Instructors

Fitness is truly a journey to endure and enjoy, not just a destination.

There will be times you will be breaking your personal records, other times having to recover from setbacks. Regardless of where you are today, I want to help support, encourage, and challenge you along the way.

It’s a simple as this...motivating others motivates me.  One of my favorite thoughts on health and fitness is “You are who you choose to be.  The best project you’ll ever work on is you.” The energy, comraderie and motivation found in this gym inspires me to be a better coach, a better leader, a better partner, friend and a better human. Let’s work on some projects together you guys!

I was introduced to yoga 6 years ago when my mom began teaching classes in our basement. What began as a simple practice to stretch and relax, transformed into much more. For me, yoga has not only strengthened my physical body but has brought a balance to my mental, emotional and spiritual body.

I enjoy teaching classes that focus on linking breath with body movement. Through breath and movement, we can strengthen our mental and physical health. I believe yoga is a fantastic supplement to many other physical activities, from sports to weightlifting, and it can also be so beneficial on its own. If you have never tried yoga before, I invite you to step onto the mat and see all that it has to off to you!

"Make taking care of yourself a priority"

I love having the opportunity to teach fitness classes, this is hands down one of the best jobs someone could have! I'm here ready to cheer you on and celebrate wherever you are in your fitness journey, and hopefully motivate you to try new things.

As a nurse, I know that one of the keys to living a long healthy life is movement, and working out should be a celebration of what your body can do.  So many options for you to try at this club, and so many great people to motivate you to keep going - so come work out with us!!!!

Courtney McKiel is a Yellowknife-born yoga instructor who has been teaching since 2012. She brings a grounded presence and an easygoing approach to her classes, focusing on supportive movement, mobility, and stress management. Courtney has extensive experience delivering private, corporate, and community-based programming. She creates inclusive class environments with clear cueing, functional movement, and thoughtfully curated playlists.

“Wake up with determination. Go to bed with satisfaction.”

I’m a Yellowknife native with a passion for fitness. For me, personal training is an opportunity to change someone’s life, physically and mentally. Seeing positive changes in clients is my motivation. My schooling has given me the confidence to work with clients of all fitness levels and help them reach their goals.

Wellness is important to me and my family. I enjoy sharing my passion and energy in a group fitness class to help bring balance to people’s lives through exercise. Working with participants to meet their personal goals while enjoying their time moving! I’m proud of you, each time you step into a group fitness class, we leave with high fives, a wet pat on the back, new friendships, and that satisfaction that you made time for your wellness. Thank you for sharing your time with me!

I love how there is no "end" or perfect pose in yoga, there is constant room for discovery and improvement.

"A student who can headstand has just as much to learn as the student who can't touch their toes"

If your looking to gain flexibility, strength, improve your fitness, overall health mentally and physically - yoga compliments and fits into any lifestyle. I love being a yoga student, and have the opportunity to teach and share with others. I hope to see you join me in the studio!

Nourishment = possibility! 

As a Registered Nurse, I recognize the pivotal role exercise such as yoga can have in supporting overall health and wellness. Through conscious alignment, I believe practicing yoga enhances balance, strength, and flexibility of the mind, body, and spirit. I wish to support my current and future students in reaching optimal health, wellness, and mental clarity through the nourishing practice of yoga.

I come from a background in running, swimming, biking, and skiing. I started teaching indoor cycling workouts when I was with the U of T Triathlon Club, and officially started teaching spin at the club in 2004. I love the outdoors and physical pursuits but I believe in the complementary benefits of indoor training at the gym. I teach a variety of classes in including spin, HIIT, barre, mobility, and strength training because I don't think there's a one-stop fitness shop for everyone. My true goal for fitness is to simply 'train for life'. I think there's a style of fitness out there for everyone to support their goals, needs, and well-being, whether that be competing in an event, lifting a certain weight, keeping up with your kids, or moving with less pain. 

"Your aesthetics don't determine your athletics."

Inemesit is a strength and conditioning and weightlifting coach who specializes in pre and postnatal fitness, diastasis recti, hernia, and prolapse management, menopause and senior fitness. I believe that your aesthetics don't determine your athletics and take a holistic approach to fitness based on body liberty and free of body oppression.

Fitness has always been a big part of my life and I enjoy using my experience to help others reach their goals. It doesn’t matter what fitness level you are at, all that matters is that you put forth your best effort and you will see the results you deserve.

Squash is not just a game, it's a way of life. Considered one of the healthiest sports in the world, squash can be another great tool to help you attain your fitness goals. On top of that, it's just so much fun!

Movement and fitness feed my soul. I love dancing, smiling, and getting a great work out. It is a privilege to do this through SHiNE dance fitness classes at the YK Racquet club alongside so many wonderful and inspiring people. 

