Instructors

For me fitness has always been a key component for maintaining balance in my life. After I had my children it became not only a way to stay in shape, but also a way to relieve stress, connect with friends and have fun. I decided to combine my day job as a school teacher and my passion for fitness to help others discover all that fitness has to offer.

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.

Brie O'Keefe was born and raised in Yellowknife, and is a passionate fitness instructor and yoga teacher. She has attended Ashtanga workshops and intensives all over Canada and the UK and has completed 60 hours of Yoga Tune-Up training on restorative practices and hips/spine. She also has a background in Crossfit and Olympic weightlifting. She aspires to teach jargon-free, down to earth, physically challenging yoga classes that bring joy alongside results.

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!!!!

I love the positive power and energy generated in group fitness classes. I’ve been benefiting from these classes at the RC for years. And now, I’m so excited to be instructing! Spin Rev is the ultimate feel good work out. When you get into the music and anticipation for the choreography, you forget how hard you’re actually working. You get caught up in the music as you benefit from a challenging spin class and harness the power of the group to reach your goals. We’ve all heard that exercise makes you happy - come let me prove it to you! 

“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.

"To train for life", plain and simple :-)

“It is a shame for a woman to grow old without ever seeing the strength and beauty of which her body is capable”.

Around 85% of women will have a child at some point in their life. A woman experiences more physiological changes in 9 months of pregnancy than a man will experience his entire lifetime; for this reason, it is important to adapt workouts during the prenatal period to support a changing body. While pregnancy is temporary, postpartum is forever, so proper postnatal training can support recovery and continued strength into old age. Women with diastasis recti, pelvic organ prolapse, lower back pain and feelings of weakness in their core can feel strong, supported and confident in their bodies. My passion is helping women discover and tap into the amazing strength and power held within them.

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. 

Yoga grounds me and benefits all aspects of life, body and soul. It blends well with my love of dance and the outdoors. Yoga can be practiced anywhere by anyone.
I have been on numerous yoga retreats and workshops, here in Yellowknife and in my travels.

I love moving, sweating, lifting, and being challenged with new goals. Investing in yourself through fitness pays off in so many ways, and can have positive impacts in all areas of life. I love teaching because it allows me to share this gift with others. I strive to make my classes challenging, motivating, and above all – fun.

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!"

Sports and fitness have always been a lifestyle for me. They help to provide me with a great quality of life, physically and mentally. I thrive on pushing myself to see what my limits are and what I am capable of – “life begins at the edge of one’s comfort level”!

As an instructor, I want to share my knowledge and passion for fitness with people. My goal is to help people move towards their fitness goals and I love seeing them gain confidence in themselves along the way! 

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

I see fitness as a journey that never ends but changes along the way. Truly listening to your body and what it needs is the key to lifelong health.

Fitness and Yoga have given me so much; I have improved my mental health, developed physical strength, and increased mobility. I look forward to continuing to give back what it has given to me.

I teach because I think everyone should practice yoga! Especially athletes - If I could, I'd live at the RC and instruct yoga after each high intensity class. Yoga is the stretching every athlete needs to do but packaged in a way that feels like you're giving yourself an amazing gift, like a massage or a spa day! It has so many benefits and it has changed my life. Most importantly, I love to move and breaking a sweat makes me feel alive.

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.

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!

Finding balance of mind body spirit and emotion has been a life time pursuit. My yoga practice has helped me regain a balanced life and I believe it can help anyone interested attaining this goal.

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.

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!

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.