Trainer Profiles
Current Trainers at Personal Trainers Victoria:
Michelle Jones
Education:
Bachelor of Education (Physical Education and Mathematics) from UVic, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA – CSCS), CPR – Health Care Provider, and currently attending Camosun’s Bachelor of Athletic and Exercise Therapy program.
Registered:
NSCA
Insurance:
NSCA
Training Specialties:
· Functional Training
· Integrated core and balance training
· Full body fitness
Personal Story:
I was born in Calgary, raised in Kelowna and eventually moved to Victoria (for the first time) to complete my Education Degree in Physical Education and Mathematics. After graduation I moved to Vancouver to teach P.E. and Math at John Oliver High School. I have a love of teaching, and may some day return to it, but I am now following my true passion for health, fitness and injury care and prevention by way of personal training and pursuing an Athletic and Exercise Therapy Degree from Camosun College here in Victoria.
Fitness and athletics have played an important role in my life from a very young age. I was in competitive club gymnastics, skiing, snowboarding, field hockey and rugby, from grade school until my time at UVic. Today I participate in a large variety of activities to keep myself in healthy and happy. I of course train at a gym, run, and love entering ½ marathons. I have also entered the world of road biking (to give my hips and knees a bit of a break!!), I swim, hike, snowboard, take part in yoga and the list goes on!
I work hard to keep health and fitness prominent factors in all parts of my life. I have done this by including sports and activities in my social life, following and educating myself in proper nutrition, and by making career choices that allow me to practice and learn more about life long healthy living. I think it is essential to practice what one preaches and along with encouragement, enthusiasm, and a passion for learning, this will help lead me to success in my new career.
Personal Philosophy:
As I’ve mentioned I believe that to work in the world of exercise and wellness, personal trainers must lead the way in healthy lifestyle and possess enthusiasm and passion to successfully instill those beliefs in others. I also believe that in order to stay passionate and enthusiastic one must constantly be learning about, and be open to, changes that occur in their field – and there are many in our field!
My approach to personal training is variety, enjoyment and balance (in the holistic sense). In order to create healthy habits you must enjoy the activities you participate in and keep them new and exciting. My goal as a trainer is to provide safe, enjoyable and dynamic workouts for all ages, abilities, fitness levels and special situations. I want you to be excited to change to a healthy lifestyle or encourage you to stay on track!
As a teacher and also as a personal trainer I have had the amazing opportunity to be a part of many people’s success stories, achievements and empowerments. I believe those experiences are some of the most uplifting and rewarding to witness first hand and I am privileged and blessed to be a part of that world everyday.
I love my job.
Petra MacDougall
Owner/Administrator
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Leisure Service Administration, CPR C
Registration: Canadian Fitness Professionals
Insurance: Sports Canada
Personal Story: I have always lived an active life -- growing up in Burns Lake, BC this was a given. We (my sisters and I) walked everywhere, played all the time, and worked daily in our family bakery. When I think about the rewards I have had because my family supported and encouraged my active lifestyle, I think of early morning figure skating practices, varsity basketball, beach volleyball, cave guiding, spinning and boxercise classes, performing trapeze & dance shows, triathlons, half marathons, and yoga. Now a new mom, my definition of being fit has been redefined but is still as exciting as ever.
Personal Philosophy: Fitness and lifestyle are in a constant ebb and flow. Life is not static and therefore neither is our approach to fitness. We travel, we get injured, we have babies, we change careers, we learn a new sport and stop playing others. No matter what is happening in my life however, I know that keeping fit and maintaining a balanced lifestyle are the tools I need in order to stay physically strong, mentally well, and socially integrated. Exercise practiced safely and knowledgeably is truly a medicine for our body – it is a specific practice which allows self-awareness and self-preservation. My ten years of experience in the field have taught me not only the wonderful science of our bodies – our biomechanics – but have also shown me the ways that exercise allows the body to release emotions that otherwise lead to pain and disease in the body.
My past has absolutely shaped my present and I am so grateful for where I am today. I grew up in a Swiss-Canadian family which enabled me to learn two other languages and taken me traveling to places all over the world. My family’s active lifestyle marks the beginning of who I have become; it was what created my shell – this body – that I have learned to treat with compassion, respect, and playfulness.
I can probably sum up my personal philosophy this way: That we all have a right to the healthiest, happiest life possible so that we can live with integrity and purpose. I am honoured to get to live out this philosophy every day through my work with Inertia. I see people light up when they reach a personal goal; I see their confidence rise as they complete that last set; I get to be creative with clients and trainers and meet so many amazing people. I believe that when listened to, our bodies are excellent guides, and I welcome the opportunity to introduce you to the Inertia way of listening.