, looking to build strength, want to learn self-defense, or just want to feel more confident in your body, I’m here to help you on your journey and make sure you enjoy every step of the way!