Our lecturers

A graduate in kinesiology and environmental sciences, Alexandre is a trainer for various certification agencies such as the YMCA FIT (since 2009) as well as for the canfitpro PTS (since 2014).

Constantly developing his training knowledge is one of Alexandre’s daily priorities. As a physical trainer, he is particularly interested in bodybuilding training methods, steel mace, and TRX in particular.

An outdoor enthusiast, Alexandre has climbed several North American peaks such as Mount Logan (the highest peak in Canada at 5,959 m) and Mount Denali (the highest peak in North America).

Dominique Longpré has been working in nutrition since 2015. Currently in private practice on the South Shore of Montréal as well as in virtual consultations, she is passionate about helping her clients adopt healthy eating habits while taking into account the reality of each individual's lifestyle.

Through a personalized approach, she aims to motivate sustainable changes while offering practical solutions to demonstrate that health is just a fork’s reach away!
She is also in charge of organizing corporate activities: conferences, workshops, interactive interviews, consultation sessions in the form of  wellness programs at work, etc.

Farrell is an EBFA Global Master Instructor and holds the Functional Movement System Level 1 and Level 2 certifications, the Animal Flow Level 1 and Level 2 certifications, and the Precision Nutrition 1, BioForce Conditioning, and YMCA Corrective Conditioning and Individual Conditioning certifications.

Farrell has taught the Personal Trainer Certification course as well as many other continuing education courses at the YMCA. In 2022, Farrell began hosting webinars for AARP. Teaching is one of his great passions and he is excited to bring this workshop to you.

Helen holds a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Concordia University with a specialization in adapted physical activity. She has worked in the fitness industry for 25 years and has been a presenter for over 15 years.

Helen is a trainer for the YMCAs of Canada and helped develop the FIT Functional Training for Aging Adults course offered by the YMCAs of Québec as well as several of the FIT courses offered by YMCA Canada. She is a personal trainer and group fitness instructor specializing in special populations, rehabilitation, older adult fitness and group fitness. Respecting the human body and its limitations are Helen’s fundamental values all while helping her clients and participants achieve their full potential.

Helen brings a wealth of knowledge into all her presentations and hopes to share with you her passion for making exercise safety a priority.

Jean-Philippe has been working in physical preparation at the Académie Saint-Louis since 2004. His specialization has always been on explosive power and speed training. With over 20 years of experience with the Rouge et Or volleyball and golf programs at Laval University, he also worked for many years with the swimming and badminton programs.

With 20 athletes who have participated in the Olympic Games and over 22 years of experience as an INS-recognized physical preparation coach, Jean-Philippe has an excellent track record, especially with physical preparation for team or individual sports where speed development is a determining factor.

Louise Malone is the Associate Director of Health and Fitness at the Cartierville YMCA in Montréal, Quebec.

As a consultant, Louise’s projects include the development of the Therapeutic Exercise and Active Living program (YM-YWHA) and the ongoing development of the YMCA Canada Personal Training Certification program.

Louise studied physical education at McGill University, and holds a certificate in sports therapy.

In her spare time, Louise enjoys teaching small group personal training and indoor cycling, and networking with fellow fitness professionals.

Louka Kurcer, also known as “The Kettlebell Guy,” has been teaching kettlebell training for over 10 years all across Canada. He is part of an international school of strength called StrongFirst, developed by Pavel Tsatsouline. He teaches specialty courses such as Bodyweight Training, Flexibility and Mobility, Functional Movement and Breathing.

Louka is also the founder of the Kettlebell Club in Montréal, where the focus is strength training for people over 40. Besides strength teaching and training, Louka enjoys spending time with his wife and two-year-old little boy.

Martin worked for the YMCA for over 25 years. He has been teaching at the University of Montréal’s School of Kinesiology and Physical Activity Sciences since 2001. His kinesiology specializations include: training for athletes and non-athletes, fitness assessments, exercise physiology and the effects of exercise on health.

He is self-employed and works as a trainer for a diverse clientele. Additionally, he is a lecturer and co-author of the series Mythes et réalités sur l’entraînement physique, la musculation, la course à pied et le vélo published by the Éditions de l’Homme.

An award-winning presenter, Nathalie is the coach and cupid of the fitness industry. She blends decades of international experience with degrees in psychology and exercise science. The Vice President of the Fitness Industry Council of Canada and a canfitpro Advisory Panel Member.

She uses her joie de vivre to coach profound and lasting changes with her clients and audiences.

Robin Glance is a registered dietitian with over 15 years of clinical experience. Robin takes a non-diet approach to nutrition and believes that eating for enjoyment is just as important as eating for health.

In her private practice, Robin works with athletes and clients of all ages and types to improve not only their eating habits, but their relationships with food. She has appeared on Global Montreal, Breakfast Television, CJAD and CBC Radio as a nutritional expert.

Sarah Zahab is a registered kinesiologist, certified exercise physiologist, and group fitness instructor with over 21 years of fitness industry experience. She is the owner of Continuum Fitness and Movement Performance in Ottawa, a personal coaching studio offering one-on-one coaching instruction, athletic therapy, physiotherapy and registered massage therapy services (www.continuumfitness.ca).

Sarah specializes in bridging the gap between rehab and a return to sports activities, focusing on correcting muscle imbalances and perfecting alignment, movement patterns, and optimizing kinesthetic awareness. She is the creator of the Prenatal and Postnatal Strength workout DVDs. Sarah is a former international fitness competitor, a nationally ranked race walker, and a regular fitness expert on CTV’s Morning Live Ottawa.