Oak Bay | Women

Group Fitness Schedule Class Descriptions Trainers and Bios Club Photos

Trainers and Bios

Sue Pritchard

I’ve been involved in sports since the day I could walk. My Parents insisted that fitness and proper nutrition be a part of my daily life. Now, being a mother of 2 it has finally become second nature. I played competitive Volleyball, Rowing, Squash, Running and Tennis. I loved volleyball and rowing, however, being a mere 5’4 those ambitions became challenging. Instead, I joined a gym for the simple reason that
exercising outdoors during the winter was not easy. I understand the struggles of balancing life, family, work and fitness. Since exercising is extremely important to me I decided to make it my work.  I love trying to help people reach their goals and motivate them to go beyond what they think they are capable of.

My Goal as a Trainer is to simply help people reach their goals.  It sounds easy enough yet motivation is key. There is a pressure on women in society to look good, meanwhile we have to bear children, work, take care of our families, go to school, have a life (somewhere in there) and find time to exercise.  Learning to balance life can be difficult which is when a Personal Trainer becomes valuable.  Learning easy ways to eat healthy, relieve stress and become more productive in your workouts.I have taken ‘Weight Loss for Postpartum Moms” and “Nutrition for the Athlete” course.  I enjoy working with everyone and all fitness levels. 

Sharon Jacobson

I have not always been involved with fitness.  I started my fitness career working out on the treadmill at the gym, but became bored with the machines and decided to try some of the classes. I have been with VI Fitness for 5 years, where I split my time between personal training and aerobics instruction.  One of the things I love about my job is that I look forward to coming to work every day. Exercise should be both fun and good for you.  I believe that a really good fit between trainer and client is extremely important to your fitness success.  What I enjoy about my work is the opportunity to meet new people and help them achieve better fitness and health. 

I want to help you figure out where you are in terms of fitness, identify reasonable fitness goals, and help you achieve those goals.  If you train with me, I will push you to do and be your best, and I will celebrate your successes with you.  While fitness is only one element of a healthy lifestyle, it is very satisfying to watch women grow and develop strong bodies and become healthier. My job is twofold: to help you achieve your reasonable fitness goals safely, and to motivate you to keep coming back and working as hard as you are able every time you come to the gym.  My personal philosophy is that every person can become fit and healthy, no matter their size, shape or age.If you are looking for a trainer to push you and motivate you, then I would love to work with you and help you get the body you dreamt of.

Ingrid Kargl

I have always been active and keen on being outdoors. I especially enjoy hiking, camping, snowboarding, and tennis. My interest in fitness got started with an “Abs of Steel: video in grade 10. My inspiration to become a Personal Trainer started when I took a Bootcamp class in preparation for the 70 km West Coast Trail. I was pushed beyond what I would have pushed myself. I learned excellent new exercises and didn’t get bored. Due to that extra push I made swift progress in a short period of time. That experience made me feel amazing. I want to help other get to that point. To feel that their body is strong and that they can accomplish anything.

My Goal is to inspire others to get out and get active, help them make healthier choice and live happier, more fulfilling lives. I believe that being physically active is important not only for the body but especially for the mind and it improves ones quality of life. If you are looking for that extra push, including Bootcamp style workouts and interval training. I look forward to working with you. I will encourage and motivate you and help you accelerate your personal goals. Whatever you do, do it with a smile. It’s always more fun!

Jen Pritchard

Jen has had a passion for fitness her whole life, participating in many sports including squash, soccer, track & field and gymnastics. Her all time love was weight lifting, which she started as early as age twelve. As an adult, a severe accident disabled her physically with a broken neck, skull, shoulder, jaw and ligament/tendon damage to her lumbar spine. After fighting through her own physical recovery utilizing many forms of exercise, physiotherapy and several years of hard work… she has brought herself back into great physical shape. She now puts all her efforts into her fitness career helping others get fit, build muscle, endurance, and recover from injury.

As a Personal Trainer and Laughter Yoga Instructor, Jen includes various bodybuilding and cardiovascular exercises, core strengthening, balance and corrective postural techniques to best suit each and every client individually. The best combination to exercise is laughterm giving everyone the freedom to enjoy life. Jen believes in the holistic approach to fitness which includes meditation, healthy eating, being active, and of course laughter. “No matter what stands in your way of being success in fitness … It can be done”

Chelsea Trone

I use sports and activity to avoid all negative thoughts and bad habits. It’s been a secret weapon of mine my whole life. As a child I was every parents dream; I never wanted toys, never watched TV, and was always outside and out of the way. I have a relentless drive to live each day to the fullest, to challenge myself, and try something new. I’m that on in the group who is always planning the next adventure.

My goal is to use my secret weapon towards motivating people to take control of their own mind and body. I want to show others how they can overcome life’s curves by staying active and strong. I work well with every body type and fitness level. No two programs are the same. I understand limitations, and how to overcome them. My number one priority is your safety. If you don’t have the proper technique you shouldn’t be doing the exercise. The rest is gravy. “Take this time for yourself. You’ll be amazed at what you can do. Sometimes you just need a little push in the right direction.”