Why I Opened City Fit Shop: Building a Family Fitness Community in Edmonton

I didn’t grow up in a gym.

I grew up playing sports and staying active as a kid in Edmonton.

Through school athletics and community sports, I learned the value of movement, teamwork, and belonging. In high school I played soccer, rugby, and volleyball — not competitively, but because I loved being active and part of a team.

Back then, general fitness training, strength conditioning, and youth athletic performance programs weren’t common. If you were active, it was through sport.

After graduation, I continued playing club rugby and running recreationally. I also began running more consistently and discovered a love for endurance fitness and an active lifestyle.

Then I had my daughter — and everything changed.

Getting Back Into Shape After Baby

After becoming a new mom, I wanted to get back into shape but didn’t know where to start. Adjusting to life with a newborn was overwhelming, and my body felt unfamiliar.

A friend suggested a postpartum fitness program called StrollerSize at the Kinsmen Sports Centre in Edmonton.

I showed up four weeks postpartum. The class had two groups: a running group and a walking/jogging group.

I thought, I’m a runner. I’ll be fine.

We started with a warm-up lap.

And I remember feeling like I couldn’t breathe.

I could taste pennies. I couldn’t believe how fit these women were.

I went back to my car and cried because I felt so out of shape.

In that moment, I had two choices:

• never return
• or be inspired by these strong moms pushing strollers and crushing it

Luckily, I went back.

Discovering the Power of Group Fitness Community

That winter changed my life.

I discovered group fitness wasn’t just about exercise.

It was about:

community support
accountability
encouragement
postpartum recovery
rebuilding confidence
mental health and wellness

I attended four times a week and got into the best shape of my life — not because of equipment or programming alone, but because of the women around me.

They supported me.
They encouraged me.
They cared.

These women became lifelong friends — and nearly 20 years later, many are still part of my life and the City Fit Shop community.

From Participant to Coach in Edmonton’s Fitness Community

Eventually, I was asked to coach the program.

This marked the start of my career in group fitness coaching and women’s fitness programming in Edmonton.

We grew the program into one of the largest group fitness communities in the city, with classes of 30+ women.

I witnessed:

• postpartum mothers regain strength and confidence
• beginners become runners and endurance athletes
• women complete marathons and ultramarathons
• friendships that still exist today

It was powerful.

And it showed me what community-driven fitness can accomplish.

Launching an Outdoor Bootcamp Community

I later launched my own outdoor bootcamp in Edmonton focused on:

• functional fitness
• strength and conditioning
• running and endurance training
• obstacle race training
• community fitness events

We trained together and competed together in Spartan Races, trail races, half marathons, ultramarathons, and endurance events across Alberta.

Some members tackled ultras like Sinister 7. Others completed their first 5K.

It didn’t matter.

We supported each other and celebrated every milestone.

The Birth of City Fit Shop: A Family Fitness Gym in Edmonton

As our community grew, outdoor workouts and community halls were no longer enough — especially during winter.

So I began searching for a permanent fitness facility.

That journey led to the creation of City Fit Shop, which opened in 2017.

Since then, we have grown into a family fitness gym in Edmonton offering:

adult strength and conditioning classes
group fitness and functional training
HYROX and performance training
kids ninja warrior fitness programs
youth athletic development and sports performance training
personal training and private coaching
family fitness opportunities

Because to serve a community, you must listen to it.

We build programs based on the needs of Edmonton families — not trends.

Building Healthy Families Through Fitness

Today, one of the greatest joys I experience is watching both my own children and our members’ children develop a love for movement, confidence, and healthy living.

Because kids don’t do what you say.

They do what you do.

Watching families embrace active lifestyles, prioritize health and wellness, and build confidence together is incredibly rewarding.

This is about more than fitness.

It’s about building healthy families and strong communities.

More Than a Gym — A Fitness Community

City Fit Shop is more than a place to work out.

We are a supportive fitness community where you will:

build strength and confidence
improve physical and mental health
meet supportive, like-minded people
challenge yourself in a positive environment
create lifelong friendships

This community changed my life.

And we would love for you to be part of it.

Join Our Edmonton Fitness Family

If you’re looking for:

• a supportive gym in Edmonton
• group fitness classes for all levels
• postpartum and beginner-friendly fitness
• youth athletic development programs
• kids ninja fitness classes
• a family-friendly fitness community

City Fit Shop is here for you.