I believe that physical fitness is a key component in our overall well-being. My approach to teaching classes is to help you get focused and grounded so you can show up for YOU, and push to be your own best version. It feels good to be healthy and strong. I enjoy group fitness because the group environment helps people find the connection with others and that can help you push your limits and feel supported by everyone in the room.

Keeping active and healthy is a priority for me and my family. We also love bikes. At last count we had ten. We’re those crazy people you see fat biking at -40. But we can’t always be outside, and the next best thing is a great spin ride. 

I’ve been instructing for almost 20 years and I still love creating challenging rides that we can complete together as a group, no matter what our level, and feel satisfied and spent. I look forward to seeing you at spin and coaching experienced and new riders to be their best. 

When I made spin classes a part of my routine, I noticed a huge change in not only my physical abilities but also my confidence in and outside of the gym. It is my goal to give that same incredible feeling of empowerment to anyone who attends my energetic, challenging, and FUN spin classes. I want my riders to be able to sweat, smile, and let go on the bikes, and leave the class thinking, "Wow. I just did that!"

Exercise is fun. Work hard. Play Hard. Push yourself. You'll see results.

Hi, my name is Kristina and I am a teacher here in Yellowknife. After many years of spinning and cycling, I am excited to begin instructing. My goal is to create a welcoming space that is fun and challenging, yet accessible for all levels. I love making motivating playlists and hope to spin with you soon!

I’m very excited to be back instructing at the Racquet Club, to share the fun and motivation of fitness with our members. Fitness is a vital part of a healthy and balanced life for me, and I’m thankful to have the opportunity to share with you my passion for movement, music and working up a good sweat.

“Workout because you love your body, not because you hate it!”

I am a long-time fitness lover excited to start teaching spin! Exercise has always been a part of my life, and I love the post-workout feeling where you feel like you did something good for your body and mind. Sometimes getting to the gym can be the hardest part of exercise, so my goal is to provide a fun workout with good music so you can have fun while getting a good workout in and maybe not even notice how hard you were working. Spin is one of my favourite rite workouts and I hope I can help make it one of yours too!

I love the challenge and life balance that fitness provides. The mental and physical feeling you get after a great workout is priceless and I want everyone to experience that!

Yoga and fitness provide a grounding energy and vitality in my life which I truly enjoy sharing with others.  My blended style and mind-body focus for the classes I instruct continues to evolve on the foundation of healthy alignment, movement, and body opening.  I am passionate about the joy that arises when we move our bodies and the peace we develop through relieving mental and physical tension. 

I LOVE being a part of participants reach their goals. If it is to sweat, burn calories, to get stronger/faster or just to get their mind off of work, I love being a part of that. I am here to motivate and encourage, and really enjoy every moment of it!

Eat, sleep, spin, repeat!  

I truly believe that the pursuit of a healthy and happy lifestyle begins with the decisions we make today. In order to grow we must challenge ourselves physically and mentally each and every day. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just dusting off the old training wheels, all fitness levels are welcome!  Get ready for some high energy, fast-paced fun with some killer tunes!

When I was first introduced to yoga, I remember feeling amazed by the way it made me feel, both on and off the mat. Yoga is a beautiful and transformational practice, and it can be incredibly empowering to discover yourself through new ways to move and be within your body.

I have a special love for Yin and Restorative yoga, both still and cathartic practices that help teach us to quiet the mind. Classes are a chance to let go from everyday stressors, and it’s so rewarding to see yogis leave looking relaxed and renewed.

I love the vibe of a good workout.  I love to see the change in energy by the end of a class- the physical fatigue is evident but the participants are glowing.

The word yoga may be derived from the Sanskrit word "yuj" which means "to unite". The focus of my classes will be to offer a Sivananda inspired practice to unite body, mind, and spirit through asana and pranayama.

I love teaching spin because it’s an incredible workout that is accessible for riders of all levels, ages and abilities! It’s a great way to get lost in the music and get a killer workout in without realizing how hard you are actually working! However, I believe my favourite part is that as an instructor I have the ability to make people feel empowered, accomplished and amazing about themselves in less than an hour!

"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take" - Wayne Gretzky - Michael Scott

Hey there! I'm Taylore, an elementary teacher and certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor originally from PEI, now living here in Yellowknife! My fitness journey began in my basement gym, where my dad taught my brother and I how to lift. This passion grew as I worked at gyms in high school and university, eventually becoming a personal trainer and group fitness instructor. My ultimate goal is to make fitness something you can enjoy and stick with, so you feel strong and confident in every part of your life. Spin has always been my favourite class - it makes cardio fun and leaves you feeling great. I hope to give you the same fun, upbeat experience that it has given me. Join me, friends!

I have practiced and taught many styles of yoga - from Ashtanga to Yin - for almost 20 years.  I have found  yoga to be an elegant complement to most other physical activities and I am especially grateful for its lessons in mindfulness that help me navigate and balance daily life. I love yoga I am so happy to return to RC to share this with our members.