Courtenay | Women

Group Fitness Schedule Class Descriptions Trainers and Bios Club Photos

Trainers and Bios

Denise Finlay

 I am a BCRPA Certified Personal Trainer, Weight Trainer, Group Trainer and Fitness Leader. I have taught many different Bootcamps, Boxercise, Dancing classes, and lots of other fun activities.
I provide professional training advice with an emphasis on making a better lifestyle for my clients. My specialty is working with people who have any kind of injuries, as I took my kinesiology and have worked with WCB and ICBC and Rehab in Motion. I feel that having the opportunity to transform not only my client’s body but their mind as well and helping people believe in themselves and achieve their goals. My favourite part is getting to see each client’s progression throughout the time we spend together. Every client has their own personalized workout program to help you achieve your goals while having fun at the same time.
Just to tell you a little about myself, I live in Courtenay, I moved here from Vancouver 16 years ago with my two children, and made this my home. I have always kept in shape my entire life and made it a healthy lifestyle to live by. I was a professional boxer, and became the Canadian Bantam Weight Champion. I enjoy swimming, hiking, snowshoeing, mountain biking, baseball and soccer. My hobbies are writing poetry, songs and playing my guitar.
My saying is failure is not an option, so now is the time to get in shape stay active and start living a healthy life while balancing your work, home and family needs!

Susan [Sue] Stewart

Sue has been a certified fitness leader for 10 years and a personal trainer for 6 years.  She has instructed a variety of fitness classes on Denman Island, which includes recently, outdoor fitness classes on her Denman Island waterfront acreage.  She has been instrumental in opening the Denman fitness centre in 2010. 

A true believer in functional training to enhance day to day living whether for work, sports, leisure, etc.  Cross-training is key to a well rounded active lifestyle.  Incorporating different types of fitness throughout the week keeps balance in the physical and mental aspects of your body and mind.  Sue loves to cycle, run, swim, do yoga, basketball and hike.

Dawn Isberg

I have been actively involved in health and fitness for over 30 years.  I joined the Canadian Armed Forces when I was nineteen and loved the physical fitness training I received in basic training, and learned that I get a kick out of working out and maintaining a fit healthy body.  Over the years I have enjoyed many different types of fitness training; from yoga to step aerobics, running, skiing, hiking and dance, however I found my true passion with resistance training.  The challenges and benefits of working out with weights, tubes, balance balls and machines are limitless and I continuously strive to adapt and learn new techniques and exercises.
My love of weight training has compelled me to take the next step and become a Certified Personal Trainer.  I have many years’ experience working closely with individual clients, and I want to bring this client-centred approach to the fitness industry.  It is my ideal to listen carefully to my client’s goals with regards to their fitness training, and find ways to establish efficient, effective, fun programs to help them attain those goals.  I believe very strongly in the long-term benefits of fitness training and would love to help other people access the positive, life altering experience fitness training provides.

Bonnie Kirk

I grew up in the Comox Valley. Since returning after attending school in Washington, I have studied at Vancouver Island University and North Island College and currently own a home business in the wellness industry. I am a registered strength trainer through British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association.
Well being is my motivation to workout.
I endured a long struggle with chronic pain and migraines for years. After everything I tried, vigorous exercise provided the longest lasting and most dramatic relief. Increasing the frequency and intensity of my workouts has improved my quality of life.
Sometimes obsessing over weight loss and muscle toning are like watching a pot before it boils. How about developing a fitness routine that you really enjoy? How about overcoming some of your life challenges with a smile on the gym floor? Distract yourself with a satisfying workout and before long, the results will surprise you.