ABOUT STACEY
EXCERCISE IS FOR LIVING FULLY
My mission is to transform people’s relationship with their bodies and with fitness.
Physical activity has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up in an active family and played softball, volleyball, and tennis. Swimming, skiing, figure skating, dancing, and rhythmic gymnastics all gave me great satisfaction.
I received a Bachelor of Physical Education (BPhEd)—Movement Education degree from Brock University, where we were challenged to think differently about “phys-ed”. Rather than standardized fitness testing, I learned an inclusive approach to fitness that challenges individuals based on their unique physical abilities.
Physical activity is my greatest source of challenge, accomplishment, connection, and fun.
And then, I began a career in the fitness industry.
As an Ottawa personal trainer, I loved my one-on-one work with clients—first at a large national fitness centre, then as owner and operator of Iron Rose Personal Training studio for 12 years. I excelled at designing challenging, fun, and effective individualized programs with a focus on three-dimensional, functional movement. I also thrived on helping clients navigate fitness media and science.
At the same time, I began to compare my own body with other women’s, first in the gym and at fitness conferences, then everywhere. I was consuming a bottomless stream of messages designed to make us feel shame about our bodies. Shame means “need to fix” and the fitness industry cashes in on that longing.
At 41, my husband Joe and I “sold everything” to travel the world in an RV. I spent that decade reaping the many benefits of physical fitness—I have climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, hiked all over North and South America, built a house and renovated another, and become a quilter and garment maker. Now in my 50s, I love watching my body change and age. I am grateful for the strength and mobility I have maintained through physical activity, and I want others to feel that joy, too.
Strong Able Free is a new way for me to serve. I am no longer a personal trainer in the fitness industry but a private strength and exercise coach—I assess, educate, guide, and motivate my clients to exercise effectively. Whatever your goals, I will walk beside you on your journey and we will get there through challenge, exploration, and play.
Education
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Bachelor of Physical Education, Movement Education with Distinction – Brock University
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ViPR™ Certified Trainer
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Dr. Stacey Sims Menopause 2.0 Course (pending)
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Phrase Strategy’s Essential Story Process
Specialties
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Individualized fitness and movement coaching
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Three-dimensional/ functional movement
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Health and fitness education
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Movement education
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Navigating fitness science and media
Modalities
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Strength (muscular and cardiovascular)
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Mobility
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Balance
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Flexibility
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Coordination
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Foundational movement
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Play: creative locomotion, ball play, aerial silks, hula hoops, and more
VISION
Together, we engage joyfully in exercise to explore and enjoy our world and connect with others.
MISSION
To transform people’s relationship with their bodies and with fitness through joyful, shame-free exercise that feels good, builds confidence, and increases ability.
VALUES
These values guide me in my interactions with clients, partners, family, friends, and my community.
JOY
Through challenge and play, we take the “should” out of exercise and put the joy into moving your body.
EXPLORATION
When our bodies feel strong and able, we experience the world differently and our sense of adventure and curiosity ignites.
CONNECTION
When we feel comfortable and capable, we overcome obstacles and inhibitions, allowing us to connect to our world, ourselves, and each other.
PROFESSIONALISM
My success is measured in each client’s progress through effective program design, conscientious coaching, and meticulous attention to detail.
CHALLENGE
We need to be challenged to grow as people. I challenge my clients physically and also hope to challenge how they think.
FREEDOM
By regularly engaging in effective exercise and physical activity that we enjoy, we can flourish in the world.
"Stacey completely changed how I perceived having a trainer. She listened to me and surpassed my goals because she gave me an awareness of all the things involved in fitness that impact your life and your movement."
Chris, architect